Cold coffee drinks have become hugely popular in recent years. On café terraces, at festivals, in offices and at trade fairs, you’re increasingly likely to see glasses containing ice cubes, espresso and milk. Two terms that are often used interchangeably in this context are ‘cold brew’ and ‘iced coffee’.
Although both drinks are served cold, they are actually two completely different ways of making coffee. The difference lies mainly in the brewing method, the flavour and the way the coffee is prepared.
What is iced coffee?
Iced coffee is coffee that is brewed hot and then chilled with ice. The coffee is therefore first prepared in the usual way using hot water – for example, as an espresso or filter coffee – and then poured over ice cubes.
The ice causes the coffee to cool down quickly, creating a refreshing coffee drink. It is often iced coffee combined with milk or syrups such as vanilla or caramel.
Typical characteristics of iced coffee are:
- quick preparation
- fresh coffee flavour
- goes well with milk
- ready to serve
As iced coffee is quick to make, it is often served in places where speed is important, such as events, coffee bars and trade fairs.
What is cold brew?
Cold brew is made in a completely different way. Instead of hot water, cold water is used to extract the coffee. The ground coffee is usually left to steep in cold water for between 12 and 24 hours.
This slow extraction process produces a different flavour to that of hot coffee. Cold brew is known for its smooth, rounded and often slightly sweeter flavour.
The characteristics of cold brew are:
- long extraction time
- a milder, less bitter flavour
- often slightly sweeter in character
- usually prepared in advance in batches
Cold brew is usually kept chilled and then served with ice.
The difference between cold brew and iced coffee
Although both drinks are served cold, the main difference lies in the way the coffee is brewed.
| Characteristic | Cold brew | Iced coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Placement method | Cold water | Hot water |
| Extraction time | 12 to 24 hours | A few minutes |
| Flavour | Soft and round | Fresher and more powerful |
| Bitterness | Less bitter | A little more bitter |
| Preparation | Prepare in advance | Place immediately |
In short, iced coffee is hot coffee that is chilled with ice, whilst cold brew is brewed entirely cold.
When do you opt for iced coffee?
Iced coffee is ideal when you want to make coffee quickly. As the coffee can be brewed and served straight away, it’s a practical choice in places where drinks are ordered in quick succession.
What’s more, iced coffee is incredibly versatile. You can make all sorts of variations with it, such as:
- iced latte
- iced cappuccino
- iced americano
- iced vanilla latte
This is of interest to coffee bars and events because visitors often want to try different flavours.
When should you opt for cold brew?
Cold brew is particularly popular amongst coffee lovers who are looking for a milder coffee flavour. The long extraction process results in a well-rounded and less acidic flavour profile.
Cold brew is often used for:
- speciality coffee bars
- summer coffee drinks
- coffee cocktails
- premium coffee menus
As cold brew is usually prepared in advance, it is often stored in bottles or dispensing systems.
Why iced coffee is so popular at events
At events and festivals, visitors are often on the lookout for refreshing drinks. Iced coffee offers a great alternative to hot coffee and is perfect for warm weather.
What’s more, an iced coffee looks appealing in a glass with ice, milk and espresso. As a result, customers are more likely to choose it, and the drink is often shared on social media.
That’s why you’re seeing iced coffee more and more often at coffee bars at trade fairs, festivals and company parties.
Would you like to find out more about how this works at events? Then take a look at our page on a hire an iced coffee bar for events.
Frequently asked questions about cold brew and iced coffee
Cold brew is made entirely with cold water and is usually left to steep for 12 to 24 hours. Iced coffee is made with hot water and then chilled with ice.
Cold brew often contains slightly more caffeine because the coffee is left to steep for longer and is often brewed to a higher concentration.
As cold brew is made using cold water, certain bitter compounds are released more slowly. This results in a milder flavour.
Yes. Iced coffee can be made using espresso, filter coffee or a fully automatic coffee machine, as long as the coffee is then chilled with ice.
