Coffee lovers everywhere agree that the drink is heaven-sent, but one thing where a divide is seen is when it comes to the type of brew that is preferable – cold or hot. While both kinds have their own charms, there are significant differences on how they are prepared and what they taste like.
As people’s tastes have evolved, the traditionally brewed hot coffee has seen a variety of cold brews which are popular today, complete with whipped cream and all sorts of flavor options. Below, let’s explore just what it takes for these two brews to take their place in people’s hearts.
Longer brewing time
Cold brews actually take longer to prepare. This is because it would take more time for the coffee grounds to get filtered and dissolve in the cold water, unlike in hot water. For cold brewing, one has to let the grounds separate about three to twenty-four hours before using. Cold brewed coffee also requires more coffee, which means you need 1 part coffee to 4 parts of water. For hot brews, about 4 tablespoons are needed for 1 cup of water.
Bitter tastes
The bitter taste of coffee is from the various acids and oils in the beans. These are extracted when the coffee is brewed, but the strength of the bitter taste depends on the method of brewing. The temperature of brewing affects the flavor of your coffee. Hotter temperatures help the solubles dissolve more, which accounts for the aromatic, full-bodied taste with the natural bitterness of coffee. For cold brews, solubles dissolve less, which is why cold coffee is sweeter and less aromatic.
Caffeine content
Caffeine is not actually measured by how bitter your coffee is. Instead, the strength of your brew relies on the amount of solubles that have been dissolved in the brewing process. As such, cold brewed coffee actually has a more concentrated caffeine content compared to brewed coffee. The solubility is also different from the individual coffee grounds so the caffeine content is determined by the coffee beans used.
More energy for the day
The effects of the coffee you drink will depend on personal tolerance. This is true for both hot and cold brews. The stimulating taste and strength of the coffee brew is not really determined by the type of temperature in which they are brewed in.
Hot or cold?
People argue over which type of brew tastes better – hot or cold. But when it all comes down to it, the taste preference will really depend on the individual. Many adventurous coffee lovers like to try the different offers available in cafes these days, with many flavor concoctions to choose from. Others prefer theirs the traditional way – the way countless generations have enjoyed this drink for centuries.
One thing that cannot be argued is that coffee is an integral part of many cultures around the world, having established itself as an essential and even traditional part of daily living. Whether you like yours hot or cold, there’s no denying the power a nice cup of coffee holds.
Sophie White is a full time coffee lover and food blogger based in Australia. She is always on the lookout for the best coffee tastes and enjoys spending a quiet hour with a cup of her favorite brew. With an eye for innovation and creativity, she is currently spearheading the online marketing campaign for the Australian coffee brand Crave Coffee.
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