Cold brew and iced coffee are two of the most popular coffee drinks around. But what’s the difference between them? And which should you be grabbing before kicking off your workday? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between cold brew and iced coffee, and help you decide which drink is best for you. Let’s get started!
What Is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is simply coffee that has been brewed hot and then cooled down. You can make iced coffee at home by brewing a pot of coffee and then pour it over a cup of ice. Iced coffee is also available at most cafes and coffee shops.
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. The resulting coffee is then filtered and served over ice. You may not find it at quite as many cafes and coffee shops as its iced counterpart, but it is becoming more popular.
So, Which Is Better?
Now that we know the difference between cold brew and iced coffee, which one is better? Well, the answer largely depends on your needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top considerations.
Flavour Profiles
Iced coffee has a bright, acidic flavour that is reminiscent of hot coffee. Cold brew, on the other hand, has a smoother, more mellow flavour. This is due to the fact that cold brew coffee is less acidic than iced coffee. If you’re looking for a coffee with a bolder flavour, iced coffee is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother taste, cold brew is your best bet.
Caffeine Content
By and large, iced coffee is the more caffeinated option. This is because the hot brewing process releases more caffeine from the beans. So, if you’re looking for a coffee that will give you a little extra energy, iced coffee is the drink for you.
Temperature
Iced coffee is served cold, but it is not as cold as cold brew. See, iced coffee is made with hot coffee that has been cooled down, while cold brew is made with cold water from the start. Therefore, when it comes to temperature, cold brew is the colder of the two drinks.
Acidity
As we mentioned earlier, cold brew coffee is the less acidic option. This is due to the fact that the hot brewing process releases more acid from the beans than the cold brewing method. This makes cold brew a great choice for those who are looking for a less acidic coffee.
The Bottom Line
While they are both served cold, there are some key differences between cold brew and iced coffee. And ultimately, the one that is best for you comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a coffee with a bolder flavour and caffeine content, iced coffee is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a colder, less acidic coffee with a smoother taste, cold brew is your best bet. Whichever drink you choose, we hope you enjoy it!
Are you interested in providing a cold coffee option at the office? Contact Office Libations today to discuss your needs!