
If you love coffee but find yourself confused by the many iced coffee options, you’re not alone. Cold brew, iced latte, frappe — these drinks are all delicious, but they’re quite different. Understanding these differences can elevate your coffee game and help you order exactly what you want, every time. Let’s dive deep into the world of iced coffee and clear up the confusion once and for all.
Cold Brew: The Smooth Classic
Cold brew is the king of smooth, strong iced coffee. It’s made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow brewing process produces a coffee concentrate that’s bold but with remarkably low acidity and bitterness.
Why Cold Brew Stands Out
Cold brew’s flavor is rich and smooth with chocolatey, nutty undertones. Because it’s steeped cold, it avoids the harsh bitterness of hot coffee brewed and cooled later. It’s perfect for people who want a clean, crisp coffee flavor that packs a punch but is gentle on the stomach.
You can enjoy cold brew black or add milk and sweetener to taste. It’s extremely versatile and refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. The result? A smooth, rich coffee concentrate with low acidity.
- Flavor profile: Bold, smooth, less bitter
- How it’s served: Usually diluted with water or milk, poured over ice
- Popular for: Those who want a strong, refreshing coffee without the bitterness of hot brewed coffee
Why Is Cold Brew So Popular?
Cold brew’s smooth taste and less acidic nature make it easy on the stomach and perfect for summer days. Plus, its convenience in ready-to-drink bottles is driving growth in cafes and retail.
Iced Latte: Creamy and Balanced
An iced latte starts with a shot (or two) of espresso poured over cold milk and ice cubes. The espresso gives it a deep coffee flavor, but the large amount of milk keeps it smooth and creamy, without overpowering bitterness.
What Makes Iced Latte Different?
Unlike cold brew, an iced latte’s coffee base is hot espresso — a concentrated, strong coffee shot — which is then cooled down with milk and ice. This makes it richer and creamier compared to cold brew. You can easily customize iced lattes with flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, which makes them a popular choice for those who want a bit of sweetness and flavor complexity.
An iced latte is a classic espresso-based drink that combines:
- Freshly brewed espresso
- Cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Ice cubes
It’s creamy and smooth, with a balanced coffee flavor that isn’t overpowering.
- Flavor profile: Mild, creamy, customizable with syrups (vanilla, caramel, mocha)
- Ideal for: Those who want a milky coffee with a gentle caffeine kick
Frappe: Frothy, Sweet, and Refreshing
The frappe originated in Greece and is a blended or shaken iced coffee made with instant coffee, water or milk, sugar, and ice cubes. The hallmark of a frappe is its thick, frothy top created by shaking or blending.
What Sets Frappe Apart?
Unlike cold brew or iced lattes, frappes have a bubbly, foamy texture and are generally sweeter by default. The instant coffee base means it’s quicker to make and has a distinct flavor profile — often more robust but less complex than espresso-based drinks.
Frappes are loved by those who want a refreshing, sweet coffee experience with a playful texture.
Originating from Greece, the frappe is a frothy, cold coffee drink traditionally made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice — shaken or blended until foamy.
- Flavor profile: Sweet, frothy, refreshing
- Difference from frappuccino: Less creamy, usually not blended with ice cream or whipped cream
- Best for: People who love a sweet, bubbly, and energizing iced coffee
Breaking Down the Differences: Cold Brew vs Iced Latte vs Frappe
- Coffee Base: Cold brew uses slow-steeped coarse grounds, iced latte uses hot espresso shots, frappe uses instant coffee or sometimes espresso.
- Milk: Cold brew usually has no milk unless added; iced latte is milk-heavy; frappe can have water or milk.
- Sweetness: Cold brew is naturally unsweetened; iced latte sweetness depends on added syrups; frappe is often sweetened by default.
- Texture: Cold brew is smooth and clean, iced latte is creamy and rich, frappe is frothy and bubbly.
- Preparation Time: Cold brew takes hours to steep, iced latte takes minutes, frappe is the quickest to shake or blend.
Cold Brew vs Iced Latte vs Frappe: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Cold Brew | Iced Latte | Frappe |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee Base | Coarse grounds steeped in cold water | Espresso shots | Instant coffee or espresso |
Milk Content | Usually none or added separately | High (cold milk) | Varies (water or milk) |
Sweetness Level | Typically unsweetened | Mild, customizable with syrups | Sweet by default |
Texture | Smooth, light | Creamy, milky | Frothy, bubbly |
Preparation Time | 12-24 hours steeping | Minutes | Minutes |
Typical Serving | Over ice, black or with milk | Over ice | Shaken/blended with ice |
What About Iced Coffee and Frappuccino?
- Iced Coffee: Typically hot brewed coffee cooled over ice. It can be lighter and more acidic than cold brew.
- Frappuccino: Starbucks’ trademarked blended coffee drink that’s creamier and often richer than a frappe, sometimes with whipped cream and ice cream-like texture.
How to Choose the Right Drink for You
- Craving strong, smooth coffee without bitterness? Go for cold brew.
- Want a creamy, milky coffee that’s customizable? Iced latte is your best bet.
- Looking for a sweet, frothy, refreshing drink? Choose a frappe.
- In a hurry? Frappe can be made fast; cold brew requires planning ahead.
- Want variety? Try adding flavored syrups or milk alternatives to any of these.
Why Are These Drinks Trending in 2025?
- Cold brew is booming due to its smooth flavor and convenience.
- Iced lattes remain popular thanks to endless flavor customizations and social media appeal.
- Frappes continue their global appeal, especially in Mediterranean regions and among those who enjoy sweet, frothy drinks.
- Ready-to-drink options for all three are expanding, giving consumers more choices than ever.
Pro Tips for Ordering Your Perfect Iced Coffee
- Know your coffee base: Espresso for lattes, instant or espresso for frappes, and steeped grounds for cold brew.
- Adjust sweetness: Ask for syrups or sugar to control sweetness.
- Choose your milk: Dairy or plant-based options make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Consider texture: Creamy and smooth (latte), frothy and bubbly (frappe), or crisp and bold (cold brew).
- Try seasonal flavors: Pistachio lattes and nutty frappes are rising trends.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the nuances of cold brew, iced latte, and frappe helps you enjoy your iced coffee exactly how you want it. Whether you prefer smooth and bold, creamy and rich, or sweet and frothy, there’s an iced coffee style that’s perfect for your taste buds.
Next time you’re at a café, you can order confidently and maybe even impress friends with your coffee knowledge.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between a cold brew and an iced latte?
Cold brew is coffee steeped slowly in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, bold, and less acidic flavor. An iced latte is made with espresso poured over cold milk and ice, making it creamier and milder in taste.
2. How is a frappe different from an iced latte?
A frappe is typically made with instant coffee, water or milk, sugar, and ice, shaken or blended until frothy and sweet. An iced latte uses espresso and cold milk over ice and tends to be creamier with a stronger coffee flavor.
3. Can I add milk or sweeteners to cold brew?
Yes! Cold brew is often served black but can be customized with milk, cream, or sweeteners based on your preference.
4. Is a frappe sweeter than an iced coffee?
Generally, yes. Frappes usually contain added sugar or syrups and have a frothy texture, making them sweeter and more indulgent compared to iced coffee.
5. What makes frappuccino different from a frappe?
Frappuccino is a branded, often creamier blended coffee drink from Starbucks, usually containing milk, ice cream, and whipped cream, whereas frappe is traditionally a simpler iced coffee drink made by shaking instant coffee with ice.
6. Which iced coffee drink has the most caffeine?
Cold brew often has the highest caffeine content because of the high coffee-to-water ratio used during steeping. However, caffeine levels can vary based on preparation and serving size.
7. Are frappes made with espresso or instant coffee?
Traditionally, frappes are made with instant coffee, but some modern variations use espresso shots instead.
8. How long does it take to prepare cold brew coffee?
Cold brew requires a long steeping time, usually between 12 and 24 hours, making it important to prepare ahead of time.
9. Can I customize iced lattes with different milk options?
Absolutely! Iced lattes can be made with dairy milk or plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk, depending on dietary preferences.
10. Which iced coffee is best for someone who prefers a low-sugar option?
Cold brew and iced latte without added syrups are excellent low-sugar choices. Frappes typically contain more sugar by default.