What Is the Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Coffee

While both may be refreshing options to beat the heat, they differ in their brewing methods, flavour profiles, strength and caffeine content, as well as serving styles.

Brewing Methods

Iced coffee

Traditionally, iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then pouring it over ice cubes. This method extracts flavours quickly, resulting in a bold and robust taste.

Cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee, is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, usually around 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process produces a smoother and less acidic flavour profile. The coarser grind used in cold brew also contributes to its unique taste.

Flavour Profiles

As iced coffee is brewed using hot water, it extracts the flavours quickly, resulting in a bright and acidic taste. The temperature change from hot to cold can also cause the flavours to become more concentrated, but it has a less bold and strong flavour profile than its counterpart.

On the other hand, cold brew coffee involves a slow extraction process in cold water, producing a smooth and bold flavour with less acidity and bitterness. The longer brewing time allows for the extraction of different compounds, which may result in a sweeter and chocolatey taste.

Ultimately, the choice between iced coffee and cold brew coffee depends on your preference for a vibrant or a smoother flavour profile.

Strength and Caffeine Content

If you're looking for a coffee with a stronger kick and higher caffeine content, cold brew coffee may be the better choice for you.

Cold brew is known for its bold and robust flavour, which translates into a more intense coffee experience.

The brewing process involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually around 12 to 24 hours.

This slow extraction method allows for a higher concentration of caffeine to be extracted from the beans, resulting in a coffee that packs a punch.

On the other hand, iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down with ice.

While still delicious, iced coffee generally has a milder flavour and slightly lower caffeine content compared to cold brew.

Serving Styles

For iced coffee, you can choose to have it served over ice cubes or blended with ice to create a refreshing slushy texture. Some cafes also offer iced coffee with whipped cream and flavoured syrups for added sweetness.

When it comes to cold brew coffee, it's typically served over ice or diluted with water or milk to your preferred strength. You can also enjoy cold brew coffee in the form of a concentrate, which can be mixed with water or milk to create your desired coffee beverage.

So, whether you prefer the traditional iced coffee or the bolder taste of cold brew, there's a cool coffee option for everyone!

For coffee lovers looking for a high-quality, on-the-go option, Craft Cold Brew is a premium cold brew coffee brand crafted by Margaret River Roasting Co. Made with single-origin coffee beans, Craft Cold Brew is the perfect choice.