What's the Difference in Iced Coffee & Cold Brew?
Whether you prefer a cup in the morning or need an afternoon pick-me-up, you have a plethora of choices when purchasing your coffee. From iced lattes and cold brews to espressos and dark roasts, this beverage can be made to your desired sweetness and temperature. If you’re deciding between an iced coffee and cold brew, learn about their flavor profiles and how you can best enjoy each to help you choose.
Iced Coffee
This beverage is brewed coffee that’s cooled when poured over ice. Since it’s brewed normally, it can be prepared quickly, and you can select any roast you prefer, whether it’s light or dark.
The coffee won’t lose its complexity if it’s brewed properly, providing you with a rich and flavorful drink. Since it’s served over ice, this beverage typically provides a thinner feel when drinking, but you can adjust the texture by adding sugar, creamer, or flavored syrup.
Cold Brew
While this drink is also served cold, the method for brewing is more complex than traditional iced coffee. Cold brew is made using chilled or lukewarm water as a coffee concentrate, with brew time ranging from 12 hours to four days. The extended brewing period is needed because the beans need more time to release their flavors without heat.
The beans will yield a mild, sweet flavor with low acidity. As a result, you’ll enjoy a cup of joe that’s less bitter than regularly brewed coffee. Depending on your preference, you can add sweet cream or simple syrup to the beverage.
If you want to try these drinks, stop by VigiLatte Artisan Coffee in Lahaina, HI. These baristas serve hand-crafted beverages, like iced lattes and cold brews, and they can customize it to your preferences. Call (808) 727-9687 to learn more about their coffee menu and business hours.