In recent years, cold brew coffee has become one of the fastest-growing beverages among specialty coffee lovers. Many customers now prefer it, especially in the summer, not only because it's refreshing, but also because it offers a different experience from traditional coffee.
Cold brew and iced coffee have become among the most popular specialty coffee drinks in modern cafes. In this article, we'll compare cold brew and iced coffee and highlight the differences between them. Choosing the best type of coffee depends on personal taste and preparation method. And why is it important for a cafe to include them on its menu?
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What's the difference between them?
Iced coffee is made with regular hot coffee (hot water) and then chilled with ice. The temperature of the hot water significantly affects the final flavor. A cup of iced coffee is often smaller than a cup of cold coffee. Compared to cold coffee, iced coffee has a higher acidity level. While iced coffee uses hot water for brewing, cold coffee is made with cold or room-temperature water.
- Cold brew coffee: Ground coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended period (12 to 24 hours) using the cold brewing process. Cold brewing requires a longer time to extract deeper, more subtle flavors. The result is a smoother brew, with more natural sweetness and less acidity compared to hot coffee. Cold brew coffee also typically contains more caffeine due to the brewing method, and the caffeine content can be higher depending on the amount of coffee used. A cup of cold brew coffee is usually larger than a cup of hot coffee. Cold brew coffee is suitable for both home and café use, and the brewing method can be adjusted to personal taste.
Ingredients: What do you need for each type?
To make perfect cold brew or iced coffee, you need just a few basic ingredients: ground coffee, cold water, and ice cubes. If you prefer a smooth, creamy cold brew, you can add milk or cream to taste. And for those who love flavor, adding vanilla or caramel gives your coffee a special and unique touch.
It's always best to use pure, impurity-free water for brewing coffee, as water quality significantly impacts the final taste. As for the coffee beans, choosing medium to dark roasts and grinding them coarsely helps achieve a rich flavor and prevents the bitterness that can result from a fine grind. With these simple ingredients, you can prepare cold or iced coffee to satisfy all tastes.
Coffee taste: How does the taste differ between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew coffee tastes distinctly different from hot coffee, and the secret lies entirely in the brewing method. Cold brew is characterized by a smooth, creamy flavor, with significantly less acidity than hot or even iced coffee. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a richly flavored coffee without the strong acidity.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, offers a strong, direct flavor with higher acidity due to its quick preparation with hot water. If you enjoy experimenting with new flavors, you can add vanilla or caramel to enhance the taste, or even use fresh, high-quality coffee beans for a distinctive and unique flavor. Ultimately, each type has its fans, and the choice depends on your personal taste and your desire to try different coffee flavors.
Why would a customer order Cold Brew?
A smooth and easy flavor, even for those who are not used to drinking black coffee.
It usually contains higher levels of caffeine, which appeals to those who love energy and focus.
A feeling of freshness, especially in the summer heat.
What are the benefits of cold brew coffee and why do people love it?
Cold brew coffee is a refreshing and delicious beverage that offers numerous health benefits. It's rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which support heart health and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, cold brew coffee boosts alertness and focus, and aids digestion, making it an ideal choice to enjoy any time of year, especially during the summer.
One of the main advantages of cold brew coffee is that it provides a refreshing and hydrating feeling thanks to the ice cubes, and it's low in calories if prepared without sugar or cream. For this reason, many people prefer it as a healthy and light coffee drink, especially on hot days or after exercise.
What do you gain as a cafe?
High demand in the summer: Many customers are asking about it because it is a global trend.
Increase the average bill: You can offer it with additional flavors (vanilla, caramel, oat milk) and at a higher price.
- A modern image of the cafe:
Having Cold Brew gives the impression that your cafe is keeping up with the latest trends and tastes.
Tips for adding cold and iced coffee to your cafe's menu
If you own a café and are looking for ways to attract customers in the summer, adding cold brew and iced coffee to your menu is a smart move. Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans to brew iced coffee with rich, distinctive flavors. You can serve your cold brew or iced coffee with ice cubes, or mix it with milk or flavorings like vanilla or caramel to satisfy all tastes.
Serve your coffee in elegant glasses specifically designed for cold brew, with clear, crisp ice cubes. Use pure, impurity-free water to ensure a clean and refreshing taste. Don't forget to highlight on your menu that cold brew and iced coffee are a healthy and refreshing option, especially for coffee lovers in the summer. By following these steps, you'll ensure your café becomes a favorite destination for cold brew and iced coffee enthusiasts.
Marketing ideas for cold brew in your cafe
Provide them in ready-to-drink containers for delivery or for customers who like to take them with them.
Make seasonal offers like: "Cold Brew with a piece of candy".
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The content emphasizes that it is a refreshing and healthy drink, suitable for work and for long summer days.
Ultimately, cold brew isn't just an extra drink on the menu; it's an opportunity to elevate your customer experience and boost your café's sales, especially during the summer months. With its increasing popularity, including it on your menu demonstrates that you're a café that keeps up with customer tastes and prioritizes innovation and quality. If you want to differentiate your café and build customer loyalty, don't neglect cold brew; make it a staple on your daily menu.
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