Not to be confused with iced coffee, bottled cold brews are the new hipster drink that everyone is cooling off with. The drink, which is made from steeping coffee grounds in cold water, is less bitter than traditional coffee – and way more Instaworthy too. Here’s a roundup of the best bottled brews to try in Singapore.
1. Taisho White from Oriole Coffee + Bar
Address: 96 Somerset Road #01-01, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore 238163 | 13 Stamford Road #02-20/21, Capitol Piazza Neue, Singapore 178905 | Opening Hours: Varies by location (visit their website for details) | Tel: 6238 8348 | 6384 6495 | Price: $7
If you’re new to bottled cold brews, we suggest you start off with the Taisho White from Oriole Coffee + Bar. The drink, which is equal parts sweet and creamy, is a safe bet for those who aren’t exactly fans of strong coffee. The coffee flavour isn’t too overpowering, so you won’t get that bitter taste that can sometimes be an acquired taste.
Other cold brew variants at Oriole Coffee + Bar include the Taisho Black (black coffee) and Taisho M.A.D Milk (which uses dairy-free nut milk for those who are lactose-intolerant).
Best for: Cold brew newbies or latte lovers.
(Source: Oriole Coffee + Bar Facebook)
2. Cold Brew from Brawn & Brains
Address: 100 Guillemard Road #01-02, Singapore 399718 | Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon to Fri), 9.30am – 7pm (Sat, Sun and Public Holidays), Closed on Mondays | Tel: 6348 0501 | Price: $5
If you like your coffee creamy, then the cold brew from Brawn & Brains will be right up your alley. The brew is smooth, milky and just a little sweet, so it will go down easily on a hot day. Although the coffee taste is strong, the drink is more creamy than aromatic – which may be a good thing for those who can’t do without milk in their coffee.
Best for: People who prefer lattes over black coffee.
(Source: Brawn & Brains Facebook)
3. Creamy White from Old Hen Coffee Bar
Address: 88 Rangoon Road #01-03, Singapore 218374 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 6.30pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun), Closed on Tuesdays | Tel: 6341 5458 | Price: $6.50
The Creamy White from Old Hen Coffee Bar is a good balance of coffee and milk, so it caters well to both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers. Although the drink is creamy (as its name would suggest), the taste of coffee is still strong and full-bodied.
If you prefer your coffee with a bit more kick, go for the Valrhona Dark Cocoa brew instead. Oh and while you’re at Old Hen Coffee Bar, don’t forget to try the cakes there too. After all, coffee always tastes better with a side of cake right?
Best for: Both coffee fanatics and casual drinkers.
(Source: Old Hen Coffee Bar Facebook)
4. Kenya AA Riakiberu from Maison Ikkoku
Address: 20 Kandahar St, Level 2, Singapore 198885| Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon to Thu), 9am – 11pm (Fri to Sat), 9am – 7pm (Sun) | Tel: 6294 0078 | Price: $7
Speaking of strong coffee, the Kenya AA Riakiberu brew from Maison Ikkoku will give you quite the caffeine buzz. Although the coffee is strong and flavourful, it’s not too bitter on the palate. Now you know where to go for that much-needed caffeine jolt after lunch.
Best for: People who like their coffee straaawng.
(Source: Maison Ikkoku Facebook)
5. Dominican Republic Caribbean Queen from 7Kickstart
Address: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189555 | Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 8pm (Sat), Closed on Sunday | Tel: 8389 7877 | Price: $7
Although the Dominican Republic Caribbean Queen from 7Kickstart is a black cold brew, the drink is still surprisingly smooth – even for coffee newbies. The brew is flavourful but not overpoweringly so, and gives just the right amount of kick.
Best for: People who are trying to make the switch to black coffee.
(Source: 7Kickstart Facebook)
