Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee

Cold brew vs iced coffee

What’s the difference between these cool, caffeinated cuppas?

Just when you think you’ve finally figured out what your favourite coffee is, Summer comes along and turns your decision on its head. Warmer times call for cooler coffees and there are a couple of options to choose from. Cold brew and iced coffee are firm favourites when the mercury rises but what’s the difference between them? And which one tastes better? These cool seasonal faves are made, served and enjoyed quite differently so here’s what you need to know when it comes to the cold brew vs iced coffee debate.

iced coffee

What is cold brew coffee?

Cold brew is an old and traditional approach to brewing coffee and is a method that the Japanese have used as far back in time as the 1600s. Back then, beans were soaked to create a concentrate and water or tea was added to dilute before drinking. This approach took time and technique and coffee was a drop-by-drop process. This slower approach to cold brew is still used today. Beans are usually soaked in water for between 12 and 24 hours and then the grounds are strained to create a concentrate that is usually served with a 50/50 mix of concentrate and water or milk.

Because cold brew is made without heat, it has a lower acidity which creates a smoother, sweeter, more natural taste than its iced coffee counterpart. This makes it an enjoyable option for anyone who wants to avoid cream, milk or sweeteners but that finds a black coffee a bit too intense. However, cold brew coffee usually comes with a hefty price tag from your local café and the process of making quality cold brew at home can be complicated and time consuming.

Is cold brew coffee stronger?

Heat based coffee extraction produces a stronger coffee with a higher content of caffeine pulled from the coffee beans. However, cold brew uses a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to dilute such as water or milk making it a stronger finished drink. Obviously, this result would vary depending on how much you dilute either a cold brew coffee or an iced coffee.

What is iced-coffee?

Making iced coffee is easy. Simply pour fresh, delicious, hot Nespresso coffee over ice and top with either cold water, milk, cream or ice cream. The heat extraction method pulls some of the most intense and aromatic flavours from the coffee beans which produces a deeper, more bitter taste than cold brew. While, the coffee flavour is more intense, the use of ice and a liquid dilutes the intensity of the coffee to create a lighter, more refreshing, creamier finish. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavour, simply use a double shot of espresso. Find put how to boost your iced coffee recipes with our top 10 tips.

Which cold coffee is better?

If you prefer a less acidic or bitter coffee then cold brew could be for you. Its slow, cold water extraction process produces a concentrate that is usually sweeter on the pallet. But be aware that the technique used to create quality cold brew can be a little tricky and extremely time consuming.

If you’re looking for a quick fix from the coffee flavours that you already know and love, iced coffee is the answer. Use your favourite Nespresso coffee for a creamier, more aromatic finish that is ready to cool you down in minutes.

Explore the world of coffee made for ice

Discover popular recipes, tips and tricks - perfect for crafting a delicious iced coffee with Nespresso in just three simple steps. Elevate your iced coffee moment by experimenting with various milk alternatives, syrups, and garnishes.

coffee and iced coffee recipes will keep you cool all summer long.

If you liked this article, please share: