Cold brew vs Iced Coffee?

If you're like us, the words "cold brew" and "iced coffee" send a shiver of pure delight down your spine. As the days get longer and the weather starts throwing a hot tantrum, there's nothing better than a chill cup of java. But let's spill the beans: iced coffee and cold brew are as different as espresso and latte.

So, when you walk into your favorite coffee joint and spot "iced coffee" on the menu, do you know what you're getting? And why does the coffee from one place make your heart do a salsa dance, while from another it’s like a calm waltz? Well, coffee lovers, consider us your caffeine cupid. In this article, we’ll decode the secret language of cold coffee and introduce you to your new bestie: Java Momma's cold brew pods.

What is Iced Coffee?

If you time-traveled back to the 90s and walked into any old coffee shop, you likely got served iced coffee. But what's in a name? In this case, exactly what it sounds like — hot coffee poured over ice (iced americano, anyone?). Iced coffee's family tree is a bit tangled, but it's been a thing at least since the 1840s. The Japanese, being the awesome coffee nerds they are, have their own take on it.

Japanese-style iced coffee is not just any Joe's take on iced coffee. This method involves brewing hot coffee directly onto ice, transforming your favorite hot beverage into an icy paradise. That means you can still enjoy the dance of flavors you love in coffee but in a cooler format. But beware, brewing iced coffee is a labor of love. It takes time, patience, and a knack for getting the recipe just right.

Java Momma's Cold Brew Pods, Ready to Mingle?

Next on the scene, we have the cool kid on the block, cold brew coffee. And get this, Java Momma is setting the coffee world on fire with our nifty cold brew pods. For a trend that took the coffee scene by storm in the 2010s, cold brew is an old soul, with roots tracing back to Japan and places as diverse as New Orleans, Algeria, and Cuba.

So what makes cold brew so cool? It's all in the brew, baby. Cold brew is made by soaking coffee in water for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, without any heat. The result? A brew that’s smoother than smooth jazz and as low in acidity as an easy Sunday morning.

Our Java Momma cold brew pods are ready to make your life a whole lot easier. Just drop one of our pods in water, let it steep for 18 to 24 hours, and voila, you've got yourself a rich, delicious cold brew. Our pods are packed with top-notch coffee so you can trust you're in for a treat with every sip.

If you want to learn more check out our Ultimate Cold Brew Guide.

Which Brew is the One for You?

So, which will it be, iced coffee or cold brew? It's like choosing between two love interests in a romantic comedy. Iced coffee is ready to go immediately, but getting it right might take a bit of trial and error. Cold brew, on the other hand, is the chill friend that you have to wait for, but boy, is it worth it!

Generally, if you fancy lighter-roasted coffees with floral or delicate notes, iced coffee could be your perfect match. For the fans of nutty, chocolaty, darker-roasted coffees, cold brew is your jam. It's smooth, it's round, and it knows how to highlight those robust flavors.