7 Brew Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee Drinks: Which Should You Get?
If you love cold coffee, you have two main paths at 7 Brew: cold brew or an iced espresso drink, like an iced latte or iced Americano. Both are cold and refreshing, but they are made in very different ways and taste different too. Here is everything you need to know.
How cold brew is made
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for many hours. Because no heat is used, the coffee extracts slowly and gently. The result is smooth, low in bitterness and naturally a little sweet. At 7 Brew, you can order plain Cold Brew or add flavors and cream.
How iced espresso drinks are made
Iced espresso drinks start with freshly pulled hot espresso shots, which are poured over ice and mixed with milk, water or flavors. Examples at 7 Brew include an iced Americano, iced Latte, iced breves like the Blondie, and iced macchiatos.
Taste comparison
- Cold brew: smooth, chocolatey, mellow and low in acidity.
- Iced espresso: bright, bold and slightly more bitter or roasty, especially in an Americano.
If you find regular coffee too bitter or acidic, cold brew may be your favorite.
Caffeine comparison
Cold brew is often concentrated and can be quite strong. Iced espresso drinks get their caffeine from the number of shots, which depends on size. In many coffee shops, cold brew has more caffeine than a latte of the same size, but it varies. For 7 Brew-specific numbers, check our caffeine chart.
Calorie comparison
Plain cold brew and a plain iced Americano are both very low in calories. Calories only climb when you add milk, half and half, syrups and toppings. An iced breve or flavored latte will have far more calories than a plain cold brew. See our calories guide.
Texture
Cold brew is thin and smooth, like regular coffee. Iced lattes and breves are creamy because they are mostly milk or half and half.
Which is better for…
Black coffee drinkers
Cold brew is usually the winner because it is smooth enough to drink without anything added. An iced Americano is a good choice if you want more bite.
People who like sweet, creamy drinks
An iced latte, breve or 7 Original is better, since they are built around milk and flavor.
Low-calorie or keto
Plain cold brew or an iced Americano with sugar-free syrup and a splash of cream. See our keto guide.
Sensitive stomachs
Some people find cold brew gentler because it tends to be less acidic.
Maximum caffeine
Larger cold brews and drinks with extra espresso shots tend to be the strongest. See our strongest drinks guide.
How to order cold brew at 7 Brew
- Plain: “Medium cold brew, black.”
- With cream: “Medium cold brew with a splash of half and half.”
- Flavored: “Large cold brew with caramel and cream.”
- With soft top: “Cold brew with vanilla soft top” (if available).
Popular cold brew customizations
- Vanilla and cream.
- Caramel and half and half.
- Coconut and cream for a tropical twist.
- Cookie butter or white chocolate for a dessert-like drink.
- Sugar-free vanilla for a lighter option.
Popular iced espresso orders
- Iced Blondie.
- Iced Salted Caramel Macchiato.
- Iced Vanilla Latte.
- Iced Mocha.
- Iced Americano with a splash of cream.
Frequently asked questions
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee at 7 Brew?
Cold brew is often strong, but it depends on the size and how many shots an iced espresso drink has. Check our caffeine chart.
Is cold brew less bitter?
Yes, cold brew is generally smoother and less bitter than hot-brewed or espresso-based coffee.
Can I add flavors to cold brew?
Yes, any 7 Brew flavor can typically be added to cold brew.
Which is healthier?
Both are healthy when plain. Additions like syrup and half and half make the biggest difference.
Final thoughts
Cold brew is smooth and mellow; iced espresso drinks are bold and endlessly customizable. If you like your coffee simple, go cold brew. If you like creamy, flavored drinks, go iced espresso. Many regulars keep one of each in their rotation.
