Cold coffee has become a warm-weather favourite, but there is still plenty of confusion around the difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee. They may both be served chilled, poured over ice and enjoyed with milk, but they are not made in the same way.
The simple difference is this: cold brew coffee is brewed cold, using time instead of heat. Iced coffee is brewed hot, then cooled down and served over ice.
Both can be delicious, but they suit different tastes. Cold brew is usually smoother, softer and naturally sweet, while iced coffee keeps more of the brightness and aroma you expect from freshly brewed coffee. The best one depends on how you like your coffee, how much time you have, and whether you want something quick or something you can prepare ahead.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for several hours. There is no kettle, espresso machine or hot brewing involved.
Because the coffee extracts slowly, cold brew tends to taste smooth, rounded and mellow, with lower bitterness than many hot-brewed coffees. It is ideal if you like chilled coffee that is easy to drink black, over ice, or with milk.
Cold brew is also very convenient. Once made, you can keep it in the fridge and pour a glass whenever you want one.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
You do not need much equipment to make cold brew at home. A dedicated cold brew maker makes it neater, but you can also use a cafetière, jug or large jar with a fine strainer.
You will need:
Coffee: Coarsely ground coffee
Water: Cold filtered water
Time: 12–18 hours in the fridge
Equipment: Cold brew maker, cafetière, jug or jar
Easy cold brew recipe
Use 60g of coarsely ground coffee with 1 litre of cold water.
Add the coffee to your cold brew maker or jug, pour over the water and stir gently to make sure all the grounds are wet. Cover and leave in the fridge for 12–18 hours. Once brewed, remove the filter or strain the coffee. Serve over ice, with milk if you like.
For a stronger cold brew concentrate, use 100g coffee to 500ml water, then dilute with cold water or milk when serving.
Best Coffee for Cold Brew
Cold brew works especially well with coffees that have chocolate, nutty, caramel or naturally sweet notes. Medium-dark roasts are a great starting point because they give body and sweetness without tasting too heavy.
Good Redber choices for cold brew include Guatemala Antigua Medium-Dark, Brazil Finca Cachoeira, Colombia Huila Dark and Monsoon Malabar Dark. If you want something brighter and more fruity, try an Ethiopian coffee for a lighter, more refreshing cold brew.
How to Make Iced Coffee at Home
The easiest way to make iced coffee is to brew your coffee stronger than usual, then pour it over plenty of ice. The ice chills the coffee quickly, but it also melts, so a stronger brew stops the drink tasting watery.
Easy iced coffee recipe
Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method. Fill a glass with ice, pour the coffee over the top and stir. Add cold milk, oat milk or a little syrup if you like.
For a cleaner, brighter iced coffee, try the Japanese-style method: brew hot coffee directly over ice. Use part hot water and part ice so the coffee chills as it brews. This keeps more of the fresh flavour and aroma.
Simple iced filter coffee recipe
Use 25g coffee, 200g hot water and 150g ice.
Place the ice in your server, brew the coffee over the ice, then swirl gently. Serve straight away.
What Is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is coffee that has been brewed hot, then cooled and served over ice. This means you can make it using many everyday brewing methods, including filter coffee, espresso, AeroPress, cafetière or a bean-to-cup machine.
The flavour is different from cold brew because hot water extracts the coffee more quickly. Iced coffee usually has more aroma, more brightness and a fresher “just brewed” taste. It is perfect when you want cold coffee quickly and do not want to wait overnight.
Best Coffee for Iced Coffee
Iced coffee works well with coffees that have chocolate, caramel, nut, berry or citrus notes. If you drink it black, choose a coffee with natural sweetness and gentle acidity. If you add milk, go for a medium-dark or dark roast with a fuller body.
Good Redber choices include Café Français, Café Italiano, Guatemala Antigua Medium-Dark, Brazil Finca Cachoeira and Colombia Huila Dark.
For espresso-style iced coffee, Café Italiano is a strong choice. For a smoother filter-style iced coffee, Guatemala Antigua Medium-Dark is a very easy place to start.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cold Brew | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing method | Brewed cold | Brewed hot, then chilled |
| Brew time | 12–18 hours | A few minutes |
| Grind size | Coarse | Depends on brew method |
| Taste | Smooth, mellow, naturally sweet | Brighter, fresher, more aromatic |
| Best for | Making ahead, drinking over several days | Quick cold coffee |
| Equipment | Cold brew maker, jug or cafetière | Filter machine, espresso machine, AeroPress, cafetière or pour-over |
| Milk friendly? | Yes | Yes |
| Best roast style | Medium-dark or dark | Medium, medium-dark or dark |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose cold brew if you want a smooth, chilled coffee that you can prepare in advance and keep in the fridge. It is a good option if you find some iced coffees too sharp or bitter.
Choose iced coffee if you want something quick, bright and fresh. It is also the better choice if you enjoy the flavour of freshly brewed coffee but want it cold.
For summer, both are worth having in your routine. Cold brew is perfect to make the night before, while iced coffee is ideal when you want a cold coffee straight away.
How to Stop Iced Coffee Tasting Watery
The biggest mistake with iced coffee is brewing it too weak. Ice melts quickly, especially in warm weather, so the coffee needs enough strength to cope with dilution.
To avoid watery iced coffee:
- Use a slightly stronger brew than usual.
- Use plenty of ice so the coffee chills quickly.
- Brew directly over ice if making filter coffee.
- Use coffee ice cubes for a stronger drink.
- Add milk after the coffee has chilled.
Can You Add Syrups to Cold Brew or Iced Coffee?
Yes. Syrups work well in both cold brew and iced coffee, especially if you like a café-style drink at home. Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, chocolate, salted caramel and toasted marshmallow all work well with cold coffee.
For best results, add syrup before the milk and stir well. Syrup mixes more easily than granulated sugar in cold drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?
No. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee in cold water for several hours. Iced coffee is brewed hot first, then chilled and served over ice.
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
Cold brew can taste smoother, but it is often made as a concentrate, so it can be stronger depending on how much water or milk you add before serving.
Can I make cold brew with normal coffee beans?
Yes. You can use normal coffee beans, but choose freshly roasted beans and grind them coarse. Medium-dark coffees with chocolate, nutty or caramel notes usually work very well.
How long should cold brew steep?
A good starting point is 12–18 hours in the fridge. If you prefer a stronger flavour, leave it a little longer, but avoid over-brewing as it can become heavy or flat.
What grind size is best for cold brew?
Use a coarse grind, similar to cafetière coffee. A fine grind can make cold brew muddy and harder to filter.
What is the best coffee for iced coffee?
For black iced coffee, try a naturally sweet medium or medium-dark roast. For iced lattes, use a fuller-bodied medium-dark or dark roast that will hold up well with milk and ice.
Can I make iced coffee with instant coffee?
You can, but freshly brewed coffee will usually give better flavour. If using instant coffee, dissolve it in a small amount of hot water first, then pour over ice and add cold milk.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Cold brew is best enjoyed within 3–4 days once strained and kept covered in the fridge.
