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Difference between iced coffee and cold brew

Last updated on - Aug 25, 2019, 10:00 IST

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What is Cold Coffee?

Coffee is a popular drink, there is no disputing that. A chilled glass of coffee provides the perfect combination of respite from the heat and a swift dose of energy. Our love for coffee is so far reaching that restaurants offer hundreds of different coffee drinks to woo our caffeine favouring taste buds. Often we end up going for a glass of coffee that has a fancy name, and we may not necessarily know what it tastes like. But let’s forget about the complex kind, and let’s focus on the simple ones. Iced coffee and cold brew are two common coffee variants, and while one may be mistaken for the other, they are actually quite different. Here is how.

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Preparation

Iced coffee is prepared rather simply. Coffee that has been cooled down so that it can be poured over ice is iced coffee. That is all for the preparation of iced coffee. On the other hand, cold brew requires a little more sophisticated preparation. It is created by steeping coarse ground coffee in room temperature water for upto twelve hours, and then filtering the grounds. Rather than heat, cold brew uses time to extract the coffee’s sugar, caffeine, and oils.

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Flavour

Although the coffee to water ratio is fairly even, iced coffee is brewed hot, and sometimes brewing allows the coffee’s natural flavour to come through. This makes iced coffee taste more bitter than cold brew. Despite being more caffeine concentrated, the longer extraction time, lower temperature, and higher brew strength create a creamier, richer and less bitter flavour. Iced coffee is best for those with a stronger palate, and cold brew is best for those with a softer palate.

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Health benefits

Iced coffee is less caffeinated as compared to its counterpart, so it is optimal for those watching their coffee intake. Cold brew may contain less acidity than iced coffee, and may be easier to digest, especially for those with pre existing problems. Most importantly, both the drinks pack the same benefits that all coffee drinks do, namely reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and gout.

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Verdict

If you love coffee, there is a chance you will both the drinks. No one drink is drastically better or worse than the other, and if you’re in the mood for coffee, both are equally capable of satiating your caffeine cravings.

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