Think cold brew and iced coffee are the same? Not quite—and the difference could change the way you enjoy your cup. From flavor to brewing time, these two cold coffee favorites are worlds apart. As the weather warms up—or let’s be honest, even when it doesn’t—cold coffee becomes a staple for many coffee lovers. Whether you’re reaching for a smooth, low-acid cold brew or a crisp, refreshing iced coffee, both options offer a welcome twist on your daily cup. But while they may look similar in the glass, cold brew and iced coffee are very different in terms of preparation, flavor, and even acidity.

At Cold Blooded Caffeine, we’re passionate about helping you understand not just what’s in your cup, but why it tastes the way it does. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between cold brew and iced coffee, how each is made, and how to choose the method that best fits your taste and lifestyle.

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is a brewing method that extracts coffee slowly using cold or room-temperature water over an extended period—typically between 12 and 24 hours. Unlike traditional brewing, which relies on heat to speed up extraction, cold brew takes its time, resulting in a coffee concentrate that’s smooth, mellow, and low in acidity.

To make cold brew, coarsely ground coffee is steeped in water, usually at a ratio of about 1:4 or 1:5. After steeping, the mixture is filtered to remove the grounds, leaving a strong concentrate that can be diluted with water, milk, or served as-is over ice.

Because it’s brewed without heat, cold brew emphasizes chocolatey, nutty, and earthy notes while muting the acidity often found in lighter roasts. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers a smoother, low-acid cup.

Another benefit? Cold brew can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it ideal for busy mornings or warm afternoons.

Cold Brew at Home (Quick Guide)

- Coarse grind: 1 cup coffee

- Cold/room-temp water: 4–5 cups

- Steep 12–24 hours

- Strain and serve over ice (dilute to taste)

What Is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled before being served over ice. Unlike cold brew, which uses time and cold water to extract flavor, iced coffee is made using traditional hot brew methods like drip, pour-over, or French press.

There are also more advanced methods like the Japanese iced pour-over or flash-brew, which brews directly over ice to lock in flavor and aromatics. Since it’s brewed hot, iced coffee extracts a wider range of flavor compounds, including acids and aromatics. That results in a cup that’s often brighter, fruitier, and more complex—great for showcasing single-origin beans or lighter roasts.

Iced coffee is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of brewing, as it can lose its character or turn bitter if stored too long.

Iced Coffee (Flash Brew) Quick Guide

- Medium grind: 1 oz (about 28g) coffee

- Hot water: ~6 oz brewed directly over 6 oz ice

- Use pour-over or auto-drip for best results

- Stir, sip, and enjoy immediately

Flavor Profiles & Serving Suggestions

Cold Brew: Smooth, Subtle, and Low-Acid

Cold brew highlights deeper, more mellow flavors with lower acidity. Common tasting notes include:

- Dark chocolate

- Roasted nuts

- Caramel

- Earthy tones

Cold brew pairs well with milk, plant-based alternatives, or flavor infusions like vanilla or cinnamon. It also serves as a great base for nitro cold brew, cocktails, or concentrated coffee drinks.

Iced Coffee: Bright, Crisp, and Complex

Iced coffee maintains the full spectrum of flavors from the original bean. Typical flavor profiles include:

- Fruity or citrus notes

- Floral aromatics

- Balanced sweetness

- A crisp, clean finish

Iced coffee is a great choice for single-origin beans and lighter roasts, where the nuances of the origin really shine.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between cold brew and iced coffee comes down to what you value most in your cup: flavor, convenience, or versatility. Each method has its strengths—and understanding them can help you brew with intention.

Choose Cold Brew If You...

- Prefer a smooth, low-acid cup with deep, rich flavors

- Want a brew that can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge

- Enjoy customizing your coffee with milk, syrups, or other additions

- Need a ready-to-drink option for busy mornings or warm afternoons

Choose Iced Coffee If You...

- Appreciate a bright, complex flavor profile with a crisp finish

- Want to experience the full spectrum of origin characteristics

- Enjoy the hands-on brewing process

- Prefer a lighter, more refreshing cup made fresh

Try It Yourself

Ready to experiment? Start by choosing the right roast for your favorite cold coffee method. If you’re brewing iced coffee, we recommend starting with a balanced medium roast. Medium roasts offer a wonderful middle ground—bold enough to hold their flavor over ice, but without the bitterness that darker roasts can sometimes introduce. You’ll enjoy a clean, smooth finish with bright, nuanced notes that still reflect the character of the bean.

Looking for a roast that works beautifully for both cold brew and iced coffee? Try one of these Cold Blooded Caffeine customer favorites:

Rainforest Blend

Tasting Notes: Milk chocolate, almond, and berry with a mild fruit acidity

Origin: Brazil (Sul Minas) / Colombia (El Tambo, Cauca) / Honduras (La Paz)

Processing: Natural (Brazil), Washed (Colombia & Honduras)

Why we love it: This full-bodied, flavorful medium roast delivers a smooth and balanced cup that shines as a cold brew or iced pour-over.

Snake Discovery Blend

Tasting Notes: Chocolate, brown sugar, and apple

Origin: Cauca, Colombia

Processing: Washed

Why we love it: Created in collaboration with Ed and Emily from Snake Discovery, this approachable Colombian medium roast is smooth, sweet, and versatile. Whether you enjoy it black or with a splash of milk, it makes a refreshing and flavorful cold coffee.

Explore our collection of ethically sourced, specialty-grade coffees and find the roast that matches your cold brew style.