Cold Brew vs Espresso: What's the Difference?

Cold brew and espresso are both coffee drinks but differ primarily in their brewing process, grind size, and coffee-to-water ratios, affecting strength, flavor, acidity, health effects, and use. Cold brew uses coarse grounds steeped in cold water for hours to create a smooth, sweet flavor often enjoyed straight. Espresso uses finely ground coffee brewed under high pressure and is commonly used as a base for drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos.

The main difference between cold brew and espresso is the brewing method and caffeine intensity. Cold brew uses immersion brewing to produce higher caffeine per serving. Espresso is stronger per ounce because it uses pressure and hot water to extract a concentrated shot in under 30 seconds. Cold brew beans are medium to dark roast for smooth, low-acid flavor. Espresso beans are finely ground, roasted medium-dark to dark, and deliver bold flavor with thick crema. Whether you prefer cold brew or espresso depends on taste and brewing method.

What is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is coffee made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process produces a coffee concentrate that is smooth, rich, and has a lower acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee. Cold brew is usually served chilled, often over ice, and can be diluted with water, milk, or cream.

Is cold brew the same as espresso? No, cold brew and espresso are not the same, nor does cold brew have espresso in it. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for hours, while espresso is brewed quickly using hot water under pressure. These processes create different flavors and caffeine levels in each drink.

Is Cold Brew Stronger than Espresso?

No, cold brew is not stronger than espresso per milliliter. A single espresso shot (1 oz or 30 ml) contains, on average, 64 mg of caffeine, which is stronger and more concentrated that cold brew. For comparison, Starbucks Cold Brew has about 12.8 mg of caffeine per ounce, and Stok Cold Brew has around 12 mg per ounce. This means espresso is roughly five times more concentrated than ready-to-drink cold brew.

However, cold brew concentrate often match or exceeds espresso strength, depending on the brew ratio, steeping time, and type of coffee bean used. For example, Jot Ultra Coffee concentrate has around 150 mg caffeine per tablespoon (15 ml or 0.5 fl oz), which equals about 300 mg per 1 oz. This is nearly five times the strength of a standard espresso shot (64 mg per 1 oz). Higher coffee-to-water ratios and longer steeping increase caffeine strength in cold brew concentrate.

Is nitro cold brew stronger than espresso? Not exactly. Nitro cold brew has about the same caffeine content as regular cold brew since the nitrogen infusion doesn’t add caffeine. However, when comparing serving sizes, nitro cold brew contains more caffeine than espresso. A 16-ounce nitro cold brew delivers 2 to 3 times the caffeine of a 1-ounce espresso shot.

Can You Make Cold Brew with Espresso Machine?

No, you cannot make traditional cold brew with an espresso machine. Cold brew requires steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours, unlike espresso machines that use hot water under pressure. However, you can use an espresso machine to make iced espresso drinks. You can make cold brew by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water in a Mason jar, glass pitcher, or French press.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee. It is typically served in small 1–2 ounce shots with a strong, full-bodied flavor and hazel-brown crema on top. Espresso coffee originated in Italy in the early 20th century. It serves as the base for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Espresso requires an espresso machine because high-pressure extraction is necessary and only a machine can deliver it. A certified espresso, according to the Italian Espresso National Institute (INEI), is a 30 ml shot made with 7 grams of coffee, extracted in 25 seconds at 9 bars of pressure (130.5 PSI) with water at 88–96°C. Without pressure, you can only make strong coffee using methods like moka pot or Aeropress, but none qualify as true espresso.

Espresso machines come in manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and capsule-based forms like Nespresso. Despite their differences, all espresso machines share the principle of using pressure and heat to extract espresso consistently. Because of this, espresso is associated with cafés and professional equipment, while cold brew is simple to make at home with a jar and filter.

Can You Make Espresso with Cold Water?

Yes, you can brew espresso with cold water as cold-pressed espresso, but it does not match traditional espresso. Cold-pressed espresso, sometimes called cold brew espresso, is a coffee shot brewed with cold water under high pressure instead of hot water. Unlike cold brew, which steeps for 6–20 hours, cold pressed espresso extracts quickly under pressure.

Cold pressed espresso tastes smoother, sweeter, and less acidic than hot espresso. The cold water extraction reduces bitterness while keeping a bright, tangy acidity and fruit-like notes. It has a velvety texture, lighter crema, and more complexity than cold brew, though with less body and aroma than traditional espresso.

What are the Differences between Cold Brew and Espresso?

The key differences between cold brew and espresso include caffeine content, the equipment used to brew them, the grind size of the beans, the coffee-to-water ratio, taste, acidity, health benefits, and common uses. The difference between espresso and cold brew compares how the two coffees are brewed and consumed. The eight most impactful differences are listed below.

1. Caffeine
2. Equipment
3. Grind Size
4. Coffee to Water Ratio
5. Taste
6. Acidity
7. Health Benefits
8. Uses

Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine Than Espresso?

Yes, cold brew contains more caffeine per serving than espresso due to larger volumes, while espresso delivers a stronger concentration per ounce. A single espresso shot (1 fl oz) has around 64 mg of caffeine, while a double shot of espresso (60 ml or 2 fl oz) contains about 126 mg of caffeine, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture. In contrast, a 16 oz (473 ml) cup of homemade cold brew contains around 200 milligrams (mg). This is more than two or three espresso shots when the standard shot is 30 ml.

A 24 fl oz (710 ml) serving of Starbucks cold brew has 310 mg of caffeine, which is more than espresso. This amount exceeds the 200 mg daily safe limit recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for pregnant and breastfeeding women. By contrast, two shots (126 mg) stay within the limit, while three shots (189 mg) nearly reach it.

The following table compares the caffeine content of cold brew and espresso across major coffee chains like Starbucks, Dunkin, and more.

The difference in caffeine between cold brew and espresso also varies because not all single shots equal 30 ml. For example, a 2003 study published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology by Rachel R. McCusker found double espresso shots ranged from 40 ml to 80 ml and contained a 1.4-fold caffeine difference, averaging 156 mg per shot. Similarly, a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports by Megan Fuller from the Thomas Jefferson University showed cold brew contained 1,080 mg of caffeine per liter, equal to 255 mg per 8 oz cup.

Can You Make Cold Brew with Fine Ground Coffee?

Yes, you can make cold brew with espresso grind, but it is not ideal. The fine grind over-extracts during the 12–24 hour steep, causing bitterness and extra sediment. Cold brew is best with coarse grounds, which extract more evenly and produce a smoother, clearer drink. If using espresso grind, filter carefully and expect a stronger, cloudier brew.

Can you make make espresso with coarse ground coffee? No, you cannot. Espresso requires very fine grounds to slow water flow. Fine ground coffee has a powder-like texture, finer than drip but coarser than Turkish. Finely ground particles are essential for espresso because they resist hot water at 9 bars and produce balanced flavor, aroma, crema, and body. Too coarse a grind makes espresso watery, while too fine over-extracts and turns it bitter.

Does Cold Brew Need More Coffee Grounds Than Espresso?

Yes. Cold brew needs more coffee grounds than espresso because it uses a much higher coffee-to-water ratio. Coffee-to-water ratio is the proportion of ground coffee to water used in brewing. For cold brew, a common ratio is 1:4 to 1:8 (1 gram coffee per 4–8 grams water), steeped 12–24 hours. For espresso, the standard ratio is about 1:2 (7–10 g coffee yields 25–30 ml espresso). General brewed coffee often uses 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water ratio.

Cold brew requires much more coffee than espresso. A standard 1-liter (34 oz) cold brew pitcher uses about 85–100 g (3–3.5 oz) of coarse grounds, so a 12 oz (340 g) bag makes only 3–4 pitchers. Espresso uses 18 g per double shot; a 12 oz bag yields about 18–19 double shots. This means the same bag lasts several days with espresso but only a few batches with cold brew.

Does Cold Brew Taste Different Than Espresso?

Yes, cold brew tastes smoother, sweeter, and less bitter than espresso because it brews with cold water over 12–24 hours instead of hot water under pressure. This slow immersion brewing extracts fewer acids and bitter compounds, creating a smoother taste that is less bold and intense than espresso.

A 2022 study in Foods by Mackenzie Batali and colleagues at UC Davis showed that brew temperature strongly affects the sensory qualities of full immersion coffee. The researchers tested coffees from Ethiopia, El Salvador, and Sumatra roasted to light, medium, and dark levels and brewed at 4 °C, 22 °C, and 92 °C. They found hot brews taste more bitter, sour, and rubbery, while cold brews show stronger floral notes across all roasts and origins.

Cold brew often tastes better to people who prefer smoothness, sweetness, and low acidity. A 2022 study in Foods by Yanpei Cai from China Agricultural University showed that cold brew was fruitier and sweeter than hot brew. It had less bitterness and astringency due to stronger pyrazine aroma, higher furfuryl acetate OAV, and unique compounds like linalool and methyl salicylate.

The following radar chart from a 2022 study titled "Comparative Profiling of Hot and Cold Brew Coffee Flavor Using Chromatographic and Sensory Approaches" compares sensory attributes of hot brew and cold brew coffee.

Is Cold Brew Less Acidic Than Espresso?

Yes, cold brew is less acidic than espresso because cold water extracts fewer chlorogenic, citric, and quinic acids. A 2023 study published in Antioxidants by Brian G. Yust from Thomas Jefferson University found that cold brew coffee contained lower concentrations of chlorogenic acids and other acidic compounds than hot brews, which explained its less acidic taste and reduced bitterness.

The difference in acidity between espresso and cold brew was examined in a 2018 study published in Scientific Reports by Niny Z. Rao. The study titled "Acidity and Antioxidant Activity of Cold Brew Coffee" found that cold brew has a similar pH to hot coffee but lower titratable acidity, making it smoother and easier on acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. Espresso, on the other hand, is brewed with hot water under high pressure to extract acids quickly, producing a sharper and brighter flavor.

Is Cold Brew Healthier Than Espresso?

Neither cold brew nor espresso is strictly healthier; each offers different benefits. Espresso has the highest caffeine and antioxidant concentration per milliliter, according to a 2019 study by Giulia Angeloni published in Food Research International. The study compared eight brewing methods and found that espresso had the highest concentrations of caffeine and chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) per milliliter, nearly double other methods. However, when measured per cup, cold brew contained more total antioxidants than espresso because of its much larger serving size.

Is cold brew or espresso better for you? Cold brew is generally easier on the stomach because it has lower acidity (higher pH) and fewer bitter compounds than espresso. Espresso delivers more antioxidants like chlorogenic acids (CGAs) per ounce and has a concentrated caffeine hit, but its higher acidity can irritate sensitive stomachs. Which is “better” depends on tolerance: cold brew for smoothness and gut comfort, espresso for fast antioxidants and intensity.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee?

To make cold brew coffee at home, follow the six steps below.

1. Grind coffee beans to a coarse texture.
2. Combine ground coffee with cold water in a large jar.
3. Stir mixture to ensure all coffee grounds are saturated.
4. Cover jar and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
5. Strain brew through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
6. Serve cold brew over ice and store leftovers in the fridge.

What are the Best Coffee Beans to Make Cold Brew?

The best coffee beans for cold brew are medium to dark roast coarse ground beans with low acidity and chocolate or nutty flavor profiles. Colombian, Brazilian, and Indonesian beans are popular choices. Choose 100% Arabica beans from specialty coffee brands, like Colipse, for smoother taste, and avoid lighter roasts which can taste bitter when brewed cold.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans to Make Cold Brew?

You can buy the best coffee beans for cold brew directly from Colipse Coffee. Our coffee beans are roasted to order and optimized for cold brew with low acidity, smooth flavor, and options in both coarse ground and whole bean. Choose from decaf, high-caffeine, or single-origin blends, with free U.S. shipping available. You can get Colipse coffee grounds for cold brew at $20.50 to $24.99 per bag, with sale discounts dropping prices to $21.50 or $22.50.

How to Make Espresso Coffee?

To make espresso coffee at home, follow the six steps below.

1. Grind coffee beans finely for proper extraction.
2. Measure 18–20 grams of ground coffee for a double shot.
3. Tamp grounds evenly with firm pressure.
4. Lock portafilter securely into the espresso machine.
5. Brew at 9 bars of pressure for 25–30 seconds.
6. Serve immediately in a preheated cup.

What are the Best Coffee Beans to Make Espresso?

The best coffee beans for espresso are medium-dark to dark roast Arabica beans, specifically single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, or Costa Rica. These beans deliver rich crema, balanced acidity, and chocolate or caramel notes. Choose freshly roasted whole beans and grind them finely for optimal extraction.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans to Make Espresso?

You can buy the best espresso beans at Colipse Coffee's online store. Select from medium, dark, or blonde roasts crafted for smooth shots and rich crema. Choose between blends such as Espresso Dark or Espresso Crema or single-origin beans like Colombian Espresso or Sumatra Lake Toba. All coffee beans for espresso are roasted to order and shipped fresh within days. Get free U.S. shipping, volume discounts, and subscription deals.

When Should I Choose Cold Brew vs Espresso?

You should choose cold brew for a smoother, less acidic drink with a gradual caffeine release, ideal for hot days or sipping slowly. Choose espresso for bold flavor, higher intensity, and quick caffeine when you need an energy boost. The main difference between cold brew and espresso is in strength, flavor, and caffeine delivery. Cold brew suits large batches and mellow taste. Espresso fits fast, concentrated shots or milk-based drinks.

What is Better for an Espresso Martini: Cold Brew or Espresso?

Espresso is better for an Espresso Martini because it delivers a bold flavor, rich crema, and concentrated body that blends well with vodka and coffee liqueur. Freshly brewed espresso enhances the cocktail’s aroma and balance. Cold brew lacks the intensity and crema needed for a classic texture. Use espresso for authentic taste and appearance. Always brew fresh and cool before shaking.