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If you're a coffee lover, you may have heard of both iced coffee and cold brew coffee. While they may seem similar, there are some distinct differences between the two. In this article we'll explore the differences between cold brew and iced coffee as well as convenient options for brewing cold brew coffee at home.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee. What's the Difference?
Both cold brew and iced coffee are popular chilled coffee beverages, but they differ in their brewing methods, taste, and strength. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down by pouring it over ice. On the other hand, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12 to 24 hours.
The major difference between the two is the brewing temperature. Iced coffee is brewed hot, which results in a more acidic and bitter taste. Cold brew coffee, on the other hand, is brewed at a lower temperature, resulting in a smoother, less acidic taste.
Another difference is the strength. Cold brew coffee is typically stronger than iced coffee due to its brewing method. When coffee is brewed hot, it extracts more acids and oils, which can dilute the coffee and make it weaker. In contrast, cold brew coffee is steeped slowly in cold water, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated coffee.
Lastly, cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular due to its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for a variety of drinks, such as lattes or even cocktails.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy coffee, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. To make cold brew coffee, all you need is coarse coffee grounds, cold filtered water, and a container to brew it in.
Start by grinding your coffee beans coarsely, as a fine grind can result in a bitter taste. Then, add the grounds to a container or pitcher and pour in the cold water. At this stage, using something like a French Press can be helpful for filtering the coffee grounds later on. Use a ratio of 1:5 coffee to water for concentrate, or 1:15 for ready-to-drink cold brew. Stir the mixture until the grounds are fully saturated, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer you brew it, the stronger and more concentrated the coffee will be. Once the brew time is up, strain the coffee through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove the grounds.
The resulting cold brew concentrate can be diluted with water or milk to your liking and served over ice. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. With this simple method, you can enjoy delicious cold brew coffee anytime, anywhere, and customize it to your preferred strength and flavor.
Lanna Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Bags
Our Lanna Coffee cold brew coffee bags are the perfect solution for anyone who loves cold brew coffee but doesn't want to deal with the hassle of coffee grounds and complicated brewing processes. With our cold brew coffee bags, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing cup of cold brew coffee without any fuss or mess.
Brewing cold brew coffee with our coffee bags is incredibly simple. All you need is a large mason jar or container that can hold around 32 ounces of liquid, and one of our cold brew coffee bags. Drop the coffee bag into the jar or container and add 3 cups (24 oz) of water over the pouch. Allow the coffee to steep for 12-24 hours, remove the bag, and voila! You've got a perfectly brewed cold brew coffee that's ready to drink.
Each bag contains enough coffee to make 2.5 servings, and a 5-pack can be used to make a gallon of cold brew coffee for larger gatherings or events. At only $1.40 per serving, our cold brew coffee bags are an affordable and convenient way to enjoy delicious cold brew coffee at home, at work, or on-the-go. Give them a try and experience the refreshing and smooth taste of our cold brew coffee for yourself!