Whats The Difference Between Iced Coffee And Cold Brew

Iced coffee is brewed double strength then cooled which creates a refreshing lighter body.

Explore iced coffee and cold brew at. Cold brew is more of an acquired taste. Once it s done steeping the grounds are filtered out leaving you with a coffee concentrate that can be mixed with milk or water and served over ice. From brewing methods to nutritional information here is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew.

Iced coffee uses hot water to extract flavor resulting in a hot cup of coffee which is then poured over ice. Iced coffee can be any form of coffee drip brew pour over even espresso chilled and served over ice. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. Because cold brew uses time instead of heat to extract the coffee s oils sugars and caffeine the end result is generally less acidic and bitter than iced coffee.

In most cases though if you re ordering an iced coffee it s probably not cold brewed. Cold brew is a style of iced coffee so while not all iced coffee is cold brew it s accurate to say most cold brew is turned into iced coffee. The longer the coffee steeps the stronger the flavor of the drink. These chilled cousins are more different than you might think.

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When you prepare iced coffee you brew it with hot water as you usually would with hot coffee. This process called double brewing ensures that every cup of iced coffee s freshness and rich flavor is never compromised at the expense of serving it cold. That means serving it with ice will not dilute the flavor in the same way it would an iced coffee. Cold brew is made without heat which creates lower acidity for a smoother naturally sweet taste.

It s brewed with double the amount of coffee cooled and then poured over ice. Cold brew rather confusingly refers to the brewing process which uses cold to room temperature water over a long period of time to a make concentrated brew that s low on acidity but big on body and caffeine. Dunkin original blend iced coffee has been beloved for many years. It s served sweetened often with a splash of milk.

The biggest difference between creating a cold brew versus an iced coffee is time. The nature of extraction can mute the flavors inherent in the bean which means the coffee can lose its complexity. Cold brew is brewed by soaking coffee beans cold or room temperature water for 12 hours minimum to extract sugars oils and caffeine. Technically speaking all cold brew is iced coffee but not all iced coffee is cold brew.

Here s a quick reference of the styles of iced coffee.