Five Things to Know About Chameleon Cold-Brew

Cold-brew coffee isn’t just a product, but a process. By steeping coffee grounds in cold water for long stretches of time, you’re left with a beverage that’s less acidic and naturally sweeter than your traditional cup of joe. You don’t even need to drink it cold. “Cold-brew” simply refers to the process. Austin’s Chameleon Cold-Brew is one of the country’s most popular cold-brew drinks, something you can likely contribute to the quality of their ingredients and the sustainability of their process. Read on to learn more about what makes these coffee virtuosos so special:

• The owners are an unlikely pairing. Chameleon Cold-Brew is the creation of Chris Campbell and Steve Williams. Williams previously spent years running a 24-hour coffee shop in Austin, but Campbell’s background was in corporate America. These differing perspectives, plus a mutual passion for good coffee, is what’s helped Chameleon Cold-Brew blossom into such a distinctive product.
• It doesn’t get more fresh. Every batch of cold brew coffee is made from 100% certified organic, free-trade Arabica beans, all of which are roasted on-site to ensure the freshest, most refreshing sip.
• They’re critically acclaimed. You can find Chameleon Cold-Brew in grocery stores all over the country, so it should be no surprise that they’re beloved by the coffee community. Health, for example, lists Chameleon Cold-Brew Concentrate as one of their “29 Gifts for People Who Can’t Live Without Coffee.” Austinot agrees, saying that Chameleon Cold-Brew has “perfected” the cold-brew process, which they believe helps coffee “reach its full potential.”
• They emphasize sustainability. In addition to using free-trade beans, Chameleon serves all of its products in recyclable packaging, including recyclable glass bottles.
• Low and slow is the way to go. Most cold brew coffees brew for 12 hours. Chameleon brews low and slow for 16 hours in pure, fresh Texas Hill Country water.
• You’ll find Chameleon Cold-Brew in the most surprising places. Local watering holes including Swift’s Attic and Ranch 616 have been known to incorporate Chameleon Cold-Brew in some of their signature cocktails, several of which have been lauded by the likes of USA Today and Austin Way.