Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: We Grow the Beans, So We Know The Real Difference
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Hello Caffeinated Humans!
Let's settle this once and for all.
You walk into a coffee shop on a hot summer day (or honestly, any day because iced coffee is a year-round vibe). You're staring at the menu trying to decide: cold brew or iced coffee?
They look the same. They're both cold. They both have caffeine. So... what's the difference?
Here's the thing: most people think they're the same drink served two different ways. They're not even close.
At 787 Coffee, we don't just serve these drinks—we grow the beans, process them, roast them, and brew them at our farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico. We've seen these beans go from cherry to cup thousands of times, so we know EXACTLY what makes cold brew and iced coffee completely different drinks.
Today, we're breaking it down in a way that actually makes sense. No coffee snob jargon. No BS. Just the real difference between cold brew and iced coffee, straight from the people who grow your coffee.
Let's do this!
The Quick Answer (For Those in a Rush)
Iced Coffee: Regular hot coffee that's been chilled and poured over ice. Bright, crisp, acidic. Faster to make.
Cold Brew: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 24 hours - 787 coffee has a cold-brew 24 hour process others have 12 hours- then strained. Smooth, sweet, low acidity. Takes time but worth it.
The biggest difference? It's not the temperature—it's how they're brewed. And that changes EVERYTHING about the taste, caffeine content, and experience.
Now let's get into the details.
What is Iced Coffee? (It's Exactly What It Sounds Like)
Iced coffee is straightforward: you brew hot coffee using your regular method (drip, pour-over, French press, whatever), let it cool down, and pour it over ice.
That's it. Nothing fancy.
How Iced Coffee is Made:
Brew coffee hot (usually stronger than normal to account for ice dilution)
Let it cool to room temperature OR pour it directly over ice
Add milk, sugar, or syrups if you want
Drink immediately
The Taste:
Iced coffee tastes like... coffee. But cold.
Because it's brewed hot, all those bright, acidic, fruity notes come through. If you love the taste of a fresh hot cup of coffee but want it cold, iced coffee is your move. It's crisp, vibrant, and has that familiar coffee flavor you know and love.
Think of it like this: Iced coffee is like taking your morning cup and making it refreshing. All the brightness, all the acidity, all the boldness—just chilled.
The Vibe:
Fast, easy, classic. Iced coffee is the OG cold coffee drink. It's what your parents drank. It's what you order when you want a no-frills, straightforward iced caffeine hit.
At 787 Coffee, our iced coffee is made with freshly brewed Puerto Rican beans that have been roasted within days—not weeks or months like grocery store coffee. You can actually taste the difference: notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a clean finish that doesn't taste stale or bitter.
What is Cold Brew? (The Smooth, Patient Cousin)
Cold brew is a completely different animal.
Instead of brewing coffee with hot water and then cooling it down, cold brew uses cold or room-temperature water from the very beginning. The coffee grounds steep in the water for 12 to 24 hours, then you strain it and boom—you've got cold brew concentrate.
No heat. No rush. Just time and patience.
How Cold Brew is Made:
Coarsely grind coffee beans (this matters!)
Mix grounds with cold or room-temp water (usually 1:4 or 1:5 ratio)
Let it steep for 12-24 hours at room temp or in the fridge
Strain out the grounds
Dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or ice
Enjoy smooth, sweet, bold coffee
The Taste:
Cold brew is SMOOTH. Like, ridiculously smooth.
Because it's never exposed to heat, cold brew has way less acidity than iced coffee. That means no bitterness, no sour notes—just a naturally sweet, chocolatey, full-bodied flavor.
It tastes almost creamy even without milk. The flavors are more concentrated and mellow. Some people describe it as "velvety" or "wine-like" in body.
Think of it like this: If iced coffee is a bright summer morning, cold brew is a chill sunset. Smooth, rich, easygoing.
The Vibe:
Cold brew is for people who want coffee that feels like a treat, not just a caffeine delivery system. It's the coffee you sip slowly, enjoy deeply, and never want to end.
At 787 Coffee, our cold brew is made from single-origin Puerto Rican beans grown at high altitude in Maricao. The volcanic soil and mountain air give our beans natural sweetness and complexity—perfect for the slow extraction process of cold brew.
The 5 BIGGEST Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
Let's break down what really separates these two drinks.
1. Brewing Method (Hot vs Cold)
Iced Coffee: Brewed hot (195-205°F), then cooled down or poured over ice.
Cold Brew: Steeped in cold or room-temp water (never heated).
This is the main difference. Hot water extracts flavors quickly and brings out acids and oils. Cold water extracts slowly and leaves behind a lot of the acidity.
2. Flavor Profile (Bright vs Smooth)
Iced Coffee:
Bright and acidic
Crisp and clean
Tastes like traditional coffee, just cold
More tangy, sometimes a little bitter if not brewed right
Cold Brew:
Smooth and mellow
Naturally sweet
Low acidity (up to 67% less acid than hot-brewed coffee!)
Chocolatey, nutty, almost dessert-like
Which tastes better? Honestly, it depends on your vibe. If you like traditional coffee flavor and brightness, go iced. If you want smooth and sweet, go cold brew.
At 787 Coffee, our Puerto Rican beans shine in both styles because we roast them fresh and hand-select every cherry at the farm. You're tasting quality either way.
Coffee catering for your private event, wedding, open house or to treat your team.
Don't settle for mediocre. Choose 787 Coffee catering NYC to make a powerful, positive statement to your employees, guests and clients. It's more than coffee; it's an investment in your company's success.
Get a Custom Quote for Your NYC Coffee Catering Needs Today!
3. Caffeine Content (More Than You Think)
Here's where it gets interesting.
Cold Brew has MORE caffeine than iced coffee.
Why? Two reasons:
Cold brew uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio (it's a concentrate)
The long steeping time extracts more caffeine
On average:
Iced Coffee: ~120-165 mg of caffeine per 12 oz
Cold Brew: ~150-238 mg of caffeine per 12 oz (depending on dilution)
That said, cold brew is often diluted before serving, so the final caffeine content can vary. But in general, cold brew packs a bigger punch.
Pro tip: If you need SERIOUS caffeine, order cold brew. If you want a more standard coffee buzz, iced coffee does the job.
At 787 Coffee, we serve both at full strength so YOU control how caffeinated you want to be. Add ice, milk, or water to taste—we won't judge.
Be a CAFFEINATED HUMAN.
Be a creative human. Be a good human.
Be a NuevaYOL Caffeinated Human.
4. Acidity (Gentle Stomach vs Coffee Jolt)
If you have a sensitive stomach, this matters.
Iced Coffee: Higher acidity because it's brewed hot. Can cause heartburn or stomach discomfort for some people.
Cold Brew: Much lower acidity (up to 67% less). Way easier on your stomach and teeth.
The cold brewing process doesn't extract as many acidic compounds, which is why cold brew feels so smooth and gentle. It's perfect for people who love coffee but hate the acid reflux that comes with it.
If you've ever felt jittery or had an upset stomach after drinking iced coffee, try switching to cold brew. Your gut will thank you.
5. Time and Effort (Quick vs Slow)
Iced Coffee: Takes 5-10 minutes to brew, then you're good to go.
Cold Brew: Takes 12-24 hours to steep. You need to plan ahead.
Iced coffee is the fast option. Brew it in the morning, pour it over ice, and you're out the door.
Cold brew requires patience. You make a batch the night before (or even two nights before) and let it do its thing. But once it's ready? You've got smooth, delicious cold brew for days.
At 787 Coffee shops, we do the waiting for you. Walk in and grab a fresh cold brew made with beans from our farm in Puerto Rico—no 24-hour wait required.
Which One Should You Order?
Still not sure? Here's the cheat sheet:
Order Iced Coffee If:
✅ You love the bright, traditional taste of hot coffee
✅ You want something fast and refreshing
✅ You like a little acidity and tang in your drink
✅ You're okay with a standard caffeine boost
✅ You're adding flavored syrups or lots of milk (iced coffee holds up to mix-ins)
Order Cold Brew If:
✅ You want smooth, mellow, naturally sweet coffee
✅ You have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux
✅ You want MORE caffeine
✅ You prefer a full-bodied, rich coffee experience
✅ You like sipping your coffee slowly and savoring it
Can't decide? Do what we do: order both and taste them side by side. It's the only way to really understand the difference.
Shop Fresh Puerto Rican Coffee
☕ Order Coffee Online – Single-origin specialty beans roasted fresh
🌱 Visit Hacienda Iluminada – Experience the farm in Puerto Rico
📍 Find a Coffee Shop Near You – NYC, El Paso, Westfield, Puerto Rico & Houston
How to Make Cold Brew at Home (The 787 Coffee Way)
Want to make cold brew at home using our Puerto Rican beans? Here's the exact method our baristas use.
What You Need:
1 cup coarsely ground 787 Coffee beans (we recommend our NuevaYol Blend or Puerto Rican Single-Origin)
4 cups cold or room-temp water
A jar, French press, or cold brew maker
A fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter
The Process:
Grind your beans coarse (like sea salt texture—not fine like espresso)
Mix coffee and water in your jar or French press (1:4 ratio)
Stir gently to make sure all the grounds are saturated
Cover and let steep for 12-24 hours (counter or fridge, your choice)
Strain twice through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove all grounds
Dilute to taste with water, milk, or ice (cold brew concentrate is strong!)
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Pro Tips:
Use fresh, high-quality beans (like ours from Hacienda Iluminada!)
Don't grind too fine or your cold brew will be bitter and murky
Experiment with steep time: 12 hours = lighter, 24 hours = bolder
Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the grounds before steeping for extra flavor
Want the easy route? Order our coffee online at 787coffee.com and we'll ship freshly roasted beans straight to your door. Perfect for home brewing.
How to Make Perfect Iced Coffee at Home
Iced coffee is even easier. Here's the no-fail method:
What You Need:
787 Coffee beans (any blend works great!)
Hot water
Ice
Your favorite brewing method (drip, pour-over, French press)
The Process:
Brew coffee 1.5x stronger than normal (to account for ice melting)
Let it cool for a few minutes (or brew directly over ice for "Japanese iced coffee" style)
Fill a glass with ice
Pour coffee over ice
Add milk, cream, or syrups if you want
Enjoy immediately
Pro Tips:
Brew extra and store it in the fridge for iced coffee all week
Use coffee ice cubes so your drink doesn't get watered down
Add a splash of our Rum-Infused Syrup for a Puerto Rican twist
The Best 787 Coffee Beans for Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
Not all coffee works the same for cold brew and iced coffee. Here's what we recommend:
For Cold Brew:
Best Choice: NuevaYol Blend
Combines beans from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Colombia
Notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and fruit
Medium roast = smooth, sweet, perfect for cold extraction
Also Great: Puerto Rican Single-Origin
100% from our farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico
High-altitude, volcanic soil = natural sweetness
Perfect for showcasing terroir in cold brew
For Iced Coffee:
Best Choice: Puerto Rican Single-Origin
Bright, fruity, clean
The acidity really shines when served iced
Tastes like drinking the Puerto Rican mountains
Also Great: Any of our single-origins!
Mexican beans = nutty, chocolatey
Colombian beans = balanced, smooth
Not sure? Start with our NuevaYol Blend. It works for both cold brew AND iced coffee, so you can experiment and find your favorite.
Cold Brew & Iced Coffee at 787 Coffee Shops
Don't want to make it yourself? We got you.
Visit any of our locations and try both cold brew and iced coffee made by our expert baristas with beans from our Puerto Rican farm.
787 Coffee Locations:
New York City
Multiple locations across Manhattan
Fresh cold brew and iced coffee daily
Plus our famous Coquito Latte (iced or hot!)
El Paso, TX
Bringing Puerto Rican coffee to Texas
Cold brew on tap, iced coffee made to order
Houston, TX (Coming Soon!)
Get ready, Houston—787 Coffee is coming your way
Westfield, NJ
Your local spot for farm-fresh cold brew
Perfect stop before hitting the train to NYC
Puerto Rico
Visit us on the island where it all started
Or better yet, tour Hacienda Iluminada, our farm in Maricao!
Office Coffee Catering: Cold Brew & Iced Coffee for Your Team
Looking to level up your office coffee game?
We offer office coffee catering and subscriptions for businesses in NYC, El Paso, Houston, Westfield, and Puerto Rico.
What We Offer:
☕ Cold Brew Kegs - Ready-to-serve cold brew on tap for your office
☕ Iced Coffee Stations - Freshly brewed iced coffee delivered weekly
☕ Custom Coffee Subscriptions - Get our beans delivered on a schedule that works for your team
☕ Barista Services - We'll come to your office and set up a full coffee bar for events, meetings, or just because
Why 787 Coffee for Your Office?
Farm-to-cup quality (we grow, roast, and deliver)
Freshly roasted beans (never stale grocery store coffee)
Supports local farmers and sustainable practices
Your team will actually LOVE the coffee
Interested? Email us or call to set up office coffee catering. Let's make your workplace the place everyone actually wants to come to on Monday mornings.
The Bottom Line: Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Here's the truth: both are delicious, and both have a place in your life.
Iced coffee is bright, fast, and classic. It's the coffee you know and love, just cold.
Cold brew is smooth, sweet, and strong. It's the coffee you sip and savor.
The best way to decide? Try both.
At 787 Coffee, whether you order cold brew, iced coffee, or a hot latte, you're getting coffee that was grown, processed, and roasted with care at our farm in Puerto Rico. From soil to cup, we control every step—and you can taste the difference.
So what are you waiting for?
☕ Visit a 787 Coffee shop in NYC, El Paso, Houston, Westfield, or Puerto Rico
☕ Order our beans online at 787coffee.com and make cold brew or iced coffee at home
☕ Set up office coffee catering and become the hero of your workplace
From our farm to your cup—let's do this!
Stay cool and caffeinated,
The 787 Coffee Family
Shop Fresh Puerto Rican Coffee
☕ Order Coffee Beans Online – Freshly roasted, single-origin specialty beans
🌱 Visit Hacienda Iluminada – Tour our coffee farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico
📍 Find a Coffee Shop Near You – NYC, El Paso, Houston, Westfield, Puerto Rico
🏢 Office Coffee Catering – Cold brew, iced coffee, and more for your team
Be a caffeinated human. Be a NuevaYOL caffeinated human.