Iced Coffee vs Cold Brew
It’s a hot summer day and you go to your favourite coffee shop, when you look at their attractive menu your eyes go straight to the cold drinks section. It’s the perfect day for a refreshing cold coffee drink.. but which one? In this article, we’ll talk about two options: Iced coffee and cold brew. After reading this you will know the difference between these two drinks, you will learn how to make them and also some benefits of cold brew.
We will first consider five points:
1. Brewing method
2. Brew time
3. Flavour profile
4. Strength and dilution
5. Serving styles
Iced coffee and cold brew are two popular chilled coffee beverages, especially when the sun is out! These drinks are prepared using different brewing methods, resulting in distinct flavours and characteristics. Let’s look at the key differences between iced coffee and cold brew.
Iced coffee
This cold coffee beverage may have originated in Algeria around 1840s. Mazagran, a cold and sweetened coffee drink, has been described as “the original iced coffee”. It was prepared with coffee syrup and cold water. There are other records of similar drinks that were documented in the 19th century. For example, the Italian granita al caffe. There are different variations of this drink, like with many things every country has their own version that was tailored to the preferences and made with local ingredients of each nation. Maybe a topic for another blog post?
Let’s first consider the brewing method. Iced coffee is typically brewed using hot water. The procedure to make this drink is simple. It involves brewing coffee using any standard brewing method, such as drip brewing or French press, and then cooling it down by pouring it over ice or refrigerating it. The brewing time for iced coffee is relatively quick, usually just a few minutes.
What about the flavour? The flavour profile of an iced coffee is similar to a hot coffee. Why is that? Well that’s because iced coffee retains some of the acidity and brightness of how brewed coffee. It has a more pronounced and vibrant flavour than a cold brew, similar to a regular hot coffee but with the added chill of ice.
Strength and dilution. Iced coffee is typically brewed with double-strength hot coffee, as the ice cubes used to cool it down can dilute the flavour. When we make it at home we normally make it with a double shot of espresso. The ice melts gradually, adding some additional dilution so its important to brewed it a higher strength than normal coffee.
How is iced coffee served? Serving styles can vary but iced coffee is commonly served with ice cubes in a glass, allowing the coffee to be chilled quickly and enjoyed immediately.
Cold brew
Cold brew coffee originated in Japan. This slow-drip cold coffee, also known as Kyoto-style, has been a traditional method of brewing coffee for centuries. As the name suggests, the brewing method to make this drink is basically steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period. This process usually takes 12 to 24 hours. The slow steeping process extracts the flavours from the coffee, resulting in a smooth and less acidic beverage. Cold brew requires a much longer brewing time than an iced coffee. Ranging from several hours to overnight.
Cold brew has a distinct flavour profile. It is known for its smooth, mellow, and less acidic taste. The slow extraction process results in a beverage that is often descried as rich, chocolaty, and slightly sweet.
The strength and dilution of this drink differs from most coffee drinks. Cold brew is generally brewed as a concentrate, using a higher coffee-to-water ratio. It is often served diluted with water or milk to taste.
Like with most coffee drinks serving styles differ but cold brew is typically served over ice. It is diluted with water or mixed with milk or cream for a smooth and refreshing coffee beverage.
Something that will impress you about cold brew is the health benefits this drink may have on your body. For example, it may be easier on your stomach than hot coffee since it is less acidic. This tasty drink also contains compounds that may protect your stomach from its acidity. It contains crude polysaccharides, chains of sugar molecules, that boost the immunity of your digestive system. Also, although cold brew contains fewer total antioxidants than hot coffee, it’s full of compounds that have high antioxidant activity. And as we know antioxidants help prevent diseases that can reduce your lifespan. No wonder this drink is so popular!
Both iced coffee and cold brew offer enjoyable options for those seeking a chilled coffee experience. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preferences regarding flavour, acidity levels, and brewing time. Now let’s move on to our favourite part, how to make these drinks at home.
Guide to making iced coffee
Making iced coffee at home is a refreshing way to enjoy your favourite beverage during hot summer months or whenever you crave a chilled caffeinated treat. Here is a simple guide to help you make this delicious drink:
Ingredients and Equipment
– Freshly brewed coffee (stronger than usual to compensate for dilution)
– Ice cubes
– Milk or any preferred dairy/non-dairy alternative
– Sweetness or flavourings (optional)
– Tall glass or mason jar
– Long spoon or stirrer
Steps:
1. Brew coffee: Start by brewing a pot of coffee using your preferred brewing method. You can use a drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over, or any other method you prefer. We usually make all of our coffee drink using our espresso machine. Brew the coffee a bit stronger than you would for hot coffee since the ice will dilute the flavour.
2. Cool the coffee: Allow the brewed coffee to cool down to room temperature. You can let it sit on the countertop or speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for a while.
3. Add ice to a glass: Fill a tall glass or mason jar with a generous amount of ice cubes. The ice will keep your iced coffee cold and prevent rapid dilution.
4. Pour the coffee: Once the brewed coffee has cooled, pour it over the ice in the glass. Leave some room at the top for milk and additional flavourings, if desired.
5. Add milk or alternative: Pour your preferred amount of milk or non-dairy alternative into the glass. You can use regular milk, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other option that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Adjust the amount of milk based on your desired coffee-to-milk ratio.
6. Sweeteners and flavour (optional): If you prefer your iced coffee sweetened, you can add sugar, simple syrup, flavoured syrups, or other sweeteners to taste. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour by adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or any other flavourings you enjoy.
7. Stir and enjoy: Use a stirrer or long spoon to mix the coffee, milk, and any added flavourings until well combined. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or flavours if necessary. Enjoy your homemade iced coffee.
Bonus tip: To prevent your iced coffee from getting diluted as the ice melts, consider using coffee iced cubes. Brew extra coffee and pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, use these coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes in your iced coffee.
Happy sipping!
Feel free to experiment with different coffee beans, brewing methods, milk options, and flavourings to customise your iced coffee according to your preferences. Have fun exploring various combinations and enjoy your refreshing homemade iced coffee creations!
Guide to making Cold Brew
Making cold brew coffee at home is a relatively simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cold brew at home.
Ingredients and Equipment:
– Coarsely ground coffee (medium-coarse to course grind)
– Cold or room temperature water
– A container or jar with a lid
– Filter or cheesecloth for filtering
Steps:
1. Measure the coffee: Start by measuring out the desired amount of coarsely ground coffee. A general ratio is 1 part coffee to 4 parts water, but you can adjust it based on your preference for strength.
2. Combine coffee and water: Place the ground coffee in a clean container or jar, and add cold or room temperature water. Stir gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are saturated with water. Make sure the coffee is fully immersed in the water.
3. Steep: Seal the container with a lid and let it steep at room temperature for at least 12 to 24 hours. You can adjust the steeping time based on your preference for flavour strength. Longer steeping time will result in a stronger and more concentrated cold brew.
4. Strain the cold brew: After the desired steeping time, strain or filter the cold brew to remove the coffee grounds. Strain the cold brew into another container, ensuring that all the grounds are removed.
5. Dilute and serve: The concentrated cold brew can be diluted with water or milk according to your taste preference. Start with equal parts cold brew and water or milk, and adjust as needed. Serve the cold brew over ice or chilled.
6. Storage: If you have leftover cold brew, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep it in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
Happy sipping!
The above instructions outline the basic process of making cold brew at home. We always recommend that you experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, brewing times, and even try different coffee bean varieties to find your preferred flavour profile.
Have fun making this drink and enjoy the smooth and refreshing taste of homemade cold brew!
