Butter-Washed Cold Brew? Yep, It Works.

We've been experimenting with ways to level up cold brew, and this one honestly surprised us. In our latest video, we dive into fat-washing cold brew using butter. Sounds a little strange at first, right? But the results? Totally worth it.

If you're new to fat-washing, it's a technique bartenders have used for years to infuse spirits with rich, savory flavors—usually using things like bacon fat or brown butter. We figured: why not try it with cold brew?

What Is Butter-Washing?

In simple terms, butter-washing means melting butter (raw or browned), infusing it into cold brew, letting it rest, and then straining it after the fat solidifies in the fridge. What you're left with is a silky-smooth cold brew that carries subtle buttery notes—without feeling greasy or heavy.

Raw Butter vs. Brown Butter

In the video, we test both:

• Raw Butter – This version gave the cold brew a mellow, creamy texture. The flavor stayed clean, but the butter softened the edges in a really pleasant way.

• Brown Butter – This one was the standout. It added nutty, caramelized depth that took the cold brew to another level. Think toasty and rich—without overwhelming the coffee’s natural flavor.

Why Try This?

Butter-washing won’t be your everyday cold brew method (unless you're deep in coffee geek territory like we are), but it's a fun way to explore new flavor dimensions. Especially if you're looking to impress guests—or yourself—with something truly different.

Curious how it's done? Watch the full breakdown here:
🎥 Butter Washed Cold Brew | The Lab Ep. 4

Have thoughts? Tried it yourself? Drop a comment or tag us—we'd love to see what you’re brewing.