We, humans, are born with a passion to transform things beyond their original capacity. We “transform” coffee beans into dozens of beverages because we all know that coffee is that versatile.
There is frappè, espresso, and affogato waiting for you in the closest coffee shop. But, the versatility of coffee still confuses the lot of us, especially in the century-old debate of cold brew coffee versus iced coffee.
Brewing and Preparation: The Difference in Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee
The main factor contributing to their difference lies in the hidden backstage of coffee preparation. The brewing methods used contribute to the whole resultant chemistry of the coffee.
Iced Coffee
Technically, iced coffee is just “warm brewing” added with ice. Iced coffee is simply diluting a shot of espresso with cold water and ice. Milk, sugar, foam, and other additional garnishes or flavors are added along. Many often believe that this is how cold brew coffee is made simply because of the word cold.
Let’s not dig deeper into cold brew coffee, and why it’s prepared differently.
Cold Brew Coffee
Unlike “warm brewing”, the cold water doesn’t burn off the beneficial coffee oils. The evaporated form of certain oils are what we breathe in as the “aroma” of coffee. Don’t get me wrong, you still get that coffee scent from cold brew coffee. But not as alluring as the aroma you get from a steaming cup of joe.
In “cold brewing”, the aromatic oils remain in the coffee for the enjoyment of our taste buds, not our noses. Here are two ways you can make cold brew coffee at home.
Immersion Cold Brew
In an immersion, the coffee grounds are let to steep in cold or room-temperature water in a vessel. The period ranges from 12 to 24 hours. After this period, the lump of coffee is filtered to obtain the coffee extract natural to cold brew coffee.
Drip Cold Brew
Drip cold brew coffee is sevely distinct in preparation. A drip cold brew utilizes a fancy glass tower containing a complex extraction setup. Essentially, this contraption passes drops of cool water into a mass of coffee grounds. A high-saturated extract can be collected within 5 hours.
We have a dedicated article where we explain in greater details the process and we give awesome tips to make great cold brew coffee at home.
Taste and Content: Difference Between Cold Brew Coffee and Iced Coffee
So, in total, the brewing techniques between iced coffee and cold brew coffee is their separating agent. However, there are other factors we have yet to know. Look below for the benefits and perks of these two all-time favorites of young and old.
COLD BREW COFFEE is...
Less acidic. Cold brew coffee is considered stomach-friendly due to its considerably low acid content. In the absence of heat, the chemical reaction to other coffee oils are slowed down and this includes acid formation.
Less Caffeine. This comes from the filtration approach of cold brewing as opposed to the dissolution method of warm brewing.
More Mellow-tasting. The steeping approach of cold brew coffee doesn’t dissolve all of the coffee oils and doesn’t have the burnt taste we’re all familiar with.
Long-lasting. As opposed to iced coffee or warm brewed coffee, cold brew coffee doesn’t get more bitter as time passes.
Versatile. Cold brew coffee is very versatile because you can choose to partner it with other beverages and garnishes. It can also be used as a base in making iced coffee.
Naturally sweeter. It carries a natural sweet taste so you can drop your spoonful of sugar now!
Whereas, ICED COFFEE is...
Easy to make. With iced coffee, you don’t need to wait for 12 to 24 hours to enjoy your drink. Just grab your run-of-the-mill coffee maker and some ice.
Less expensive. Iced coffee does not need to be steeped for a long time or to be filtered with some glass tower. So, if you’re tight on budget but still long for that coffee, just buy this on your next coffee shop visit.
Flexible. Iced coffee can also be partnered with different beverages and garnishes.
Stronger/Bitter. If you’re all for bitterness and coffee strength, iced coffee is right up your alley. The highlight of iced coffee is the bitter taste ready not for winter time, but for the summer. That unless you decide to prepare your iced coffee with cold brew.
Okay! Have you already decided which is better? These two beverages are both well-known to dissipate thirst in warm weather so you may feel conflicted. As a coffee lover who was in the same position, I can only say one thing: just take a sip then boom! May the relishing moment be yours.
