Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: How to Make Both at Home This Summer

When the summer sun is blazing, nothing hits the spot quite like a chilled coffee drink. Two popular choices are cold brew and iced coffee. While both are great for staying cool, they’re prepared differently and offer distinct flavors. Let’s dive into the differences between these two coffee drinks and share some easy recipes to make them at home.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What Sets Them Apart?

Cold Brew

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for a long time. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:

Mixing: Combine coarsely ground coffee with cold water. A typical ratio is 1 cup of coffee to 4 cups of water. Stir it well to make sure all the coffee grounds are soaked.
Steeping: Cover the container and let it sit in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger it will be.
Straining: After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or a coffee filter to remove the grounds.
Serving: Cold brew concentrate is usually diluted with water or milk before serving. Pour it over ice and enjoy. You can also add sweeteners or flavorings if you like.

Cold brew is known for its smooth, mellow taste and low acidity. It’s a fantastic option if you want a coffee that’s easy on the stomach and full of flavor.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed coffee that’s cooled and served over ice. Here’s how it’s typically made:

Brew: Brew your coffee using any method you prefer—drip machine, French press, or pour-over.
Cool: Let the coffee cool to room temperature, or speed up the process by putting it in the fridge.
Serve: Fill a glass with ice and pour the cooled coffee over it. Add milk or cream and sweeten to taste if desired.

Iced coffee is a quick and convenient option for a refreshing coffee drink. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a straightforward, classic iced beverage.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Cold brew coffee is super easy to make at home, and it’s great for having a ready-to-go coffee concentrate. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
4 cups cold water

Steps:

Combine Coffee and Water: In a large jar or pitcher, mix the coarsely ground coffee with cold water. Stir to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Steep: Cover and let the mixture steep in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours, depending on how strong you like it.
Strain: After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or a coffee filter into another container.
Serve: To serve, dilute the cold brew concentrate with water or milk to your taste. Pour over ice and enjoy. Sweeten if you like.

Cold brew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, so you’ll always have a refreshing drink on hand.

How to Make Iced Coffee at Home

Making iced coffee at home is a breeze and perfect for those hot days. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed coffee (hot or cold)
Ice cubes
Milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative (optional)
Sweetener or flavorings (optional)

Steps:

Brew Coffee: Brew your coffee using your favorite method. Let it cool to room temperature, or place it in the fridge to chill faster.
Prepare Ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour and Serve: Pour the cooled coffee over the ice. Add milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative if you like. Sweeten to taste with sugar or flavored syrups if desired.

To avoid diluting your iced coffee as the ice melts, consider freezing some brewed coffee into ice cubes. Use these coffee ice cubes to keep your drink chilled without watering it down.

Whether you’re into the smooth, bold flavors of cold brew or the classic refreshment of iced coffee, both are perfect for summer sipping. Making them at home not only lets you customize your drink but also ensures you have a cool treat ready whenever you need it. So, grab your coffee beans (right here at Altruistic Joe!) and start brewing—summer just got a lot more refreshing!

Enjoy your cool, caffeinated summer!