What's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Have you ever gone to the coffee shop and seen "cold brew" next to "iced coffee" on the menu? Many people think they're the same, or at least, they don't know enough about coffee to be able to explain the difference.
Do you know the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? Let's explore each one and highlight the similarities and differences between them.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is a variety of specially prepared coffee designed for a smoother, less acidic flavor. The process involves steeping cold water over ground coffee and letting the water absorb the flavor over a period of a few hours. The method was developed by the Japanese in the 1600s and was inspired by the country's traditional method for cold brewing tea.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is essentially the same as hot coffee, just served over ice. It's prepared the same way and with the same equipment, but poured over ice before drinking. Many people choose to enjoy cold coffee this way because of its easy, quick brewing process.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
The biggest difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the preparation method. Iced coffee is simply regularly brewed hot coffee that has been poured over ice, while cold brew uses a more complex brewing method.
This results in a different flavor profile between the two, as the natural acids in the coffee will break down during the extended process for making cold brew, resulting in a smoother drinking experience. It's significantly less bitter, which is why it's more commonly enjoyed as-is compared to regular or iced coffee, which often has cream or sugar added to balance the acidity.
Cold brew also has a significantly higher caffeine content compared to iced coffee, as the longer brewing process causes more of the beans' natural nutrients to come through. However, if you decide to use our beans for your cold brew process, we have them available in decaf.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
If you're thinking a delicious cold brew sounds pretty good, your next thought might be, "How is cold brew made?" Although it may seem complicated at first, the answer is actually relatively simple. First, coffee beans are ground coarsely and steeped in water for 12 to 24 hours. A longer steep will produce a bolder, richer flavor.
Next, the mixture is poured through a sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to remove the coffee grounds. It can then be diluted with milk or water to taste (or enjoyed as-is) and served over ice.
It's typically produced in large batches due to the time involved. The typical dilution is 8 parts of water for 1 part of coffee concentrate, although that number can be adjusted for personal preference. For an even more refined flavor, we offer our cold drip coffee in a concentrated form that can be enjoyed without the long prep time.
Recap: Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
Cold brew and iced coffee have some similarities, but are very different in most respects. Cold brew is prepared over a longer period of time, which gives it a different flavor profile and a higher caffeine content compared to hot or iced coffee.
To easily remember the difference between the two, imagine iced coffee as a cold version of a mocha or an espresso, and cold brew as coffee prepared similarly to tea. Although it's a matter of personal preference, many people prefer cold brew for its smoother taste, more robust flavor, and the higher energy levels it provides due to its increased caffeine content, although half-caff and decaf varieties are available as well.