Difference Between Iced Coffee And Cold Brew Starbucks
Introduction
As the temperatures start rising, people crave for a refreshing beverage to cool themselves down. While coffee is a favorite for many, sipping on a hot cup of coffee on a hot summer day may not be the best idea. This is where iced coffee and cold brew from Starbucks come in. Although they may seem similar, there are some key differences between these two popular beverages.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down by adding ice. It is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite hot coffee beverage in a refreshing and chilled form. At Starbucks, iced coffee is made by brewing their signature coffee blend and then pouring it over ice. It is then topped with milk or cream and flavored syrups as per the customer's preference.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew, on the other hand, is a completely different method of making coffee. It is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually overnight. The result is a smoother and less acidic coffee concentrate that is perfect for iced coffee because it doesn't become diluted when ice is added. At Starbucks, cold brew is made with their special blend of coffee that is steeped for 20 hours to create a smooth and rich concentrate.
Difference in Taste
Although both iced coffee and cold brew are served cold, they have a very different taste. Iced coffee retains the flavor and acidity of the hot brewed coffee, which can be a bit overpowering for some. On the other hand, cold brew has a much smoother and less acidic taste, making it a favorite for many coffee lovers.
Caffeine Content
Another significant difference between iced coffee and cold brew is their caffeine content. Since iced coffee is made with hot brewed coffee, it has a higher caffeine content than cold brew. Cold brew, on the other hand, has a lower caffeine content due to the extended steeping process. However, Starbucks offers both regular and decaf options for both iced coffee and cold brew.
Calorie Count
When it comes to calorie count, both iced coffee and cold brew can be customized as per your preference. However, the base drink of iced coffee has more calories than cold brew. This is because iced coffee is made with milk or cream and flavored syrups, which add to the calorie count. Cold brew, on the other hand, is served black, which makes it a low-calorie beverage.
Conclusion
While both iced coffee and cold brew are delicious cold coffee beverages, they have some significant differences that set them apart. Iced coffee is quick and easy to make, has a higher caffeine content, and can be customized with milk, cream, and syrups. Cold brew, on the other hand, has a smoother taste, lower caffeine content, and is served black. So next time you are at Starbucks, choose the one that suits your taste buds and preferences the best!