Iced Coffee, Cold Brew and Nitro Are Not Your Average Cup of Joe

You love coffee — and so do we! Whether hot, cold, black, or with cream and sugar, there is never a wrong time for a cup of Joe.

The summertime is the perfect time for a cold coffee beverage. You may want an iced coffee, cold brew or nitro cold brew. But what exactly is the difference?

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is made with hot coffee brewed at double strength and poured over ice. Because the ice melts as the drink is poured, the coffee needs to be stronger than a hot cup of coffee.

Due to a rapid change in the temperature, it is more bitter and acidic than its cold-brewed counterparts. It also spoils the fastest of the cold coffee drinks, experiencing the degradation of flavor after 30 minutes. However, iced coffee is known for its medium-bodied and well-balanced flavor.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is brewed by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. The longer steeping process allows the beverage to have two to three times the caffeine compared to hot or iced coffee.

Cold brew is less acidic and slightly sweet; it has a smooth and full-bodied flavor. Unlike iced coffee, cold brew can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro has the same brewing process as cold brew. The difference is in the delivery. Kegged, the cold brew is infused with nitrogen bubbles. This process creates a rich and creamy texture. Like cold brew, it has two to three times more caffeine than iced and hot coffee.

iced coffee, cold brew and nitro are not your average cup of joeWho the Heck Is Joe?

A cup of coffee was not always called a “cup of Joe.” While there is not one clear origin story as to where the phrase comes from, here are a couple of them to consider:

  • A cup of Josephus Daniels: One theory states the term comes from Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels, after banning alcohol aboard naval vessels. As a result, the strongest drink allowed on ships became coffee.
  • Average Joe: Another theory suggests the term comes from the term “average Joe,” as coffee is considered an everyman’s drink.

Not Your Average Cup of Joe

Regardless of its origins, we all know there is nothing average about a great cup of coffee. Are you ready to deliver the distinction of a coffee shop to your workplace? Let BostonbeaN help you go above and beyond for your employees.

Contact the team at BostonbeaN to bring the best coffee options to the office! Call us today at (781) 935-3100 or send an email to orders@hitbrew.com.