
On a warm July day in Lancaster, there’s nothing like an ice-cold coffee to refresh and recharge. But when you step up to the counter at CoffeeCo Café, you might find yourself pausing—do you order an iced coffee or a cold brew? While they may look similar in your cup, these drinks are crafted in entirely different ways, each offering its own unique taste and experience.
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference, you’re not alone. Understanding how these cold coffee options are made can help you choose the perfect summer drink for your taste.
How Iced Coffee Is Made
Iced coffee begins its life as hot coffee, brewed just like the cup you might enjoy in the morning. The coffee is then cooled and poured over ice to chill it down quickly. This method retains many of the characteristics of traditional hot coffee, including its bright acidity and the aromatic notes that develop during hot extraction.
Because it’s brewed hot, iced coffee often maintains the familiar sharpness and complexity that coffee enthusiasts love. However, the addition of ice can slightly dilute the coffee as it melts, softening the intensity over time.
At CoffeeCo Café, our iced coffee is brewed fresh daily using carefully selected beans that bring out the best in every sip, making it a reliable choice for customers looking for a crisp, energizing cold drink.
How Cold Brew Is Different
Cold brew coffee takes a completely different journey from bean to cup. Instead of brewing with hot water, cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold, filtered water for 12 to 24 hours. This long, slow extraction process changes the flavor profile dramatically, resulting in a coffee that is smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter.
Cold brew is typically served over ice and is often more concentrated than iced coffee, delivering a rich, mellow taste with chocolatey or nutty undertones. It’s ideal for those who want a cold coffee that’s easy on the stomach and has a creamy mouthfeel without added cream or sugar.
At CoffeeCo Café, we take pride in serving cold brew in Lancaster that is steeped to perfection, ensuring a balanced, bold flavor in every glass.
Why Choose One Over the Other?
Both iced coffee and cold brew have their place, and your choice depends on the kind of coffee experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a bright, traditional coffee taste with a hint of acidity, iced coffee is likely your match. If you’re in the mood for something smoother and less acidic with a touch of natural sweetness, cold brew might be your summer go-to.
Here are a few quick differences to guide your choice:
Iced coffee is hot-brewed and chilled, maintaining brightness and acidity.
Cold brew is cold-steeped for hours, resulting in a smoother, sweeter, low-acid cup.
Iced coffee is lighter in body, while cold brew often feels richer and more concentrated.
Both can be customized with milk, cream, or syrups, but cold brew’s mellow flavor often shines best on its own or with a splash of milk.
The Best Cold Brew in Lancaster for Summer
Summer in Lancaster is the perfect time to explore the difference for yourself. Whether you’re heading to Central Market, taking a stroll in Lititz Springs Park, or enjoying a quiet afternoon on your porch, a cold coffee in hand can make the moment even better.
At CoffeeCo Café, we carefully craft our cold brew in Lancaster using beans that are selected specifically for cold steeping, bringing out flavors that are smooth and satisfying. Our baristas prepare each batch in-house, ensuring consistency and freshness so you get a cold brew that’s vibrant and enjoyable every time.
Which One Will You Choose?
Whether you’re loyal to the crisp brightness of iced coffee or love the smooth depth of a cold brew, CoffeeCo Café has your perfect summer drink ready. Let this July be the month you try both, find your favorite, and discover how even small differences in coffee preparation can lead to entirely different experiences in your cup.
Stop by any CoffeeCo location in Lancaster County this month and let us craft the cold coffee that will become your summer staple.






