In the ever-evolving world of coffee, cold brew has emerged as a beloved alternative to traditional hot coffee. There have been many cold brew concentrates, but what is the difference between cold brew and cold brew concentrates? 

What is Cold Brew?

Cold brew coffee is a favorite among many coffee aficionados for its smooth and mellow flavor profile. Here's how it's made:

1. Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans: Cold brew starts with high-quality, coarsely ground coffee beans. The coarse grind helps in the extraction process.

2. Steeping in Cold Water: The coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. This slow extraction process imparts the coffee with its distinct flavor and low acidity.

3. Straining: After steeping, the coffee is filtered to remove the grounds, resulting in a concentrated coffee base.

4. Dilution: To serve, cold brew is typically diluted with water, milk, or a coffee concentrate to achieve the desired strength and flavor.

What is Cold Brew Concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate, on the other hand, is a condensed form of cold brew coffee. It's created through the same initial process as cold brew but with a few distinctions:

1. No Initial Dilution: Unlike regular cold brew, cold brew concentrate is not initially diluted with water. Instead, it's highly concentrated from the steeping process.

2. Customizable: The beauty of cold brew concentrate lies in its versatility. It allows you to customize your coffee to your liking by diluting it with water, milk, or alternative beverages. This customization ensures that you can enjoy your coffee exactly how you prefer it, whether as an iced coffee, latte, or even in culinary recipes.

What are the actual differences then?

1. Strength and Flavor: Cold brew concentrate is notably stronger and more concentrated in flavor than traditional cold brew. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a bolder coffee experience.

2. Customization: Cold brew concentrate offers unparalleled customization options. You have full control over the strength of your coffee, allowing you to create a beverage that suits your taste preferences.

3. Convenience: Cold brew concentrate is exceptionally convenient. Its concentrated form means you can make multiple servings from a single batch, and it stores well, retaining its freshness for an extended period.

4. Versatility: Besides enjoying cold brew concentrate as a refreshing beverage, you can incorporate it into various recipes, from coffee cocktails to desserts, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Both cold brew and cold brew concentrate have their unique merits, offering coffee enthusiasts distinct taste experiences. While cold brew is celebrated for its mildness and subtlety, cold brew concentrate is the go-to choice for those who crave a robust coffee kick. Whether you prefer your coffee mellow or intense, the world of cold brew has something to offer every coffee lover. Experiment, explore, and savor the brew that suits your mood and palate.