Cold Brew Vs Hot Brew: Which is the Better Brew?

Cold Brew Vs Hot Brew The Battle Of Brewing

Cold brew and hot brew coffee are two entirely different types of brewing that deliver different tastes.

Some people prefer hot brew coffee because of the quick brew time and variety of brew methods, while others prefer cold brew coffee because it’s said to be less acidic.

So which one should you choose? What else is the difference between the two, and finally, which one is better?

Stay with me because, in this article, we will talk about Cold brew vs hot brew coffee. So let’s get started.


What is a cold brew coffee?

Cold brew: Brewing process

A brew coffee cold is a coffee that’s brewed without the use of hot water.

This coffee takes about 12-24 hours to brew, which is the hours required for room temperature or cold water to best extract flavors from the coffee grounds.

Although this coffee takes time to brew, it’s worth the wait because the coffee drink it produces has lower acidity and a sweeter, and smoother flavor.

Because it does not use hot water during brewing, cold coffee is less acidic than hot brewed coffee.

Because hot water extracts acid from the beans, brewing coffee with cold water reduces the acidity of the coffee.

Cold brewing process requires time to make but is surely worth the wait. You should try and drink cold brew coffee.

This coffee is also one of the easiest to make.

You don’t need a high level of brewing skills. Just get the right coffee-to-water ratio which is 1:8, and let it steep.

It also doesn’t require fancy or expensive equipment, making it easier to replicate at home.

If you have an AeroPress, you can also try our method of making AeroPress Cold Brews!


What is hot brewed coffee?

Conversely, coffee hot brew is the fastest and easiest way to brew since it uses hot water.

Hot water can easily dissolve the coffee grounds and extract flavors from it in just a few minutes.

So, if you want a coffee that can be served quickly, then hot brewing should be the one you try.

Unlike cold coffee, hot coffee has more acidity because hot water extracts more of the coffee beans’ acidic chemicals compared to room-temperature water.

The taste is also more bitter, with a stronger warm aroma.

A hot brew coffee is any brewing method that uses hot water.

Like what’s already said earlier in this article, there are a lot of brewing styles you can try out under the hot brewing umbrella.

Whether it is pour-over, drip coffee, or French press, as long as it uses hot water to brew the coffee, it is a hot brew coffee.

Hot-brewed coffee also offers different flavors depending on how you brew it, and you can always add ice to make it cool!

This is why it’s a common choice for many coffee drinkers.


Cold brew vs hot brew: Differences

Let’s now dive into the differences between the two coffees.

Brewing Method

One significant difference in the brewing process of both coffees is their water temperature.

As we already know, cold brewed coffee only uses cold or room temperature water (68°F/20°C), while hot coffee uses a hot water temperature (195 – 205°F/91 – 96°C) to brew coffee.

cold brewed coffee only uses cold or room temperature water

Cold brewing requires an extended period of time to brew, while hot-brewed coffee is the simplest and quickest way.

You can brew coffee hot in many different ways.

You can use a manual pour-over method, French press, drip coffee machine, espresso machine, and more to brew a hot coffee.

Hot brew

On the other hand, cold brew coffee made with the Immersion method only requires a container.

All you need to do then is add the coffee grounds and cool water and let it steep for about 12-24 hours to make a cold brew concentrate.

In terms of grind size and roast profile, coffee cold brew should use a medium coarse and dark roast bean, whereas hot drip coffee can use a medium coarse and light roast of beans.

Taste

When it comes to selecting a coffee, the flavor is an important factor to consider.

Both coffees have distinct flavors. In general, the taste of hot brewed coffee is well-rounded.

It also has a wonderful aroma and acidity that you will appreciate. It’s also a little sweet and bitter.

Cold Brew vs Hot brew

Cold brew is less acidic, smoother, sweeter than hot brew, and more concentrated.

Benefits

In general, coffee has numerous health benefits. Because cold brew and hot brew coffees use the same type of coffee beans (Arabica), they have many similarities in terms of health benefits, such as:

  • Gives you energy boost
  • Prevent cardiovascular disease
  • Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Prevents Parkinson’s disease
  • Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
  • Prevents the risk of cancer and more.

These benefits, and a lot of others, are because of the high antioxidants present in the coffee.

However, the antioxidants in a cold brew coffee are sometimes fewer than in a hot brew, especially if you use a dark roast coffee.

But overall, a cold brew coffee is just as healthy as hot brew coffee, so you don’t have to worry too much.

In addition to those health benefits, a cold brew is also less acidic, which is good for preventing acid reflux.


Conclusion: Cold Brew vs Hot Brew

So there you have it, the distinctions between cold and hot brew coffee.

However, when it comes to flavor, cold brew is less acidic, has less bitterness, and is smooth and sweet, whereas hot brew is more acidic, has a rounded flavor, and a great aroma.

Your decision is based on your personal preferences.


FAQs

Is cold brew better than hot?

No, both coffees are good. It is simply a matter of personal preference as to which one you believe is better.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?

Yes, cold brew coffee can be stronger than regular coffee, especially if not diluted. It also contains a lot of caffeine, which is one of the reasons why coffee is so strong.

Is cold brew coffee the same as iced coffee?

No, cold brew coffees are made without the use of hot water, whereas iced coffee is made with hot water and then poured over ice. So iced coffee shouldn’t be mistaken for cold brew coffee.

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