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Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

Hot Brew vs. Cold Brew: How to Find The Perfect One For You

in Brewed on 04/01/23

chemex coffee on table and cold brew coffee glass on a desk

Learn what the differences are between cold brew and hot brew coffee and find out which is right for you.

Guest Post By: Jade Piper, small business owner and freelancer writer

Chemex filled with coffee on a table top
  • Cold brew and hot brew coffee differ beyond their serving temperature.
  • Hot brew coffee and cold brew differ greatly in their caffeine content, richness and flavor, and their acidity.
  • Learn which brew is right for you by reading on below!

Contrary to the common misconception, there’s more to “hot brew” and “cold brew” than their serving temperature. So what are they exactly? Check out this blog to learn everything you need to know about these two unique coffee brewing techniques. 

Defining Hot and Cold Brew Coffee 


Hot brewing is a more straightforward approach to making satisfying coffee-based drinks you can easily make at home. It involves pouring hot water to ground coffee beans using any of these popular manual brewing methods:

  • Pour-over-drip coffee cone
  • Pour-over drip Chemex (Grab the FREE Chemex brew guide below!)
  • French press
  • AeroPress
  • Stovetop Moka pot
  • Siphon coffee maker

On the other hand, cold brew should not be confused with iced coffee, which is usually a hot brew served chilled or poured over ice. It is produced by steeping the coarse ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for at least six to 24 hours. Cold brew beverages are often made even yummier and more decadent when added with flavored syrups, coconut milk, nut milk, condensed milk, and vanilla cream.

 

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Preview of chemex Guide

 

Hot Brew vs. Cold Brew Coffee: What Are The Differences?

  • Acidity and bitterness – Cold brew coffee has a noticeably lower acidity level and is less bitter than hot brew. So if you’re an avid coffee drinker who gets heartburn and an upset stomach, a cup of cold brew may be heaven-sent.
  • Aroma and richness in flavor – While cold brew coffee may be less bitter and smoother, it doesn’t have the rich, sought-after aroma and well-rounded flavor you can get from a hot brew.
turquoise origami pour over coffee maker on a coffee scale
  • Caffeine potency – Is a hot brew stronger than a cold brew coffee? It’s actually a close fight between the two since the coffee-to-water ratio plays a pivotal role in this aspect. In addition, you also have to consider the type of coffee beans you’ll use in your brew, as they have distinct differences in caffeine levels.
  • Time to make – A cup of fresh, hot brewed coffee can be easily enjoyed every morning because they’re made faster in minutes. However, cold brews take several hours to steep or brew gradually. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy cold brew regularly by making a large stash and storing it in your fridge, which can stay fresh for three days.

How to Make Cold Brew

Making your own cold brew coffee at home is super easy. It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy coffee-based drinks without spending a lot. Interestingly, you don’t need to find a specific roast as it works for everything, according to the Food Network. However, cold brew works best on coarse-ground coffee because it’ll be easier to strain the solid parts. It’s highly recommended you grind your own coffee beans but it’s also fine if you buy pre-ground options, as long as you do not let it brew excessively long.

Check out this quick cold brew video tutorial!

pouring cold brew into a glass

You can also follow the below steps to make your own cold-brew coffee concentrate.

  • Mix coarse coffee grounds with room-temperature water. As a rule of thumb, the ratio should be  1/4 cup coffee to 1 cup water.
  • Steep the coffee concentrate mixture in a covered jar or pitcher. Let it brew for at least 12 hours or overnight. Shake occasionally. 
  • Strain the solid coffee grounds using a coffee filter. 
  • Dilute with 50% milk or water, depending on how strong you like your coffee. 

In addition, you can also do the French press method to pull off DIY cold brew at home.

  • Add ¾ cups of coarse ground coffee and three cups of cold drinking water in a French press.
  • Put the lid on and leave it for at least 12 hours, stirring every now and then. Keep it in the fridge to chill. 
  • Push the French press’ plunger filter to strain the solids. Transfer it in a different container for storing, or in a tall glass to enjoy right away.

Can I Drink Cold Brew Coffee Hot?

Despite its name, you can drink your cold brew coffee, either hot or cold. Heating it won’t affect its flavor components, so you still enjoy its delicious and bitter-free taste, thanks to its smooth and slow brewing process.  

Any type of cold brew coffee can be served hot. You can warm it up in a saucepan under low to medium heat. Don’t bring it to a boil. Add water if you got yours in the form of liquid concentrate. Once warm enough to your liking, serve it in your favorite mug with milk, cream, or sugar to make it even better. 

So Which One Is Better, Hot or Cold Brew?

In conclusion, both hot brew and cold brew coffee drinks are equally delicious. It just all comes down to personal preference.

However, if you struggle with acidity, sticking to cold brew may be a safer option. 

 
latte in a garden

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Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful
This affogato recipe is not only bursting with complementary sweet, bitter flavors but it only requires 2 ingredients!

I value each & every subscriber. It's quick and easy to subscribe, just click here: https://rb.gy/acljrf  
You'll be the first to learn of my newest coffee recipes!  

Links from video: 
- Top-Tier Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recs - Find Them Here: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato/
- Pour Over Tutorial: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/what-is-pour-over-coffee/ 

The blog post that coincides with this video is: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato

Best Affogato Recipe

Ingredients:
2 shots of espresso
½ cup vanilla bean ice cream
Salted brownies for garnish (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions: 
1. Scoop vanilla bean ice cream into a 4 ounce glass and place in freezer while you prepare the espresso.

2. Pull the espresso shots. Immediately, pull glasses of ice cream out and pour the espresso over the ice cream.

3. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and salted brownie crumbs. Garnish the glass's rim with a one-inch square of salted brownies.

New videos every Thursday. 
#affogato #affogatocoffee #affogatoespresso #affogatorecipe #affogatocoffeerecipe #coffeerecipes #coffeerecipe #coffeeandicecream
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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Affogato Recipe (Espresso & Ice Cream)
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_7ijP8EVjEDg
Learn to pair coffee with food following these 5 coffee and food pairing best practices. Examples included in the video!

Download these FREE Resources for Your Food and Coffee Pairing at Home: 
Food & Coffee Pairing Chart + Food & Coffee Pairing Guide  - https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-coffee-pairing-chart/ 
Coffee & Food Pairing eBook - https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-coffee-ebook/ 

Blog Post for Coffee and Food Pairing Etiquette:
https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-and-coffee/ 

Note: I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through some of the below links. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
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Blue Bottle Mug (12 oz.) - https://amzn.to/3jPnK8Q
Fab Slabs Natural Wood Cutting Board - https://amzn.to/2VQmoCC 
Nora's Naturals Organic Coffee - https://www.coastalcoffeecollective.com/
Orange & Bourbon Marmalade - https://blakehillpreserves.com/products/orange-bourbon-marmalade

New videos every Thursday.

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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Coffee and Food Pairing: 5 Best Practices & 5 Best Combinations
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_mhp8dZoxZd0
Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe 

* Make a delicious non-dairy version of the famous fall pumpkin spice latte.
* Barista blend oat milk will allow you to create a slightly healthier version (but equally delicious) of this Starbucks classic.
* You can also enjoy this drink warm by following the modified recipe below

Thanks a ton for watching! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more videos: https://rb.gy/acljrf  
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Disclaimer: product links may include affiliate links.

Links from video: 
To enter the "Word of the Week" for a chance to win a Home Coffee Roasting Starter Kit, please visit: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/contest. The word is “AUTUMN” this week! 

Blog Post for the Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/oat-milk-pumpkin-spice-latte/

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
Barista Blend Oat Milk - https://amzn.to/3zH0Oiv 
Cheesecloths - https://amzn.to/3iaolTg 
Organic Pumpkin Puree - https://amzn.to/3zGgC58 
Organic Pumpkin Pie/Pumpkin Spice - https://amzn.to/3l571R9 
Organic Brown Sugar- https://amzn.to/3zD4pOs  
Stainless Steel Black Straws - https://amzn.to/3iTemRo

Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin spice mixture:
½ cup oat milk (barista blend if possible)
⅓ cup brown sugar (white is okay too)
2 tsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
1 tsp vanilla extract
Latte
2 shots of espresso
1 cup oat milk 
1 tbsp pumpkin spice mixture
½ cup whipped cream (optional)
2 ice cubes (if enjoying cold)

Pumpkin spice mixture:
1. In a small sauce pan, add oat milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to medium heat and whisk ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.
2. Once the mixture starts to steam and the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh filter into a glass jar for easy storage.
Latte:
3. Pull your espresso shots, and pour inside your desired coffee mug. Add the strained pumpkin spice mixture to the espresso and stir well.
4. If enjoying warm (skip to next step if enjoying iced), steam your milk using a steam wand, milk frother, or mason jar (see post above to make foam without a frother) until foamy. Pour velvety milk on top of the espresso mixture.
5. For iced pumpkin spice lattes, add 2 to 3 ice cubes or cold brew coffee cubes to your mixture.
6. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and dust with pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

New videos every Thursday. 

Iced pumpkin spice latte, how to make a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte recipe, healthier starbucks drinks, starbucks, starbucks pumpkin latte, pumpkin latte, starbucks pumpkin spice latte recipe, how to make pumpkin spice latte healthier, how to make pumpkin spice latte with less sweet, how to make pumpkin spice latte vegan

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Follow me at:
Blog: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coffe...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bakedbrewedb...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedbrewed...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bakedbrewed...

Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte With Oat Milk Recipe
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_UXMXFdkbeKc
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I'm Cheyenne — Seattle-based coffee lover & writer. On this blog, you'll find brewing tips & tutorials, coffee & food pairing recipes, and FREE COFFEE GUIDES for your favorite brew method.
Happy Brewing!

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Ever tried syphon/siphon coffee? And if not, would Ever tried syphon/siphon coffee? And if not, would you want to try it?

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