If you’re loyal to one brew but still curious why the other has such a massive following, we’ve got you covered. The cold brew vs latte debate is actually a pretty interesting one. In this article, we’ll put them side by side and break down what makes each unique, and who knows, you might even decide the other deserves a spot in your daily routine.
Key Takeaways
- Cold brew is prepared with cold water by steeping coffee grounds, while a latte is made by combining espresso and milk.
- Cold brew generally contains more caffeine than a latte.
- Both drinks are smooth and balanced, and typically less intense than plain black coffee.
- You can customize both drinks with different flavors and milk options.
Cold Brew vs Latte: What Is the Difference?
Let’s take a look at the differences between cold brew and a latte.
| Aspect | Cold Brew | Latte |
| Preparation | Steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, then filtered. | An espresso shot combined with steamed milk. |
| Main Ingredients | Coarsely ground coffee and cold water. | Espresso, milk, foam – 1:3:1 ratio. |
| Taste | Smooth and low acidity. | Creamy and mild coffee flavor. |
| Caffeine | Typically higher due to long steep time and coffee-to-water ratio. | Moderate, depends on the number of espresso shots |
| Serving | Served cold, usually over ice. | Usually served hot, but can be iced |
| Flavors | Often enjoyed black or with simple syrups. Milk can be added. | Easily customizable with syrups, milk options, and flavor add-ins. |
Cold Brew vs Latte Caffeine Comparison
A 16-ounce cup of cold brew typically has between 180 and 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the coffee-to-water ratio and how it was brewed.
A standard latte made with a single shot of espresso contains about 64 milligrams of caffeine. Even if you add an extra shot, bringing it to around 128 milligrams, cold brew will usually still come out stronger.
With that in mind, if you prefer cold brew over a latte, make sure to keep an eye on your daily caffeine intake.
What Is the Difference in Taste?
Both cold brew and latte are known for their smoothness. Even though cold brew is simply coffee and water, it can be surprisingly easy to sip on its own. That’s because the slow brewing process reduces acidity.
A latte, on the other hand, is smooth and balanced because of the added milk. The intense espresso flavor is perfectly complemented by a larger amount of milk, which tones down the bitterness and adds a creamy texture.
How is Cold Brew Prepared?
Cold brew is prepared without any hot water, which isn’t something we usually see with coffee. The process relies on steeping. You allow cold water to extract coffee flavors over a longer period of time, and there’s a reason for that. By extracting flavor without heat, the final result is a much smoother and less acidic cup of coffee.
Here is what the process looks like:
- Step 1: It starts with coarsely ground coffee. This grind size is ideal because it prevents over-extraction and keeps the brew smooth instead of bitter.
- Step 2: The grounds are fully submerged in cold, filtered water. The mixture steeps for 12 to 24 hours, usually at room temperature or in the fridge. Because of this slow process, cold brew tastes naturally sweeter and less sharp than traditional iced coffee.
- Step 3: After steeping, the coffee is filtered to remove the grounds. What you’re left with is a concentrated brew. Since the final product is strong, many coffee shops dilute it slightly with water or milk before serving.
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Why Should Latte Fans Try Cold Brew?
If you love your coffee smooth and creamy, and you enjoy experimenting with different flavors, a latte probably feels like home. And honestly, who doesn’t love that? But here’s why cold brew might be worth trying:
- It typically has more caffeine than a latte, which makes it perfect for days when you need an extra energy boost.
- It tastes much smoother and less sharp than strong espresso, especially if espresso intensity is the reason you usually choose a latte.
- You can still add milk and syrups and see how they pair with a smoother coffee base.
How to Prepare a Latte?
Now we’re stepping into espresso territory. A latte is all about balance. The main ingredients are espresso and milk. But when you get that perfect ratio and silky milk texture, it becomes a drink that truly makes you smile with every sip.
Here’s how it comes together.
- Step 1: Every great latte starts with a fresh shot of espresso.
- Step 2: Next comes the milk. It’s steamed using a steam wand until it’s hot and velvety, with a light layer of microfoam on top. The milk should feel smooth and glossy, almost like wet paint. That’s what gives a latte its signature creaminess.
- Step 3: The steamed milk is poured gently over the espresso. A thin layer of foam sits on top, usually about a centimeter thick.
When to Switch Cold Brew with Latte
Even if you’re an enjoyer of pure coffee flavor, a flavored latte can easily become your sweet treat, especially when you discover a flavor that truly warms the soul.
We recommend trying one of these 22 latte flavors. Some will bring back nostalgia. Some are perfect for cold days. And some are evergreen classics that every true coffee lover should try at least once.
And as you’ve seen, a latte can still deliver a solid amount of caffeine if that’s your main priority. Add two shots instead of one, and you’re ready to conquer the day.
Latte Variations
Walk into any modern coffee shop, and you’ll see that lattes go way beyond just espresso and milk. From matcha to chai, there are all kinds of variations that expand what a latte can be.
You’ve got classics, flavored options, and even drinks that look similar to a latte but are actually different. That’s where things can get confusing. A flat white, cappuccino, cortado, or macchiato might resemble a latte at first glance, but the milk ratio, texture, and overall strength tell a very different story.
If you want to understand how these drinks compare, check out these:
Can You Make a Cold Brew Latte?
Yes, you absolutely can. Instead of using espresso as the base, you use cold brew concentrate and combine it with milk. You still get that creamy texture, but the flavor profile shifts because cold brew is naturally smoother and less acidic than espresso.
You pour cold brew over ice, add your milk of choice, and adjust the ratio depending on how strong you want it. If you’re using cold brew concentrate, you can either mix it with a little water first and then add milk, or skip the water and use only milk for a creamier taste.
Here are a few combinations that work beautifully:
- Whole milk cold brew latte: Rich, creamy, and well-balanced.
- Oat milk cold brew latte: Naturally sweet and smooth. Oat milk pairs especially well with cold brew’s mellow profile.
- Almond milk cold brew latte: Lighter and slightly nutty. Perfect for a refreshing afternoon drink.
- Coconut milk cold brew latte: Subtle tropical notes that make the drink feel a little more unique.
How to Make Flavored Cold Brew?
You can flavor cold brew either by adding flavor after brewing or by infusing flavor during the steeping process.
Option 1: Add Flavor After Brewing
You can mix it with syrups, milk, cream, or even other drinks to create something totally new.
Here are a few easy ideas:
- Vanilla syrup and oat milk for a slightly sweet finish
- Caramel and a splash of cream for a dessert-like vibe
- Maple syrup and cinnamon for a cozy twist
- Cold brew and tonic water for a refreshing drink
- Chocolate syrup and whole milk for a mocha-style cold brew
Option 2: Infuse Flavors During Steeping
This is where things get creative. Instead of adding flavor later, you steep ingredients directly with the coffee grounds.
Basic infusions:
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla bean
- Nutmeg
- Orange peel
More advanced infusions:
- Berries that complement natural fruity notes in African coffees
- Cacao nibs for deeper chocolate tones
- Lavender for a light floral touch
- Fresh mint for a cooling finish
- Star anise for an aromatic twist
You can also make protein versions of these coffees. Learn more about protein coffee.
Can You Make an Iced Latte?
Yes, you can absolutely make an iced latte. The ratio stays the same, but instead of steamed milk, you use cold milk and pour it over ice with your espresso.
You will not get that signature layer of foam on top, since the milk is not steamed. What you get instead is a smooth and refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
FAQ
Which is easier to prepare?
For home use, cold brew is generally easier to prepare. You just grind your coffee, place it in a jar or pitcher, add cold water, let it steep for several hours, and then strain it.
Does cold brew have more calories than a latte?
Plain cold brew has zero calories since it’s just coffee and water. A latte, however, already contains calories from milk alone, even before adding any syrups or sugar. Of course, if you add milk, cream, sugar, or flavored syrups to your cold brew, the total calorie count will increase. At that point, it depends entirely on what and how much you add.
Is cold brew more bitter than a latte?
Surprisingly, cold brew doesn’t have to taste more bitter than a latte. Because it’s brewed slowly with cold water, it extracts fewer acidic and harsh compounds.
