Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Drink?
When the temperatures rise and you’re craving a refreshing coffee fix, two icy options often battle for your attention: cold brew and iced coffee. However, they’re not the same, and understanding the difference can significantly enhance your summer coffee experience.
At Coffee For The Arts, we believe understanding what’s in your cup helps you enjoy every sip—and support something bigger with every purchase.
So let’s break it down.
☕ What Is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is simply hot-brewed coffee that’s cooled down and poured over ice. It’s fast, familiar, and tends to have that classic bold coffee bite.
➤ How It’s Made:
- Brewed hot using traditional methods (drip, French press, etc.)
- Cooled and served over ice
- Sometimes sweetened or flavored
🔎 Taste Profile:
- More acidic and bitter due to hot water extraction
- Lighter body
- Best enjoyed within hours of brewing
❄️ What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is coffee brewed with cold or room temperature water over 12–24 hours. It’s slow, smooth, and surprisingly strong.
➤ How It’s Made:
- Coarse-ground coffee steeped in cold water for up to 24 hours
- Never heated
- Filtered and chilled before serving
🔎 Taste Profile:
- Low acidity and bitterness
- Naturally sweet, smooth, and bold
- Stronger caffeine kick (yes, really!)
💡 Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: Key Differences
| Feature | Iced Coffee | Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Method | Hot brewed | Cold-steeped for 12–24 hours |
| Flavor | Bright, acidic, sometimes bitter | Smooth, sweet, and rich |
| Caffeine Content | Moderate | Often higher (due to brew ratio) |
| Shelf Life | 1–2 days | Up to 7–10 days refrigerated |
| Best For | Quick refreshment | Bold flavor lovers & busy mornings |
🎨 Which One Should You Drink?
- Choose Iced Coffee if you prefer a quick, classic brew with a sharper edge.
- Choose Cold Brew if you want a smoother, stronger, and more refreshing coffee that’s easy on your stomach and long-lasting in the fridge.
At Coffee For The Arts, our Cold Brew Coffee Cans are crafted in small batches using our specialty-grade beans, roasted to highlight deep chocolate, caramel, and fruity undertones that shine through in the cold extraction process.
It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience.
🌞 Perfect for Summer. Made for Impact.
Not only does our cold brew taste amazing, but every can you buy supports underserved youth arts programs across the country.
✔ Sustainably roasted in Redondo Beach, CA
✔ Specialty-grade, ethically sourced beans
✔ Canned cold brew with a cause
👉 Taste the Difference — Shop Our Summer Cold Brew Collection
Cool down with purpose. Whether you're stocking the fridge or grabbing a few for the road, our cold brew cans are the ultimate summer pick-me-up.
If you are in the Los Angeles or Redondo Beach area, email us to purchase our new Cold Brew 12oz cans and we also provide local delivery.
Email: info@coffeeforthearts.com
🔄 Want to Learn More?
Explore other blog topics like:
- What is specialty-grade coffee?
- A Guide to Ethical Coffee Production
- 10 Handmade Mugs to Elevate Your Morning Brew
📦 Ready to Sip?
✨ Bundle & Save with our Cold Brew Starter Pack or go big with our 5-pack fridge-ready cold brew case.
🚚 Fast shipping. Sustainably packaged. Always artfully brewed.
Coffee For The Arts® — Where every cup fuels creativity.
