For more than a decade, cold brew coffee has been gaining in popularity. Younger employees are drinking it at a growing rate that shows no sign of stopping. It’s a must when trying to boost employee satisfaction and attract new talent in the workplace.
Wondering how it’s made and why it’s a trendy cold beverage? We have the answers to your most pressing cold brew questions, so read on.
History of Cold Brew Coffee
There is some debate about whether cold brew coffee originated with the Dutch or the Japanese. Either way, it was invented sometime in the 1600s as a way to make coffee without fire or other methods of heat. It was easier to transport on trading ships, too. Fast forward and it surged in popularity to refresh people in desert heat or when a new way to brew it was invented. Finally, in the 1990s, chain coffee houses in the U.S. adopted it as a way to make their specialty drinks, since it gave the finished product a richer flavor. Once it was available across the country, coffee drinkers began craving it and driving up the demand.
Today, the National Coffee Association (NCA), calls cold brew coffee the most popular non-espresso-based beverage. More Americans than ever drink it. In a September 2024 poll, there was a 30% boost in weekly drinkers since January of the same year! Who are the biggest coffee fans? Younger employees aged 25 to 39. If this includes your staff, then cold brew will be a well-received perk you’ll want in your New York City office break room.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Photos of cold brew often show it as black coffee over ice. This is one way to serve it, but it is not iced coffee. The difference comes down to the brewing process. Cold brew is defined as coffee grounds steeped in room temperature or cool water. It takes hours, anywhere from 10 to 24 for the flavor to be extracted into a robust, highly caffeinated, smooth coffee concentrate.
From there, it makes excellent iced coffee drinks because the flavor isn’t diluted when you add cubed or crushed ice. It can also be enjoyed straight up or with cream and sweeteners for a full specialty coffee experience staff love.
Cold Brew Advantages
When coffee is brewed without heat, the flavor is different, often for the better. Cold brew is described as less bitter, with a smooth, rich taste. People who find coffee too acidic tend not to have a problem with cold brew, making it a more appealing option in the workplace.
Because of the smooth flavor, cold brew tends to need less cream and sugar, making it a healthier beverage option for staff. It is also gluten- and dairy-free, which means it fits well into some of today’s biggest diet trends. Overall, cold brew is a versatile beverage that employees like being able to customize to their tastes. They feel happier and energized when it’s available onsite.
With a cold brew service, it’s also a great ready-to-drink coffee option. Kegs, refrigerator packs, or even canned choices make it easy to get our cold brew in your New York City office. It’s faster and more sanitary than trying to make it yourself. Finally, it lasts longer than hot brewed coffee, so there’s less waste.
Reap the Rewards of Cold Brew Coffee in the Break Room
The cold brew market is poised to grow, especially among hard-working New York City employees. Because of this continued high demand, we offer a variety, including great local cold brew options. Enjoy the benefits of this long-standing cold coffee tradition that delivers a smooth, highly caffeinated beverage. It’s a great option to add to your New York City office coffee and complements our Refuel micro market solution. By meeting the needs of your team and showing you understand and care about their preferences, you can boost employee loyalty, retention, and workplace morale.
Don’t wait to add cold brew coffee to your break room solutions. Reach out to Corporate Coffee Systems to schedule a free cold brew tasting or call (800) 284-CORP.