The primary distinction between cold brew and iced coffee is that cold brew is made with cold water without heating, while iced coffee is brewed as regular coffee and then cooled down. Cold brew and iced coffee are both types of chilled coffee, but their brewing techniques and resulting flavors differ.
Key Takeaways
- Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours, resulting in a less acidic and less bitter flavor.
- Iced coffee is brewed as regular coffee, then cooled down and poured over ice, making it more bitter and acidic than cold brew.
- Cold brew is typically more expensive than iced coffee at restaurants and cafes due to its unique brewing process.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is a type of coffee made by steeping coffee grounds in room-temperature or cold water for several hours. The resulting coffee concentrate can be mixed with water or milk to create cold brew coffee. The brewing process does not involve hot water, so the coffee has a less acidic and less bitter flavor with a unique, rounded taste. Cold brew coffee is usually more expensive than regular iced coffee in restaurants.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is a chilled coffee, typically sweetened or flavored and served over ice. To make iced coffee, brew regular coffee, cool it down, and pour it over ice. This method can dilute the coffee, so it may be necessary to make the coffee extra strong to prevent dilution. Iced coffee is more bitter and acidic than cold brew coffee because it is made with hot water. It is generally less expensive than cold brew at restaurants and cafes.
What is the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?
The main difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the brewing process: cold brew is made with cold water, while iced coffee is made with hot water. Cold brew requires steeping coffee grounds in water for several hours, while making iced coffee does not. Cold brew is less acidic and less bitter than iced coffee because it is not made with hot water. In most establishments, cold brew is more expensive than iced coffee.
Summary – Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
The difference between cold brew and iced coffee lies in their brewing methods and the tastes they produce. Cold brew is brewed in cold water without heating, while iced coffee is brewed as normal coffee and then cooled down. Cold brew is less acidic and less bitter than iced coffee since it is not made with hot water.
