Iced Coffees vs Iced Lattes vs Iced Long Blacks

It’s a warm day and you’re feeling adventurous. You decide it’s time to ditch warm coffee and get yourself something cold and possibly a little sweeter? Trust me, no pretentious barista judgement here… however if you want to understand the difference between Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee and other ways to step up your game – then I have some pro barista tips for you.

Iced Coffee Vs Ice Latte/Long Black Vs Cold Brew

I am sure some of you have been saying “aren’t they all the same thing?” my inner barista cringes slightly as the question rings in my ears. I then remembered I am a barista who is superior in the society chain, and you are simply just in touch with the common man 😉 ok maybe a little pretentious. 

Iced Coffee

The glory days… 10,000 calories in a delicious drink. We are talking about all the works – Ice-cream, cream, espresso coffee, chocolate, and more cream. This drink is phasing out with the shift in the Australian market due to its high sugar content and how Australians are now drinking coffee (stronger and smaller) but still served in many venues across the country.

Iced Latte / Long Black

Don’t be fooled, this is what the cool kids drink. The Iced Latte / Long Black has less ingredients involved which creates a strong and different flavour balance compared to Cold Brew and Iced Coffees. Simply put, your finest ice available (ideally from the depths of the arctic but your local tap will do) with milk and espresso or filtered cold water for an Iced Long Black. 

You will notice this method of cold coffee is stronger and could be slightly sharper than your usual hot coffee – if this is the case, add some sugar syrup to your coffee to sweeten until your palate adjusts to the new flavour. Secondly, you can pull a Ristretto shot instead of an espresso to help decrease the acidity in the coffee. A ristretto has less water pulled through therefore enhancing the flavour and sweetness.

Cold Brew

Delicate, patient and tenderly loved, Cold Brew is a superior step up to your cold coffee drink. If you’re new to Cold Brew, allow me to elaborate. Cold Brew involves infusing your lightly roasted coffee grounds in filtered water for 12-24 hours. Once brewed, you are presented with a concentrate which stays in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Pro tip – We recommend brewing a lightly roasted Single Origin to get the most clarity of the flavours present. A sweet floral and fruit Natural Ethiopian to a heavy velvety chocolatey Natural Brazil

Bonus Option – Iced Filter

A cheeky bonus drink to try. Now, if you’re anything like me I am an absolute sucker for filter, better yet give me an Iced Filter any warm day of the week! However, this drink is not for the busy hustlers on the move, not a drink you can make ahead of time. Preparing your filter and storing it in the fridge is going to taste bitter and sharp. This is because the coffee has had time to oxidise. You’re probably thinking, how do you make any Iced Filter? Filter is normally hot! I will share with you, my easily accessible wisdom (reference of internet and practise) We use the same amount of coffee however we use half the amount of water to create our filter. When the hot coffee melts the ice, you will have a similar strength to standard filter coffee. This method of cold coffee is for conserving delicate flavours of your lightly roasted single origin and balances beautifully by itself. However, this is not an ideal base to be adding with milk or sugar.