The Difference Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew

Oftentimes, coffee shops will pour a glass of cold brew when you request iced coffee, and vice versa. Despite some similarities in appearance and presentation, these drinks are not as interchangeable as you might think! In this month’s blog we’re exploring the differences between these warm weather favorites so that you can make an informed ordering decision during your next HYB visit.  

What is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is made when hot coffee is chilled and poured over ice. Traditional iced coffee is brewed with near-boiling water and then made cold using a process called “flash chill.” The result is a smooth, refreshing alternative to hot coffee.   

What is Cold Brew? 

While iced coffee is made with hot water, cold brew is made with cooler, room temperature water soaked for a long period of time. Coarse coffee grounds are steeped for 24 hours and the resulting cold brew concentrate is filtered, given a dose of water and served cold. The finished libation is a smooth, less acidic, more highly-caffeinated version of traditional iced coffee. 

The Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee 

The difference between these two beverages lies in the methods used to make them. Iced coffee is made by literally adding ice to regular coffee and cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds with cold water - similar to an elongated tea-making process.

At How You Brewin, we make our cold brew in fresh batches that we keg and can for wholesale opportunities and customer enjoyment.  Keep an eye out for our classic and flavored cold brews at local markets and eateries!