Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

How Is Cold Brew Different From Iced Coffee?

As the mercury rises and the sun shines bright, it's time to set aside your hot mugs and embrace the chill with a refreshing cup of cold goodness. Both cold brew and iced coffee are popular choices, but you must wonder what the difference is between them. While they may appear similar, there are fundamental differences in their brewing methods, flavours, and characteristics. So, let's sip our way through the nuances of cold brew and iced coffee and discover which one will be your ultimate summer companion!

• 1. Brewing Method

  Cold Brew: Slow and Steady Infusion

  Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The slow extraction process allows the coffee to infuse gradually, resulting in a smoother, less acidic brew.

  Iced Coffee: Hot Extraction with Cooling

  Iced coffee is brewed using hot water, just like traditional hot coffee, but it's then cooled down by pouring it over ice or refrigerating it. The hot extraction method creates a more robust and acidic flavour profile compared to cold brew.

• 2. Flavour Profile

  Cold Brew: Smooth and Mellow

  Cold brew offers a distinct flavour profile characterized by its smoothness and low acidity. The prolonged steeping process extracts fewer bitter compounds, resulting in a mellower and less acidic taste. Cold brew often exhibits subtle chocolate, nutty, and caramel notes with a refreshing and clean finish.

  Iced Coffee: Bold and Vibrant

  Iced coffee maintains the familiar boldness and robustness associated with hot brewed coffee. The hot extraction process intensifies the coffee's flavours, resulting in a bolder taste profile with noticeable acidity. Iced coffee typically retains the characteristics of the coffee beans used, providing a vibrant and familiar coffee experience with added cooling refreshment.

• 3. Serving Style

  Cold Brew: Diluted and Customizable

  Cold brew is typically served over ice, diluted with water or milk according to personal preference. The concentrate obtained from the steeping process allows for customization, enabling you to adjust the strength and flavour to suit your taste.

  Iced Coffee: Quick Refreshment with Customization

  Iced coffee is usually served as is, over ice, providing a quick and refreshing pick-me-up. However, it can also be customized by adding milk, cream, sweeteners, or flavourings to enhance the taste and create a personalized beverage.

Now that we've covered the ins and outs of the cold brew versus iced coffee debate, it's your turn to chime in! We want to hear from you—do you prefer the smooth and mellow embrace of cold brew or the bold and refreshing kick of iced coffee? Perhaps you have your own secret recipe or unique twist to share with the community. We're all ears, or rather, all taste buds!