Did you know that cold brew and iced coffee are actually two different caffeine drinks? And that there is quite a large difference in how we make them?
Cold brew coffee has become really popular over the past few years.
It’s hip.
It’s with the times.
And it’s a coffee drink which everyone wants to order.
But quite a few misinformed people simply assume cold brew coffee is basically an iced coffee of some sorts.
How wrong they are!
Next time you head over to your favorite coffee shop, check out the menu and you’ll be sure to find two different cold items: cold brew vs iced coffee.
So what is the actual difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee?
As you’ll learn below, it all comes down to the way in which the coffee is made.
And there is quite a price difference too!
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee – What’s The Difference?
Right, let’s dive into the quick difference between cold brew and iced coffee.
Chances are, you are more familiar with iced coffee.
But cold brew is quite an interesting caffeine drink, so make sure to take note of the various differences!
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is actually really simple to make, and is exactly as it sounds.
One starts off by making a normal coffee, then allowing it to cool down.
In order to speed up the cooling process, you can pour your coffee over ice cubes.
An example is one made using a pour over filter, drip coffee maker or even a french press.
We then take an empty glass and fill it with ice, then pour over our already made coffee.
Stir it until the ice has completely cooled down the drink.
Many people like to top off an iced coffee with a sweet syrup of their choice, or even some whipped cream.
Due to the ice, an iced coffee will taste rather watered down.
But some people do enjoy this type of drink, especially in summer!
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Chances are you have never actually made a cold brew.
Cold brew coffee is made with cold water, not hot water!
And the process is a little bit different and more complex.
Making cold brew coffee takes up to 12 hours.
This is due to the fact that cold water doesn’t extract the flavors etc from coffee as quickly as hot water.
The longer the coffee sits in the cold water, the better the flavor.
Basically, you need to steep the ground coffee in cold water for 12 hours.
Once done, filter out the coffee grounds and you are left with a very strong, cold coffee brew!
You can then serve it with milk, over ice or with added water if you want to dilute it.
Want to try and make your very own cold brew coffee at home? It is definitely possible.
You can use a mason jar or even a french press to make your very own cold brew.
Price Difference
A cold brew coffee in any coffee shop will always cost more.
This is down to the fact that it takes longer to make, and uses more ground coffee beans.
Cold brew is not for everyone, but as we said before, it is becoming more and more popular.
Is it our go to coffee order every time we sit down at a cafe?
Probably not.
But it is a great option, especially when we don’t want a hot flat white or americano coffee.
Caffeine Difference
Caffeine content in coffee depends on a few factors. Things such as brewing method have a big effect on how much caffeine is found in any drink.
The method of making cold brew coffee will result in it normally having a higher caffeine count.
This is due to the fact that it sits for at least 12 hours.
So if you are in the mood for a stronger coffee kick, then go for the cold brew!
How Do The Tastes Differ?
The tastes between iced coffee and cold brew coffee are quite different.
This is simply down to the way in which each drink is prepared.
Cold brew is made with only cold water, which doesn’t extract the same things from the coffee as opposed to hot water.
When making iced coffee, the coffee is made with hot water.
This causes that acidic taste we all know from coffee. That taste comes from a chemical change known as oxidation.
This doesn’t exist when making a cold brew coffee.
So cold brew usually ends up tasting smoother, less acidic and a bit sweeter.
Which One Should You Order?
Both are really good, to be honest!
If you are looking for something a bit stronger and smoother, then a cold brew is the one to go for.
But if you want something a little more traditional and diluted, then order an iced coffee.
We love both, and will say with full confidence that there is room to order an iced coffee and a cold brew anytime!
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