Iced latte or cold brew? Your guide to iced coffee
Iced coffee is not just one drink: learn how the most popular kinds differ in preparation and taste.
On hot days iced coffee becomes the first choice, but its kinds differ a lot in preparation and taste.
Iced latte: fresh espresso poured over cold milk and ice. It is smooth and milky, and flavours such as vanilla or caramel can be added.
Iced americano: espresso with cold water and ice, no milk. A light, refreshing drink that shows off the flavour of the coffee itself.
Cold brew: no hot water is used at all. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours and then filtered. The result is a smooth drink with little bitterness or acidity and a taste that leans towards chocolate and nuts.
Classic iced coffee: coffee brewed hot, then chilled and served over ice; it tastes closer to filter coffee.
What about caffeine? It depends on how much coffee is used and how it is diluted, but cold brew is usually made as a concentrate, so a cup may contain more caffeine than an iced latte.
Tip: ice melts and waters the drink down over time, so if you sip slowly ask for less ice. And taste your drink before adding sugar; good iced coffee has a light natural sweetness.
