What’s the Difference Between Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee?
Cold brew vs Iiced coffee are two different things, Iced coffee is a popular drink that can be made with coffee that has been brewed hot and then cooled down and served over ice.
But did you know there’s another way to make iced coffee? Enter cold brew coffee. Cold brew is made by brewing coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. So, which method is better?
As the weather starts to get warmer, more and more people are moving away from hot coffee and toward iced coffee. But what’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? And which one is better for you?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of cold brew vs iced coffee so that you can make the best decision for your own preferences. Happy sipping!
What is a Cold Brew?
A cold brew is made by soaking coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period of time (usually 12-24 hours) to ensure that the grounds are completely saturated. The mixture is then filtered into containers, leaving only the coffee behind.
Cold brew is less acidic than iced coffee because it isn’t diluted with ice, causing it to have a stronger flavor and more caffeine content.
How is cold brew made?
1. Like with iced coffee, you need coarsely ground beans and cold water.
2. You need a container that is made of either plastic, glass or food-grade stainless steel, and it should hold at least one liter (about 34 ounces). We like to use 2L glass jars like these:
3. Next you’re going to add your coffee grounds into your jar. This will be about 1/4 cup for every two cups of cold water - so if you want 16oz of cold brew just double this recipe to have 32oz of cold brew in your jar.
4. Then pour all the cold water over the ground coffee until the jar is full.
5. Cover tightly with a lid and let sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
6. Once brewed, remove the coffee filter from the top of your jar and you’re ready to go!
Related: How long does cold brew last
What is an Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is very similar to cold brew, except that the grounds are not soaked for as long. The mixture sits in a refrigerator for about 4 hours before it’s filtered and served over ice.
Iced Coffee is more acidic than cold brew because it has more contact with the ice after brewing, giving it a stronger flavor and less caffeine content. However, some people prefer iced coffee because they feel like it enhances certain flavors of the drink.
In order to create iced coffee, you need brewed coffee, some type of sweetener (honey or simple syrup work great), and ice cubes. You’ll pour your brewed coffee into a pitcher full of ice along with whatever sweetener you’ve chosen then mix everything together until combined.
How is an Iced Coffee made?
1. Use the same coarsely ground beans and water amount as you would for cold brew, but put your coffee in an airtight container instead. This could be a mason jar or Tupperware container that’s left on the counter for about 4 hours.
2. Then just serve over ice cubes with whatever sweetener you’ve chosen!
So why is cold brew better? Cold brew has lower acidity than traditional iced coffee because it doesn’t go through the process of melting ice (which additionally dilutes its flavor). However, many people believe that iced coffee enhances certain flavors in their drink more than drinking it hot. And if you want to avoid caffeine, try out this caffeine-free honey chamomile tea cold brew recipe!
What’s the difference between cold brew & iced coffee?
Difference in Flavor: Cold-brew has a stronger flavor than iced coffee because it’s not diluted with ice.
The difference in Caffeine Content: Cold brew is higher in caffeine content than iced coffee because cold brew doesn’t go through the process of melting ice.
Difference in Acidity: Iced coffee is more acidic than cold brew because ice melts as it sits, decreasing the acidity of the drink.
Difference in Process Iced coffee: is made by letting your grounds sit with your cold water for 4 hours then straining and serving into a glass with ice cubes. Cold brew is made by soaking coarsely ground beans in cold water for 12-24 hours and then filtering and serving over ice cubes.
The difference in The shelf life of Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Cold brew can be kept in an airtight container for about two weeks without any degradation in flavor, whereas iced coffee must be consumed within four days to avoid spoiling.
The price of Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: At Broncho Billy’s General Store, you can buy a 16 oz bottle of cold brew for $3.16 and an 8 oz bottle of iced coffee for $1.79
The difference in calories in Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Cold brew has fewer calories than iced coffee because the ice in iced coffee adds additional water and is lower in caffeine content.
Difference Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew: Nitro Cold Brew has less caffeine than cold brew because it’s served on draft. The beans used in nitro cold brew are slightly different than the ones used for regular cold brew, but both accomplish the same result of lower acidity and higher caffeine content.
What are the benefits of drinking cold brew?
- Cold brew is a great caffeine fix because it’s lower in acidity and caffeine content than iced coffee.
- Cold brew is a more sustainable option for the environment, because there are no ice cubes being thrown away after consumption. It also cuts down on greenhouse gases usually associated with making and shipping ice cubes across the globe.
What are the benefits of drinking iced coffee?
- Iced coffee has more flavor than cold brew due to not going through the process of melting ice.
- Iced coffee can be enjoyed from day 1 rather than having to wait 12-24 hours for cold brew to steep (although you can always make it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container).
- Iced coffee can be enjoyed straight away after being brewed, whereas cold brew has to be steeped for 12-24 hours.
How to make your own iced coffee and cold brew at home!
Iced Coffee Recipe:
1. Place 1 cup of coarsely ground beans in a large mason jar. Add 4 cups of cold water and stir to combine. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid and store at room temperature for up to 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Strain out the coffee grounds through a colander or cheesecloth-lined strainer. Serve over ice cubes with the appropriate amount of simple syrup (if you like).
Cold Brew Recipe:
1. Place 5 cups of cold water in a large mason jar. Add 1 cup of coarsely ground beans and stir to combine, ensuring all grounds are fully submerged. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid and store at room temperature for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Strain out the coffee grounds through a colander or cheesecloth-lined strainer. Serve over ice cubes with the appropriate amount of simple syrup (if you like)
MAKING THE ICED COFFEE:
1. Place 1 cup of coarsely ground beans in a large mason jar. Add 4 cups of cold water and stir to combine. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Stir occasionally as it sits on your countertop.
2. Strain out the coffee grounds through a fine mesh strainer. Serve over ice cubes with sugar if desired.
3. Enjoy in four days!
MAKING THE COLD BREW:
1. Place 5 cups of cold water in a large mason jar . Add 1 cup of coarsely ground beans and stir to combine, ensuring all grounds are fully submerged. Cover the container witha tight-fitting lid and store at room temperature for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Strain out the coffee grounds through a colander or cheesecloth-lined strainer . Serve over ice cubes with sugar if desired.
3. Enjoy within two weeks!
Conclusion
Cold Brew Coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then poured over ice.
So which one is better? Let’s take a look.
Iced coffee has a more intense flavor than cold brew because it’s brewed with hot water. This means that it can be bitter if not balanced out correctly with cream or sugar. Cold brew, on the other hand, has a smoother taste because the grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period of time.
Iced coffee is best suited for people who want a strong caffeine fix while cold brew is perfect for those who prefer something milder.
Hopefully, this article has helped you decide whether to try out cold brew or stick with your tried and true iced coffee recipe. Either way, we know you’ll enjoy these refreshing drinks on a hot day!
FAQ:
Q: Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
A: Cold brew tends to be stronger than iced coffee because it is steeped 12-24 hours. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then poured over ice which immediately dilutes it.
Q: Is cold brew more caffeinated than iced coffee?
A: Because of the way coldbrew is made (steeping grounds in water for several hours) but also its strength (the longer something steeps, the more caffeine it will have), cold brew usually has about twice as much caffeine per cup when compared with iced coffee
Q: How long can you store cold brew?
A: You are only supposed to use two ingredients when making cold brew—coffee beans and water. It is best to use it within two weeks.
Q: How long can you store iced coffee?
A: You can store iced coffee for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you choose not to add sugar and cream, make sure you pour a little out before storing so that there’s room in the container for expansion when ice melts.
Q: What can I add to cold brew?
A: There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing your cold brew with other flavors! Try adding some almond milk along with chocolate syrup and ground cinnamon for an icy mocha latte flavor or blend in a couple of frozen strawberries for a fruitier taste! Mixing in another liquid sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar is another great way to make sure your cold brew doesn’t get too intense
Q: Can you make cold brew with hot water?
A: No, it must be made with cold water—never hot. Hot water will release unwanted oils and acids, giving off a bitter flavor that just won’t do in a cold coffee drink.
Q: Is cold brew or iced coffee healthier?
A: Cold brew tends to be lower in acid than iced coffee. This is because the grounds are steeped for several hours which gives it more time to release its acids. Keep in mind, though, that adding cream and sugar will counteract cold brew’s healthier properties.
Q: Is Dunkin cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
A: Dunkin iced coffee is brewed hot and then poured over ice cubes. Cold brew, on the other hand, is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for up to 24 hours which gives it more time to release its flavor. This means that cold brew will be stronger than iced coffee.
Q: What are the pros and cons of cold brew coffee?
A: There are three main pros of cold brew coffee.
First, it contains less acid than iced coffee which means that people with sensitive stomachs can drink it without experiencing any negative side effects.
Second, the brewing process results in a smooth flavor so no extra flavoring is needed.
Third, because cold brew is stronger than iced coffee, you’ll need to use less grounds to achieve your desired taste.
On the other hand, there are three cons of cold brew as well.
The first is that it has a much weaker flavor than iced coffee so extra ingredients may be required to enhance its natural taste notes.
The second con is that the brewing process takes longer—usually up to 12-24 hours compared with just 30 minutes for iced coffee.
Lastly, cold brew needs to be consumed in a two-week period or else it will start to lose its freshness and may even develop mold .
Q: Is cold brew more expensive than iced coffee?
A: Cold Brew takes much longer to make because the grounds are steeped 12-24 hours before they’re filtered out. This means that it is more time consuming which also makes it more expensive when considering labor costs.
In addition, using high quality beans produces a better tasting drink so these types of ingredients have a higher cost. All this being said, however, you can find plenty of affordable options on Amazon with prices starting at just $17!
Q: Is cold brew coffee good for weight loss?
A: There are several reasons why cold brew coffee may be helpful when it comes to weight loss.
First, because cold brew is less acidic than iced coffee you’ll avoid the unpleasant side effects like bloating and stomach problems.
Second, it has fewer calories per cup which means you can drink more of it without worrying about how it will affect your waistline.
Third, because cold brew is CBD infused, sipping on a delicious glass throughout the day could give you an extra energy boost—helping to keep your metabolism up while also increasing feelings of CBD fullness.
Q: Is cold brew coffee better than hot?
A: The short answer is it depends. Cold brew tends to be higher in caffeine because the hot water extracts the oils and acids before they’ve had a chance to mellow out.
On the other hand, hot coffee will retain its flavor longer if you want to save some for later—no need to worry about cold brew turning funky after two weeks!
Q: Which is sweeter cold brew or iced coffee?
A: Cold brew is sweeter than iced coffee because the cold water extracts sugar molecules from the beans which results in a balanced flavor that’s not too bitter or acidic.
Q: Does cold brew taste different?
A: Yes, the longer steeping process gives cold brew a stronger flavor with more body and notes of chocolate.
In addition, most brands use 100% Arabica beans which contributes to its smooth taste.
Q: Why might cold brew be more expensive than iced coffee?
A: There are several reasons why cold brew coffee may be more expensive than iced coffee.
First, the brewing process usually takes longer and requires extra ingredients like water and ice which all factor into its price per cup.
On top of that, colder climates result in a higher electricity bill which increases the cost to run the machine(although this is done more as a precaution than anything else).
Lastly, some brands sell cold brew in larger quantities and use high-quality ingredients which drive up the price. Samples of cold brew coffee that we tested:
1) Death Wish Coffee Cold Brew: This cold brew uses chocolate malt and cocoa nibs (which contribute to its intense flavor and sweetness) along with Arabica beans for a smooth taste. At $19.99 for a 32 oz bag it’s expensive considering most bags have less volume at around 16 oz. In addition, it contains 400 mg CBD per bag so you might need to buy two bags compared with other brands!
2) Starbucks Iced Coffee with Milk and Sugar: First off, it contains 4Xthe caffeine of cold brew at 185mg vs. 45 mg/serving! Starbucks is also infamous for its expensive prices so this iced coffee costs $3.65.
3) iced coffee Black Eye: This 8 oz bag contains 10X the amount of caffeine per serving compared with other brands at 245mg per bag.
4) iced coffee Death Wish Coffee(CBD): This is Death Wish’s cold pressed version which means they are using 60 pounds of force to compact their beans into a fine powder which gives it a smoother texture and stronger flavor. At 300mg per bag, this brand has the most CBD per ounce by far!
5) Cold Brew Bean Street: This cold brew provides an even taste with low acidity thanks to the water and ice ratio. It’s not too acidic or bitter however it is a bit on the sweet side which could be an issue for some people. At $11.99 per 16 oz bag, this brand is mid-range when compared with other brands in the market.