Hey Lykkers! We all know that summer heat can make us crave a refreshing iced drink, and what's better than an iced coffee to cool down while still getting that caffeine boost we love?
With so many types of iced coffee out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Today, let's explore the two main categories of iced coffee and how they are made.
We'll dive into the specifics of each type so you can find the one that suits your taste this summer.
Category 1: Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is made by extracting coffee grounds with cold water, typically below 10°C, for several hours. This slow extraction process results in a coffee that's sweet, mellow, and low in acidity.
a. Iced Drip Coffee
Iced drip coffee is brewed by slowly dripping cold water over coffee grounds placed in a filter. The process usually takes about 3 to 5 hours to extract the flavors, and the result is a smooth, sweet cup of iced coffee. We recommend a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:8 (using ice weight as a reference), which gives a rich and sweet taste. If you want a less intense flavor, you can go for a ratio of 1:15. Compared to hot pour-over coffee, iced drip coffee tends to be sweeter, with a fuller body and less acidity. If you're looking for a sweet iced coffee, this one is your go-to!
b. Iced Steeped Coffee
For iced steeped coffee, coffee grounds are placed in a room-temperature water bottle and left to steep in the fridge for about 8 to 12 hours. This method is super simple—just prepare it the night before, and you'll have iced coffee ready the next day! The coffee-to-water ratio for iced steeped coffee is 1:15, which is equivalent to the typical ratio used for pour-over coffee. The resulting brew has a similar low acidity and rich, smooth flavor, but it's slightly cloudy compared to iced drip coffee. If you're looking for the easiest iced coffee, this one takes the prize.
Category 2: Hot Brew Coffee with Ice
This category includes iced coffee made by brewing hot coffee and then adding ice to chill it down. It's a quicker method compared to cold brew and results in a coffee that's bolder and slightly more acidic.
c. Iced Pour-Over Coffee
For iced pour-over coffee, we brew coffee using the traditional pour-over method, but we place ice in the lower vessel first. The ice should weigh about half of the coffee you want to brew. For example, if you want 300 grams of iced coffee, you'll need 150 grams of ice. The coffee-to-water ratio for iced pour-over is typically 1:6, which gives you a nice, balanced brew. The brewing time is about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and we recommend pouring the water slowly to ensure a well-extracted coffee. This method delivers a bright, acidic flavor with distinct fruity notes, and it's one of the quickest ways to enjoy iced coffee!
d. Iced Americano
An iced Americano is made by brewing espresso and then adding ice and cold water. To get the perfect espresso shot, the coffee-to-water ratio is about 1:2 (18 grams of coffee grounds to 36 grams of espresso). Compared to cold brew coffee, iced Americano has a lighter body and more pronounced acidity. It's a great choice for those who love a stronger, more robust coffee flavor. However, you'll need an espresso machine to make this drink, so it might not be as accessible if you don't have the right equipment.
Factors Affecting Extraction Rates
When it comes to coffee extraction, there are four key factors to consider: water temperature, grind size, brewing time, and roast level. Let's compare these to regular hot pour-over coffee:
• Cold brew coffee (Category 1) uses a lower water temperature (around 4-10°C) and longer brewing times (3-8 hours).
• Hot brew coffee with ice (Category 2) typically uses a finer grind and a lower coffee-to-water ratio, which increases the coffee's concentration.
Conclusion: Which Iced Coffee is Right for You?
Now that we've explored the different types of iced coffee, it's time for you to decide which one is your favorite. Whether you prefer the sweet, mellow taste of cold brew coffee or the bright acidity of iced pour-over coffee, there's a perfect iced coffee for every taste. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your coffee grounds, ice, and start brewing! Let us know which iced coffee you're going to try first. Happy brewing, Lykkers!
I hope this breakdown helps you understand the different types of iced coffee better. The next time you're in the mood for a cold brew, you'll know exactly what to look for!
