Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
When summer arrives and temperatures begin to rise, many coffee lovers start looking for a cooler way to enjoy their favourite drink. Two of the most popular options are cold brew and iced coffee, but whilst they may look similar in the glass, they’re actually made using very different brewing methods.
Understanding the difference can help you discover which style best suits your taste and make the most of your freshly roasted coffee beans at home.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is simply coffee that has been brewed using hot water and then cooled down before being served over ice.
Because the brewing process uses heat, iced coffee retains many of the characteristics found in a traditional hot coffee. The result is a drink that is bright, aromatic and refreshing, making it a popular choice during warmer weather.
Iced coffee can be made using a cafetière, filter coffee maker, V60, AeroPress or even a strong espresso poured over ice.
Iced Coffee Characteristics
- Bright and refreshing
- More pronounced acidity
- Vibrant flavour notes
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Ideal for fruity and floral coffees
If you enjoy coffees with citrus, berry or floral tasting notes, iced coffee is often the best way to showcase those flavours.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew takes a completely different approach.
Rather than using hot water, coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period, typically between 12 and 24 hours. The coffee is then filtered and served over ice.
The slow extraction process produces a coffee that is noticeably smoother and sweeter, with lower perceived acidity and a fuller body.
Many people who find traditional coffee slightly bitter are surprised by how approachable cold brew can be.
Cold Brew Characteristics
- Smooth and mellow
- Naturally sweet
- Lower perceived acidity
- Rich body
- Perfect for preparing ahead of time
Cold brew is particularly popular amongst those who enjoy chocolatey, nutty and caramel-forward coffees.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Although both drinks are served cold, the brewing process creates very different flavour profiles.
Iced Coffee
- Brewed with hot water
- Ready in minutes
- Bright and lively flavour
- More acidity
- Showcases delicate tasting notes
Cold Brew
- Brewed with cold water
- Requires 12–24 hours steeping time
- Smooth and rounded flavour
- Lower acidity
- Naturally sweeter finish
Neither method is better than the other. It simply comes down to personal preference and the type of coffee you enjoy.
Which Coffee Beans Work Best?
At Acorns Coffee Roastery, different coffees shine depending on how they’re brewed.
Best Coffees for Iced Coffee
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Its floral aroma and fruity sweetness remain beautifully expressive when brewed hot and served over ice.
Guatemalan Mayan
Caramel sweetness and subtle fruit notes create a refreshing and balanced summer drink.
Best Coffees for Cold Brew
Brazil Santos
Chocolatey, nutty and exceptionally smooth, making it one of our favourite coffees for cold brewing.
Nicaragua Matagalpa
Rich cocoa and caramel flavours become wonderfully rounded during the extended extraction process.
Monsooned Malabar
Known for its bold body and low acidity, this coffee creates an indulgent and distinctive cold brew.
Simple Iced Coffee Recipe
You’ll Need
- 18g freshly ground coffee
- 250ml hot water
- Ice cubes
- A glass
Method
- Brew your coffee slightly stronger than normal.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee directly over the ice.
- Stir gently.
- Add milk, syrup or enjoy black.
Top Tip
Using coffee ice cubes prevents your drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts.
Easy Cold Brew Recipe
You’ll Need
- 100g coarse ground coffee
- 1 litre cold water
- Large jar or jug
- Filter paper, cafetière or fine mesh filter
Method
- Add the coffee grounds to your container.
- Pour over the cold water.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure all grounds are saturated.
- Refrigerate for 12–18 hours.
- Filter the coffee carefully.
- Serve over ice and enjoy.
Cold brew can be stored in the fridge for up to one week, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.
If you’d rather leave the brewing to us, our iced coffees are available throughout the summer at Acorns Coffee. Each drink starts with a double shot of our freshly roasted Brazil Santos coffee, expertly extracted to bring out its smooth chocolate and nutty notes. We then add two pumps of your chosen flavoured syrup before pouring over ice-cold milk and plenty of ice, creating a beautifully layered drink that’s as impressive to look at as it is to drink. Whether you’re visiting us for a classic vanilla iced coffee, a caramel treat or something a little different, our iced coffees are the perfect way to enjoy speciality coffee in the sunshine. Simply stir, sip and enjoy. If you’re looking for iced coffee in Bordon, Whitehill, Liphook or the surrounding Hampshire area, we’d love to welcome you.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you enjoy bright, vibrant coffees that highlight delicate flavour notes, iced coffee is a fantastic choice.
If you prefer smooth, rich coffees with lower acidity and a naturally sweet finish, cold brew may quickly become your summer favourite.
Whichever method you choose, starting with freshly roasted coffee beans will make all the difference.
Looking for the perfect coffee to try? Explore our range of freshly roasted single-origin coffees and discover your ideal summer brew.
