Cold brew is a type of coffee that is brewed with cold or room temperature water and steeped for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. The process involves soaking coarse-ground coffee beans in water, which results in a different taste profile compared to hot brewing the same type of coffee beans. Cold brew coffee has mild chocolate and mellow, low acidity fruits as common flavor notes.

Cold brew coffee originated in Japan, where it has been a traditional method of coffee brewing for centuries. There are different types of cold brew coffee, including slow-drip cold brew, also known as Kyoto-style, or as Dutch coffee in East Asia, which refers to a process in which water is dripped through coffee grounds at room temperature over the course of many hours.

Cold brew coffee has a lower titratable acid concentration compared to hot brewed coffee, which influences its taste. Nitro cold brew is a variation of cold brew coffee that uses the addition of nitrogen gas to create a smooth texture. It was created in the early 2010s and is typically served chilled, as ice would damage the foamy top.

The main difference between cold brew and iced coffee is their brewing method. Iced coffee is made by using the standard brewing practice with hot water, while cold brew is made by steeping coffee in room temperature water for long periods. Through these different brewing methods, big differences in flavor, texture, and caffeine levels emerge. Cold brew coffee has a much slower brewing process compared to other coffees, which are made with heat to quickly extract their flavor and caffeine. Once brewed, cold brew coffee can stay refrigerated for several days, making it efficient and convenient to store large batches for later use.

In summary, cold brew is a type of coffee that is brewed with cold or room temperature water and steeped for an extended period, resulting in a different taste profile compared to hot brewed coffee. It is a popular drink during the hot summer months and can be served with nitrogen gas to create a smooth texture. Cold brew coffee has a much slower brewing process compared to other coffees, and it can stay refrigerated for several days, making it efficient and convenient to store large batches for later use.