What's the difference between cold brew, ice brew, and ice drip coffee? This article will teach you how to tell them apart!

As the weather gets warmer, a refreshing iced coffee sounds appealing. Both hot and iced coffee offer distinct flavors. Beyond Iced Americano, what are the differences between cold brew, ice drip, and nitro cold brew coffees?

---

Iced Americano

The most common iced coffee is Iced Americano, which is made by extracting espresso with a high-temperature espresso machine and then pouring it over ice cubes and cold water. The ratio of ice cubes to cold water can be adjusted according to personal preference. The higher the water ratio, the lighter the coffee flavor will be.

Recommended product: Opresso Optimal 3-in-1 Capsule Coffee Machine with 7 Water Level Settings

• 7 water level settings

Adjust the intensity of your coffee or tea to your personal taste.

• 15 Bars high-pressure pump

Professional-grade coffee machine pressure specifications, perfectly presenting the flavor and aroma of ground coffee ☕

• Slim and space-saving

Only 14.5 cm wide, slim and space-saving, a cost-effective choice for small households.

Shop now  

---

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee, unlike Americano which is "hot extracted" and then diluted with water, uses low temperatures to extract coffee, much like cold brew tea. After grinding the coffee beans, they are placed in a bottle, cold water is added in proportion, and then steeped in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. Without the high-temperature extraction process, many chemical molecules in the coffee grounds are not released, reducing the bitterness, acidity, and oils in cold brew coffee. However, because the water and coffee grounds are steeped for an extended period, the caffeine content is higher, and it has a fermented, alcoholic taste. A small amount of cold brew coffee with ice cubes can feel like drinking spirits.

Recommended product: HARIO Bottle Design Cold Brew Coffee Maker

• Bottle-shaped design

• Easily makes delicious iced drip coffee

• This pot makes iced drip coffee without troublesome steps and can be stored directly.

• By slowly extracting coffee with water, you can enjoy the original taste and aroma of the coffee beans.

• MADE IN JAPAN

---

Ice Drip Coffee

Since it's difficult to extract coffee flavor with cold water, besides the long-steeping cold brew, another method is to let water slowly drip through. Ice drip coffee employs this method. Using ice cubes that naturally melt into cold water, it slowly drips at a steady pace, drop by drop, into the coffee grounds, and then the coffee extract slowly drips out, drop by drop. This entire process typically takes 4 to 8 hours. The extracted ice drip coffee is usually stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days before consumption. Ice drip extract is highly concentrated; you can add ice cubes or cold water according to your preference. The taste is similar to cold brew coffee, rich and not bitter, with an alcoholic aroma.

Recommended product: HARIO Water Drip Coffee Maker SHIZUKU

• Easily makes ice drip coffee, with a rich and mellow taste that is not acidic.

• Both upper and lower pots are made of heat-resistant glass, able to withstand temperatures up to 120℃.

• Fine stainless steel filter, more efficiently permeates all coffee grounds for full coffee extraction.

• Graduated markings for precise control of beverage volume.

• Thoughtful design with a shared silicone lid for both upper and lower pots.

• Compact ice drip set, space-saving, elegant design, adds taste to your home.

---

Nitro Coffee

Nitro coffee, as its name suggests, involves infusing black coffee with nitrogen gas. Most on the market use cold brew coffee (though some use Americano, cold brew generally tastes smoother and is more suitable). The full name should be Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. Through a high-pressure valve, nitrogen is injected into the coffee, creating fine nitrogen bubbles.