Top Cold Brews To Keep You Cool This Holiday

Making coffee has become as much of a science as recent cocktails and wines. The industry has seen a flood of ardent virtuosos attempting perfection: the right balance between sour, sweet, groundy and fruity.  Cold brew, as part of the third wave of coffee, is now considered the best way to enjoy this complex beverage. It refers to the process of steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period. But it can t be confused with iced coffee. As Shanghai has the third highest density of Starbucks of the world, it’s a good time to learn a little more about other places serving the beverage, especially in its colder form.

AUNN CAFE & CO.

Pretty well know in Shanghai, this industrial feeling coffee spot is perfectly located on the intersection of West Nanjing and Huashan Lu. This invincible position is next to the Jing’an subway station, making it a great place to enjoy some brew amid the madness of the city. Its immaculate fashion editor style is based on grays and black, teleporting visitors into a sophisticated and airy New York atmosphere. Cold brew is made with no interruption in the shop, as you can see their elaborate cold brew system on the counter. One bottle will cost you 35 RMB, they also have a set of 90 RMB for three bottles. Some say the taste is a bit too sour, you may need to make your own opinion on this point. 

HUNTER GATHERER 

Having 3 different venues into Shanghai, one in Xintiandi, one in Lujiazui and one in Yanping lu, Hunter gatherer doesn’t need to prove to anyone the quality of their product and their self-engagement. Considered as a posh cafeteria for rich kids, there is nothing boring here, especially not their cold brew. The first one is a classic version, for 36 RMB , made with coffee and reverse osmosis filtered water (an extremely well-filtered water). The second one is way more gourmet with cow’s milk and apple-infused Simple Syrup for 40 RMB.  If you are looking for something fruitier and exotic have the Coconut Cold Brew Latte (42RMB) made with coconut milk, apple and vanilla simple syrup. In a piquant mood?  Have a sip of the Mexican Mocha (42RMB) made with almond milk, simple syrup, and slight spice with hints of chili, cinnamon and cloves.  

OCEAN GROUNDS COFFEE ROASTERS

Opened on Huahuai Lu after big success in Bejing, Ocean grounds is a place where coffee has proper ceremony. The owner, Jimmy Lee, from San Diego, is deeply passionate in his exercise and is a source of knowledge and learning about caffeine.  Most of their coffee is cold brew, and is the result of the fusion between beans, water, science and passion. Prices are going from 40 to 55 RMB depending to the recipe chosen. We recommend you to talk to Jimmy and Co. before choosing your handcrafted beverage since they probably know more than most about it. Unlike other places, this one is not a monotone coffee shop, but is also dedicated to a new wave coffee movement.  After 7 pm they tie is loosened and the place becomes a bar. They’ve choosen to focus to rye cocktails and coffee-based concoctions, giving a unique, after-hours brew experience. Ocean Grounds is paving the way for others, the 4th wave of coffee, and is definitely a must try in Shanghai.

SUMERIAN

Opened for more than 5 years on Shaanxi Bei Lu, Sumerian coffee is a coffee powerhouse in Shanghai. It’ also one of the few places that can be considered into the third wave of coffee, which means it roasts its own beans and creates its own house blends. The general manager, David Seminsky, is an extreme coffee lover who has been travelling around the world to find the best beans for his product. The atmosphere is very homely with a wood-beam ceiling, relaxing Californian style music in the air and people strewn about relaxing most of the day. You can see their cold brew system in the shop, some are even brew during 24-hour. Cold brews are laid out depending on the bean’s origin, China will cost 23 RMB, Costa Rica 28 RMB and Coachella ( in India) 24 RMB. Considered as a dog friendly area, you may want to pass on it if you don t like a barking/licking/sniffing environment. 

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