Coffee lovers wanting to try a chilled brew may be confused about cold brew versus iced coffee.
These two chilled beverages differ in brewing methods, flavor, and caffeine content. So which one should you drink?
This guide will explain the key differences between cold brew and iced coffee, helping you decide which one to sip this summer.
Different Brewing Methods
The key difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the brewing method used to create them.
Iced coffee is typically brewed in minutes using hot water, which is then cooled down using ice. Conversely, cold brew coffee, by definition, is brewed using cold water over the course of 12–24 hours.
Iced Coffee Brewing Methods
If you’re making iced coffee, the most common way is to brew it with the brewing method of your choice (pour over, AeroPress, French press, and phin filters are the most common). These methods all employ hot water to extract the flavors as quickly as possible.
Regardless of how you brew your coffee, it needs to be cooled down. Hot, black coffee is typically mixed with sweeteners (such as milk or milk alternatives) and ice to cool it down. The drink will typically need to sit for a few minutes so the ice can neutralize the heat from the fresh coffee before it’s consumed.
For a real boost to your taste buds, try making authentic Vietnamese iced coffee, known as cà phê sửa đá. You’ll use a traditional phin filter, then chill your coffee over ice and sweeten it with condensed milk. Adding ice cream will make a Vietnamese affogato.
Cold Brew Coffee Brewing Methods
Cold brew coffee is made in a completely different way.
For this drink, you'll need to steep coarse-ground coffee in cold or lukewarm water for roughly one day (12–24 hours). The cold water is less efficient at extracting the flavors than hot water, so it will need to sit for much longer before it's ready to drink.
Once the coffee is done brewing, you’ll need to strain the coffee grounds from the water. To serve, pour the strained water into a cup, and add ice and whatever extras you like — such as milk or cream. You may find you need to dilute your coffee with extra water to get the taste you want.
Cold brew coffee takes a long time to make, but you can plan ahead and brew extra to save in the save the fridge to drink later.
Different Flavor Profiles
Iced coffee and cold brew coffee have distinctly different flavor profiles. This is because hot water and cold water will extract a different ratio of flavor elements.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences in flavor:
- Cold brew is smoother and sweeter with low acidity.
- Cold brew delivers a richer, more full-bodied flavor.
- Cold brew’s flavor has been described as more “mellow.”
- Iced coffee maintains a flavor closer to traditional hot coffee, which can be more bitter and acidic.
- Iced coffee tends to have more pronounced flavors.
- The choice of coffee beans can also affect the resulting flavor of both beverages.
Differences in Caffeine Content
The caffeine content in coffee can vary widely depending on the brewing method. Which is stronger — cold brew or iced coffee?
Cold brew generally has more caffeine due to its concentrated nature, which comes from the cold water brewing process.
In fact, cold brew coffee can contain up to twice as much caffeine per ounce — which is why many people choose to dilute it with additional water when serving.
Iced coffee becomes further diluted as the ice melts to cool down the hot coffee. Some brewing methods have more or less caffeine. For example, a triple shot espresso turned into iced coffee will have much higher caffeine levels than a 1:12 ratio French press coffee.
Note: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, iced coffee made using a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker is going to be the best choice.
Tips For Choosing Cold Brew or Iced Coffee
Both cold brew and iced coffee serve different purposes in coffee drinks:
- Cold brew is ideal for making smooth, cold coffee drinks without the bite of acidity.
- If you add water to your cold brew, you will dilute the stronger caffeine content, too.
- Cold brew concentrate is the base ingredient in coffee drinks like iced lattes and iced mochas.
- Cold brew coffee concentrate can also be used in unique beverages like cold brew soda, cold brew cocktails, and cold brew mocktails.
- Iced coffee is perfect for those who enjoy the robust flavor of coffee even when cold.
- Iced coffee can be made quicker than cold brew.
- Some drinks specifically require either cold brew or iced coffee due to their distinct characteristics.
Recommended Coffees For Cold Brew & Iced Coffee
Good coffee starts with quality coffee beans. Certain coffee blends and types are better suited for either cold brew or iced coffee.
Here are the top 3 coffees to try for your next iced coffee or cold brew creation:
- Cafely SaiGon OG Coffee Beans — This blend is made from premium Vietnamese arabica, robusta, and peaberry. It’s roasted using traditional butter-roasting methods for added flavor intensity. This blend is the best all-arounder for making both cold brew and iced coffees.
- Cafely HaNoi Coffee Beans — This 100% robusta is perfect for making strong iced coffee, especially if you like the intense flavor of Vietnamese-style iced drinks (made with strong coffee and condensed milk).
- Cafely DaLat Coffee Beans — This smooth arabica blend is ideal for brewing flavorful, low-acid cold brew coffee.
FAQs: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
1. What is the main difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
The main difference between the two chilled coffees is the brewing process. They also vary in flavor and strength. Cold brew is steeped in cold water over a long period, while iced coffee is brewed hot and cooled down immediately. Cold brew is described as being more mellow, with less acidic flavor. Iced coffee retains much of the same flavor as hot coffee.
2. Which has more caffeine, cold brew or iced coffee?
Generally, cold brew has more caffeine due to its concentration. In fact, cold brew can contain up to twice as much caffeine per ounce compared to iced coffee.
3. Can any coffee blend be used for both cold brew and iced coffee?
Yes, any type of coffee can be used in either cold brew or iced coffee. However, some blends like Cafely SaiGon OG are particularly well-suited for both due to their robust and balanced flavor.
4. Is cold brew better than iced coffee?
It depends on personal preference. Cold brew uses a slow extraction process to produce a flavor that is smoother and less acidic. Iced coffee is quicker to prepare and retains the flavors of hot coffee. Many people enjoy the different flavors of both cold brew and iced coffee.
5. How long can you store cold brew?
Cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks without losing its flavor. Use an airtight container or jar to preserve the flavor and ensure your brew doesn’t absorb other flavors from the fridge. You can also freeze cold brew concentrate in ice cube trays, once again ensuring they are enclosed with an airtight cover.
Related: How Long Does Coffee Last?
6. Does the type of water affect the taste of cold brew or iced coffee?
Yes, using filtered water can enhance the clarity and flavor profile of both beverages. Any type of coffee is affected by the quality of water used to make it.
7. What is the best method to sweeten cold brew or iced coffee?
Use a simple syrup to sweeten your cold brew or iced coffee since sugar doesn’t melt easily in cold drinks. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or sweetened condensed milk for a creamy, rich, sweet flavor.
8. Can you make a cold brew or iced coffee decaffeinated?
Yes, using decaffeinated coffee beans will allow you to enjoy either beverage with less caffeine. You can also dilute cold brew coffee with water to dilute the caffeine or mix cold brew or iced coffee with additives like sweetened condensed milk to further dilute the caffeine.
9. What is the best time to drink cold brew or iced coffee?
Both are great for hot weather, but cold brew might be more refreshing due to its smoothness. If you like your coffee hot in the mornings, try a cold brew for a refreshing afternoon drink.
Related: When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?
10. How does the choice of milk affect the taste of cold brew or iced coffee?
Using full-fat milk can add creaminess, while alternatives like almond or oat milk offer a lighter texture and different flavor nuances. You can even make your own vegan sweetened condensed milk.
