Regardless of the season, some coffee lovers like their coffee cold! Two popular choices are cold brew and iced coffee. Despite their similar roles as chilled caffeinated (or decaf) drinks, they differ somewhat in taste, preparation, and caffeine content. If you're not sure which one to sip this summer, or you're curious about trying your hand at making them at home, here's a deep dive into cold brew and iced coffee.
An important point before we get started regardless of the method you choose is to use only spring or filtered water for both the coffee and the ice, as this will ensure the best taste.
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The coffee grounds are either immersed directly in water or contained in a filter. After steeping, the mixture is filtered to remove the grounds. This process produces a coffee concentrate that is usually diluted with water or milk before serving.
Characteristics of Cold Brew
Flavor: Smooth, sweet, and mellow; less acidic than iced coffee.
Caffeine Content: Higher than iced coffee due to the long steeping process, though this can vary based on the water-to-coffee ratio.
Best For: Coffee drinkers who prefer a less acidic brew and a smoother, sweeter taste.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is essentially regular coffee that is brewed hot and then cooled down, typically by pouring it over ice. This can be done with any brewing method, such as drip, pour-over or even espresso. To prevent dilution from the ice, it’s often brewed at a stronger concentration.
Characteristics of Iced Coffee
Flavor: More pronounced acidity and a flavor profile similar to that of hot coffee.
Caffeine Content: Generally less than cold brew, but depends on how it's brewed.
Best For: Those who enjoy the traditional flavors of coffee and want a quick, refreshing caffeinated drink.
Which Coffee To Use
All our Fabulous Bean coffees are made from 100% Arabica specialty grade beans. A great choice for making cold brew or iced coffee is our Sailor's Roast, which is a medium-dark whole bean roast from Colombia and one of our customers' favorites. For anyone who prefers to limit their caffeine intake, our full-flavored, Swiss Water Process, Calm Seas Medium Roast Ground Decaf is an excellent choice. Another option is to use half decaf and half caffeinated coffee. To shop our line of fabulous roasts, click here!
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Ingredients:
- Coarse-ground coffee (1 cup)
- Cold water (4 cups)
Instructions for Cold Brew coffee:
- Mix Coffee and Water: In a large jar, combine the coarse-ground coffee with cold water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are wet.
- Steep: Cover the jar and let the coffee steep at room temperature or in your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger and more flavorful the concentrate.
- Filter: Strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve, coffee filter, or a specialized cold brew coffee maker. You might need to filter it a couple of times to remove all the grounds.
- Serve: Dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or a milk alternative in a 1:1 ratio. Serve over ice.
How to Make Iced Coffee
Ingredients:
- Coffee grounds suitable for your brewing method
- Water
- Ice
Instructions for Iced Coffee:
- Brew Coffee: Brew your coffee at double strength, which compensates for the dilution caused by the ice. Use any method you prefer, like drip, pour-over, or espresso.
- Cool: Immediately after brewing, remove the coffee from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee over the ice.
Spice It Up
If you like your cold brew or iced coffee sweetened, agave nectar and flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can do the trick, plus add a special touch to your drink. If you are concerned about sugar consumption, natural sweeteners such as stevia remain an option.
Enhance your cold brew or iced coffee by adding milk, cream or a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk. For something richer, a touch of cream can be delightful.
For a café-style presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg. A mint leaf or a twist of orange peel can also add a refreshing aroma.
And don’t forget to use quality ice for best taste.
Conclusion
Whether you choose cold brew or iced coffee, both are excellent ways to enjoy coffee in the warmer months. Cold brew offers a smooth, sweet experience with less acidity, making it perfect for those with sensitive stomachs or those who prefer a less bitter drink. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is ideal for those who enjoy the robust flavor of traditional coffee and want something quick and refreshing.
Experiment with both methods and see which one suits your taste best. Happy brewing!
Remember to check us out here. You can try our coffees risk-free with our 30-day money-back “Happiness Guarantee.” If not satisfied for any reason, simply let us know for a replacement or refund. Plus, we offer free shipping on orders over $40. Give us a try. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks for reading and we wish you Happy Specialty Coffee Drinking!
From your friends at The Fabulous Bean Coffee Company®
