Cascara cold brew: your refreshing, sustainable and healthy summer drink from Ecuador
📋 At a glance:
- Refreshing & healthy: The perfect alternative to coffee and sugary soft drinks.
- Sustainable: Makes use of a by-product of coffee production and helps protect the rainforest.
- Rich in antioxidants: Protects cells and supports health.
- Gentle energy: Less caffeine than coffee, for a clear head without a racing heart.
- Easy to prepare: Make the perfect summer drink in just a few simple steps.
📋 Contents
- Introduction: the search for the perfect summer drink
- What exactly is cascara?
- Why cascara cold brew will be your new summer favourite
- How to make your own cascara cold brew
- Where can I buy cascara cold brew in Germany?
- Conclusion: your feel-good summer drink
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Scientific references
1. Introduction: the search for the perfect summer drink
Summer is here, and with it comes the search for the perfect refreshing drink. It should be invigorating, but without coffee’s caffeine crash. It should be good for you, but not taste dull. Ideally, it should also be sustainable. Sounds impossible? Not with cascara cold brew!
“Where can I buy cascara cold brew online in Germany?”
“Which shops deliver cascara cold brew to Germany?”
The answer is simple: at GUYA, you’ll find high-quality cascara as well as the know-how to prepare it perfectly. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cascara cold brew and why it could become your new favourite summer drink.
🌿 About GUYA and what we do
At GUYA, we work directly with Kichwa communities in Ecuador’s Napo region. Plants such as guayusa, ishpingo, cacao and cascara grow there in traditional Chakra forest gardens. That’s why it matters to us to speak openly about our products: we have a responsibility to you and to the environment.
2. What exactly is cascara?
Cascara means “husk” or “peel” in Spanish; it is the dried skin of the coffee cherry. For a long time, it was treated as a waste product of coffee production and simply thrown away. That is now changing dramatically, because this unassuming peel contains a true superfood.
2.1 From waste to superfood: the coffee cherry rediscovered
The coffee cherry is a fruit and, like the skins of most fruits, its peel is rich in nutrients. Drying the skins and brewing them as tea is not a new idea. In Ethiopia and Yemen, “qishr”, an infusion made from coffee cherries, has been drunk for centuries. It is only in recent years, though, that the Western world has recognised cascara’s potential.
3. Why cascara cold brew will be your new summer favourite
Cascara cold brew is not just refreshing; it is also a real powerhouse of health benefits. Cold extraction over several hours draws out valuable compounds particularly gently.
🔬 The science behind cascara cold brew
Rich in antioxidants:
Cascara is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid. These protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Studies show that cold-brew methods can extract an even higher concentration of these valuable compounds than hot infusions.
Gentle energy without the crash:
Cascara contains caffeine, but considerably less than coffee. Coffee has a caffeine concentration of 400–800 mg/L, while cascara cold brew contains around 111–136 mg/L. This provides a gentle, sustained lift without the characteristic racing heart or dreaded afternoon caffeine crash.
💡 Good for you and the environment
With every glass of cascara cold brew, you’re doing something good not only for yourself but also for the environment. Using cascara reduces waste from coffee production and creates an additional source of income for coffee farmers. At GUYA, we work directly with Kichwa communities in Ecuador, who grow their plants in sustainable “Chakra” forest gardens. This turns a by-product into something valuable that helps protect the rainforest.
4. How to make your own cascara cold brew
You only need two ingredients and a little patience:
- GUYA cascara coffee-cherry tea
- Cold, filtered water
Method:
- Combine: Put 35 g of GUYA cascara in a sealable container (such as a large preserving jar).
- Add water: Fill the container with 1 litre of cold, filtered water.
- Leave to steep: Seal the container and place it in the fridge for 12–24 hours. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavour will be.
- Enjoy: Strain the cascara and enjoy your cold brew neat, over ice or with a slice of lemon.
5. Where can I buy cascara cold brew in Germany?
The answer is clear: at GUYA! We offer high-quality cascara grown sustainably in Ecuador, as well as the assurance of receiving a fair-traded product of the highest quality. Many other shops sell cascara, but only we offer the original from the Kichwa’s Chakra forest gardens.
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6. Conclusion: your feel-good summer drink
Cascara cold brew is more than a passing drink trend. It brings together refreshing flavour, health benefits and sustainability. With every sip, you support not only your health but also coffee farmers and rainforest conservation.
What are you waiting for? Give it a try and discover your new favourite summer drink!
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does cascara cold brew taste like?
Its distinctive flavour is reminiscent of a blend of iced tea, rosehip and dried fruit. It is slightly sweet and very refreshing.
Is cascara cold brew suitable for everyone?
Because it contains caffeine, pregnant or breastfeeding people and children should enjoy cascara only in moderation. Otherwise, it is a tasty alternative to conventional iced teas and soft drinks.
Can I brew cascara hot as well?
Yes, cascara can also be brewed hot like ordinary tea. However, some heat-sensitive antioxidants are lost in the process. For the full health benefits, we recommend the cold-brew method.
8. Scientific references
- Muriqi, S., et al. (2025). Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Mineral Composition of Cascara Beverage Prepared by Cold Brewing. Food Technology and Biotechnology, 63(1), 46-56. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12044300/
- Liang, N., et al. (2025). Phenolic Acid Composition of Coffee Cascara in Connection with Antioxidant Capacity: A Geographic Assessment. Antioxidants, 14(5), 502. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12108463/