If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard all the buzz about cold brew coffee. It’s become a go-to drink for many, and it’s easy to see why. Cold brew offers a unique flavor and smoothness that sets it apart from traditional coffee, making it a delightful choice for any time of day.
So, what’s the big difference between cold brew and regular iced coffee? Well, it all comes down to how they’re made. Regular iced coffee is brewed with hot water, then chilled and poured over ice. Cold brew, on the other hand, never sees heat. Instead, it’s steeped for a long time—usually about 16 hours! This slow brewing process results in a rich, smooth coffee that’s less acidic and less bitter than what you might be used to.
To make cold brew, you start with high-quality coffee beans. Many cafes use special blends. At Slowpokes, they like to use Ethiopian coffee, which is often roasted right in-house with coarse-ground beans steeped in cold or room-temperature water for long hours. After steeping, the coffee is filtered, leaving you with a concentrated brew that’s ready to enjoy straight or mixed with your favorite milks and flavors.
One of Slowpokes’ coolest variations is their nitro cold brew. This drink is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy texture and a frothy head reminiscent of a Guinness beer. The best part? The nitrogen adds a natural sweetness, so you don’t need to worry about adding sugar or cream if you don’t want to. It’s smooth, rich, and oh-so-satisfying!
But here’s a little heads-up: cold brew usually packs a bigger caffeine punch than regular drip coffee. While a typical cup of drip coffee has about 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, cold brew can hit around 200 milligrams explained Low. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, taking it slow at first is a good idea. You might want to try adding some cold foam or sweet cream to balance out the flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
One of the best things about cold brew is its versatility. You can customize it with different milk options, flavored syrups, or even spices to create a drink that’s just right for you. Plus, its smooth, less acidic nature makes it perfect for pairing with food. Think sweet pastries, chocolate desserts, or even savory snacks—these can create a delicious contrast to the rich flavors of cold brew.
Find your nearest Slowpokes HERE and try their cold brew for yourself.
Check out the video below for some great cold brew and food pairing ideas!