Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?

Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?
Cold Brew is made without heat, which creates lower acidity for a smoother, naturally sweet taste. Iced Coffee is brewed double strength then cooled, which creates a refreshing, lighter body. It’s served sweetened, often with a splash of milk.
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Both iced coffee and cold brew are probably familiar to coffee lovers. Despite the fact that they may sound same, they are actually two quite distinct entities. The main distinctions between cold brew and iced coffee will be discussed in this article, along with some frequently asked questions concerning cold brew.

Is Iced Coffee the Same as Cold Brew?

No, cold brew is not iced coffee, to put it succinctly. Hot coffee is brewed, then poured over ice to create iced coffee. This process produces a flavor that is more diluted and has more acidity. In contrast, cold brew is produced by steeping coffee beans in cold water for a long duration (12 to 24 hours is typical). As a result, the coffee is smoother, less acidic, and has a naturally sweet flavor. Should I Put Cold Brew to Steep in the Fridge?

Yes, cold brew is best steeped in the refrigerator. Cold brew takes longer to create than hot coffee because cold water slows down the extraction process. Steeping in the refrigerator also aids in stopping bacterial growth. It’s vital to remember that your cold brew will be stronger the longer you steep it. The strength can be changed by adding more or less coffee grounds.

Can Cold Brew Be Steeped Too Long?

Yes, it is possible to oversteep cold brew. Over-steeping can produce a bitter or sour flavor, which negates the whole point of producing cold brew. For cold brew, 12 to 24 hours is usually the appropriate steeping period. If you’re unsure, start with 12 hours and taste your coffee after that. Let it soak for a few more hours if it isn’t strong enough. Why Is My Iced Coffee Bitter?

If your cold brew tastes bitter, you most likely oversteeped it or used excessive amounts of coffee grounds. The coffee beans may be excessively roasted or black as another explanation. Use high-quality, medium-roast coffee beans and make sure to steep your beverage for the recommended period of time and coffee to water ratio to prevent bitterness.

What kind of coffee is used by Starbucks for cold brew?

For their cold brew, Starbucks employs a combination of coffee beans from Latin America and Africa. The beans are medium-roasted, and they have a flavor that is smooth, chocolaty, and has a hint of citrus. Additionally, they employ a unique cold brew blend that was created especially for the cold brewing method.

In conclusion, it’s critical to comprehend the differences between cold brew and iced coffee because they are two completely different things. While iced coffee is prepared by sprinkling hot coffee over ice, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a prolonged amount of time. Use the proper amount of coffee to water and avoid over-steeping or using too many coffee grounds to get the ideal cold brew. Steep it in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Additionally, if you want to experience Starbucks’ cold brew, seek for their unique mix of cold brew brewed with coffee beans from Latin America and Africa.

FAQ
Can I use Folgers for cold brew?

Yes, you can make cold brew using Folgers. For best results, it is advised to use coarsely ground coffee beans. Additionally, Folgers provides pre-ground coffee made especially for cold brew.

Is it cheaper to make your own cold brew?

Yes, making your own cold brew at home is typically less expensive than purchasing it from a coffee shop. Cold brew can provide a bigger volume of coffee concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk but requires a higher coffee to water ratio and a longer brewing time. This implies that you may produce multiple servings of cold brew for a lot less money than it would cost to buy a single cup of coffee. Making your own cold brew also enables you to adjust the intensity and flavor of your coffee to suit your tastes.