Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

So is cold brew just another type of iced coffee? It may seem that way because it’s often served with ice, but cold brew has a different brew method and chemical profile than iced coffee.

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• Cold brew coffee is brewed/steeped with cold or room temperature water. And it has a much longer brew time. It often has a different flavor and chemical profile because some of the acids and oils (the compounds that can add bitterness) in coffee are not soluble in cold water, but the sweeter compounds are. That means that cold brew can have a sweeter flavor and be easier on sensitive stomachs. It can also be a good option for people trying to cut down on sugar because it may not require as much sugar as iced coffee.

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• Iced coffee is brewed with hot water which is then cooled by adding ice. The coffee used for iced coffee could have been brewed in a number of ways (drip machine, french press, AeroPress…) and may have a slightly bitter flavor depending on how long the brewing process took. It may also develop a bitter flavor if it is allowed to cool at room temperature before adding the ice. This is why many of us like to add more sugar and cream/milk to iced coffee.

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Cold Brew Coffee Ratio

• The general consensus on making the perfect cold brew is that a 1:5 proportion of coffee to water creates a nice balanced drink that you can enjoy straight. If you prefer to mix it with something, you’ll want to mix equal parts, cold water, milk, or whatever other cold brew coffee recipes you like. Consider some ways to sweeten your cold brew with sweetened milk or liquid sugar.

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• We recommend starting with the basics and learning how to expand your palette over time. Start with the 1:5 proportion, see how you like it, and then you can experiment from there.

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• Let your cold brew steep for 12 hours up to 24 hours, I prefer 18 hours, then filter coffee and enjoy.  Adjust strength by adding water and ice. To add a twist, take your cold brew concentrate and mix it with club soda, refreshing!