Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?
Cold brew and iced coffee are both cold coffee in a glass with ice. But they are made in very different ways, and they taste different too. Here's how they compare and which one is right for you.
How they're made
Iced coffee is hot coffee that gets cooled down. You brew it hot, the normal way, then pour it over ice. Many people brew it a little stronger so the melting ice doesn't water it down.
Cold brew never touches heat. You soak coarse coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours, then filter it.
How they taste
- Iced coffee tastes like your regular hot coffee, just cold. It's bright and can be a little sharp, depending on the beans.
- Cold brew tastes smoother and rounder. It often brings out chocolate and nutty notes. Many people find it less bitter.
Neither is better. It comes down to what you like.
How long they take
- Iced coffee: about 5 to 10 minutes. Brew, pour over ice, done.
- Cold brew: 12 to 24 hours of steeping. But you do the work once and can drink it for days.
If you want cold coffee right now, iced coffee wins. If you like to plan ahead, cold brew wins.
How long they keep
- Iced coffee is best fresh. Hot coffee that sits too long can taste stale.
- Cold brew keeps longer in the fridge with a lid on. How long depends on your container. Primula says its pitcher keeps cold brew fresh for up to 14 days.
Strength
Strength depends on the recipe, not the method.
- Iced coffee strength depends on how strong you brew it and how much ice melts.
- Cold brew can be ready to drink or a strong concentrate that you mix with water or milk.
Concentrate is handy because a small amount goes a long way. OXO's countertop brewer makes enough concentrate for up to 14 coffee drinks in one batch.
What you need
For iced coffee:
- Any coffee maker you already own
- Ice
For cold brew:
- A cold brew maker, or a large jar and a fine filter
- Coarse coffee grounds
- Room in your fridge
A cold brew maker makes the job much easier. It has a built-in filter, so you don't have to strain the coffee by hand. A good one also has a lid that seals, and fits your fridge.
Which should you choose?
Pick iced coffee if:
- You want cold coffee fast
- You like the taste of your regular hot coffee
- You don't want another gadget
Pick cold brew if:
- You like a smoother, less bitter taste
- You want coffee ready to pour every morning
- You drink cold coffee most days
Getting started with cold brew
If you decide to try cold brew, start with a simple pitcher. The Takeya Deluxe is a 2-quart Tritan pitcher that fits most refrigerator doors, with a fine-mesh filter and an airtight, leak-proof lid. For the full recipe, see our guide on how to make cold brew at home. For five makers compared, see our cold brew coffee maker comparison.