Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: 5 Differences You Need To Know

For many coffee lovers, a refreshing cup of iced coffee is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day. However, there's a new player in town: cold brew coffee. Although both are served cold, and look very similar too, there are significant differences between the two. How can you find out? Come by at any Roastea Outlet and you can find both these brews in our menu. But till you can do that, in this blog post, we'll explore the five main differences between the two.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is a method of brewing coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period. Typically, the coffee is left to steep for 12 to 24 hours, although some people prefer longer steep times of up to 48 hours. The result is a smooth, rich, and low-acidic coffee concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk and served over ice.

The process of making cold brew coffee involves using cold water, which means that the extraction process is slower than it is with hot coffee brewing methods. The slow extraction results in a coffee concentrate that is less acidic and smoother than regular coffee. Cold brew coffee is also less bitter and has a sweeter taste than hot brewed coffee. At Roastea, apart from the classic cold brew, we also offer cranberry, lychee, orange, pineapple and a unique citric cucumber cold brew that would definitely blow your mind!

What is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then chilled by pouring it over ice. This method of brewing coffee involves preparing a hot cup of coffee and then cooling it down with ice. Typically, the coffee is brewed using a drip coffee maker or a French press, and then it is poured over ice. Iced coffee is often made with more water than hot coffee to account for the ice that will be added later. This can result in a weaker coffee flavor. Additionally, the ice that is added to the hot coffee can dilute the flavor and make the coffee taste watered down. Apart from the regular iced coffees, you can find specialty whiskey barrel aged estate, fermented brews and a lot more!

The Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

1. Brewing Method

The primary difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the brewing method. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down with ice. On the other hand, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12 to 24 hours. This slow process allows the coffee to extract slowly, resulting in a smooth and rich flavour.

2. Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Another difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the coffee-to-water ratio. Iced coffee typically uses a one-to-one ratio of coffee to water, which results in a stronger and more concentrated flavour. Cold brew, on the other hand, uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio, usually around one-to-four. This produces a less concentrated but smoother and less acidic taste.

3. Flavour

Due to the different brewing methods and coffee-to-water ratios, cold brew and iced coffee have distinct flavour profiles. Iced coffee tends to have a more bitter and acidic taste, while cold brew is known for its smooth and slightly sweet taste. The slow extraction process of cold brew results in a less acidic coffee with a more full-bodied flavour profile. This makes it an ideal option for coffee lovers who enjoy a milder taste.

4. Temperature

As the name suggests, iced coffee is served cold, usually with ice cubes added to the cup after the hot coffee has been brewed. Cold brew, on the other hand, is typically served chilled, but not necessarily over ice. Since cold brew is brewed with cold water, it doesn't require any additional cooling before serving. This means that cold brew is less likely to become diluted as the ice cubes melt, resulting in a consistent and smooth flavour profile.

5. Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in cold brew and iced coffee varies depending on the brewing method. Cold brew generally has a higher caffeine content than iced coffee. This is because the slow brewing method of cold brew extracts more caffeine from the coffee beans. However, the amount of caffeine can be adjusted by the amount of coffee used in each brewing method.

Other differences:

Cold brew coffee is typically stronger than iced coffee because it is brewed using a higher coffee to water ratio. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is often weaker because it is brewed using more water to account for the ice that will be added later.

The taste of cold brew coffee is smooth, rich, and less acidic than hot brewed coffee. This is because the slow extraction process of cold brew coffee results in less acidity and bitterness. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is often less flavorful than hot brewed coffee because it is diluted with ice, and the ice can dilute the coffee's flavour.

Cold brew coffee is often more expensive than iced coffee because it requires more coffee beans to make. Additionally, the longer steeping time of cold brew coffee means that it takes longer to prepare, which can also contribute to its higher price.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between cold brew and iced coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smooth, rich, and low-acidic coffee, then cold brew may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quick and easy coffee that is served

Whether you're a die-hard coffee enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing summer drink, cold brew and iced coffee are excellent choices. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed choice and enjoy your coffee to the fullest. We’ll be waiting for you at Roastea so you can taste these drinks and decide for yourself which one works best for you!