When the weather gets hot, nothing beats a refreshing cup of iced coffee! But have you ever wondered about the different types of cold coffee? Some people swear by classic iced coffee, while others prefer the smoother taste of cold brew.

Let’s dive into the world of chilled coffee and explore what makes each one special!

What Exactly Is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is simply hot coffee that’s been cooled down. We brew it the usual way—using a drip coffee maker, pour-over, or French press—then pour it over ice to chill it quickly. Many coffee shops make it extra strong so the melting ice doesn’t water it down too much. If we like our coffee sweet, it’s best to add sugar while it’s still hot so it dissolves properly. Some cafés use flavored syrups instead, giving us options like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut iced coffee.

Cold Brew: A Slow but Smooth Process

Cold brew coffee is a completely different experience. Instead of brewing with hot water, we steep coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for at least 8–12 hours. This slow process creates a coffee that’s naturally sweeter and less acidic than regular iced coffee. Once the brewing is done, we strain out the grounds and serve it over ice or mix it with milk. Because cold brew is so concentrated, some people like to dilute it with water or add sweeteners and cream for a balanced taste.

How to Make the Perfect Iced Latte at Home

If we love creamy, smooth coffee, an iced latte is a must-try! Unlike regular iced coffee, an iced latte is made with espresso and milk, creating a rich yet refreshing drink. Here’s how we can make a delicious iced latte at home step by step.

Ingredients:

- Espresso: 1 shot (about 30ml)

- Milk: 180ml (whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, or any milk of choice)

- Ice cubes: Enough to fill the glass

- Sweetener (optional): 1–2 teaspoons of sugar, honey, or flavored syrup (vanilla, caramel, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso – Brew a shot of espresso using an espresso machine, moka pot, or a strong coffee concentrate if an espresso machine isn’t available. If we like a stronger coffee taste, we can use two shots.

2. Sweeten the Coffee (Optional) – If we want to add sugar or flavored syrup, mix it into the hot espresso while it’s fresh. This helps it dissolve evenly.

3. Fill the Glass with Ice – Take a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes. Using coffee ice cubes (frozen brewed coffee) can prevent the drink from getting watered down as the ice melts.

4. Add the Milk – Pour the cold milk over the ice, leaving some space for the espresso. For an extra creamy texture, frothing the milk slightly before pouring can make a difference.

5. Pour in the Espresso – Slowly pour the espresso over the milk and ice. This will create a beautiful layering effect, with dark espresso on top and creamy milk below.

6. Stir and Enjoy – If we prefer a uniform taste, stir the drink well before taking a sip. Otherwise, we can enjoy the gradual mix of flavors as we drink.

Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew vs. Iced Latte: What’s the Difference?

Now that we’ve covered different cold coffee styles, how do they compare?

· Iced Coffee – Regular brewed coffee that’s chilled and served over ice. Quick and easy, but slightly more bitter.

· Cold Brew – Coffee steeped in cold water for hours, resulting in a naturally sweet, smooth taste with lower acidity.

· Iced Latte – Made with espresso and cold milk, offering a creamy, rich flavor without the bitterness of traditional iced coffee.

Lykkers, What’s Your Favorite Cold Coffee?

Now that we’ve explored the world of cold coffee, we’d love to hear from you! Are you a fan of classic iced coffee, or do you prefer the smooth taste of cold brew? Maybe you have a secret recipe or a favorite café that serves the best chilled coffee. Let’s chat in the comments—because the best coffee is the one we enjoy together!