Do you know the difference between iced coffee and cold brew ? If like me, you enjoy drinking both types of coffee, here's a chance to learn more about the differences.

The Cold Truth: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

Cold brew and iced coffee are the go-to options for those looking for a refreshing caffeine hit. But what sets these two beloved beverages apart?

Lisette Gaviña Lopez, fourth-generation coffee roaster at Gaviña Coffee Company, creators of Don Francisco's Coffee, reveals the cold truth and shares simple tips for creating these drinks at home.

COLD BREW SPRITZER
Makes six 8-ounce servings

Ingredients:

2 packs of Don Francisco organic cold brew
4 cups fresh filtered cold water
1.5 cups of tonic water
1.5 cups lemon-flavored sparkling water
Fresh rosemary
Fresh lemon

Instructions:

Steep 2 packets of Don Francisco Organic Cold Brew in 4 cups of water in a glass pitcher, seal tightly with a lid, and store in the refrigerator.

After 24 hours, carefully remove the cold brew packets from the concentrate mixture. Dilute the concentrate with tonic water and lemon-flavored sparkling water. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon wedge.

The Art of Iced Coffee

A key difference between iced coffee and cold brew lies in their preparation. “Iced coffee is simply brewed coffee at double the strength,” explains Gaviña Lopez. “You brew it hot as usual, but you use twice as much ground coffee for the same amount of water.”

While some might be tempted to brew hot coffee and let it cool overnight for a quick fix the next day, Gaviña Lopez warns that this can compromise the flavor and vibrancy of the coffee.

Instead, she recommends brewing a fresh cup each time, letting it cool to room temperature, and then adding cream, sugar, or other flavorings. Pour it into a cocktail shaker with ice (if you have one), and then serve the cooled coffee over fresh ice. Voila!

“This will result in a perfectly aromatic, flavorful, and well-mixed coffee drink every time,” she says. Pro tip: Freeze coffee cubes beforehand to prevent the drink from diluting too quickly.

Cold Brew: A Smooth and Complex Character

Cold brew, on the other hand, requires a slow brewing method that replaces heat with time to release its richer, smoother flavor.

"Instead of using near-boiling water to brew through a filter for four to six minutes, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee at room temperature or in a refrigerator for 18 to 24 hours. It is then filtered through paper, mesh or cloth to remove solids," adds Gaviña Lopez.

This process creates a concentrate with a unique flavor profile, which you can adjust by adding more water. Cold brew is less acidic and has a brighter, fuller flavor than iced coffee, and pairs well with milk, cream, or sugar for added indulgence.

Start with the Basics: Quality is Key

Gaviña Lopez emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality coffee to achieve the perfect cup. He notes, "Coffee is two ingredients: water and coffee, so it's important to have the highest quality in both."

Don Francisco's Coffee offers a variety of whole bean and ground options in different flavors and brewing methods, including espresso pods and their Organic Cold Brew.

"Don Francisco's Organic Cold Brew Kit makes everything simple. With pre-portioned packets of ground coffee, you simply steep them in a glass carafe for 24 hours, and voilà! You're ready to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of cold brew," the fourth-generation coffee roaster added.

Don Francisco's cold brew, made with 100% Arabica beans and roasted to perfection, offers a smooth and velvety balance in every sip.

The Last Sip: A Matter of Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between iced coffee and cold brew comes down to a matter of personal preference. With a little knowledge and experimentation, you can unlock the secrets of both brewing methods and find new ways to enjoy your favorite beverage.

Learn more, visit - www.donfranciscos.com