Cold Brew vs. Nitro vs. Iced Coffee: Which Should You Order?
Cold brew, nitro or plain iced coffee? They all look like cold coffee in a cup, but they taste completely different. Here's the quick breakdown so you can order the one that actually fits your mood.
The 10-second answer
- Want smooth and chocolatey? Get cold brew.
- Want creamy, no milk needed? Get nitro cold brew.
- Want bright, classic and quick? Get iced coffee or an iced Americano.
What is cold brew?
Cold brew isn't hot coffee poured over ice. It's coffee steeped slowly in cold water for hours. At Qargo, our signature dark roast steeps for 18 hours, which makes it smooth, low-acid and naturally sweet, with notes of dark chocolate, almond and toasted malt.
Because it's brewed strong, cold brew often packs more caffeine per cup than regular iced coffee. Go easy if you're sensitive. Want the full story? Read what is cold brew.
What is nitro cold brew?
Nitro is cold brew infused with nitrogen and poured from a tap. The tiny bubbles create a silky, cascading pour and a creamy, stout-like texture, so it feels rich without any milk or sugar. If you like your coffee black but want it to feel like a treat, nitro is your move.
What is iced coffee?
Iced coffee is coffee brewed hot, then chilled and served over ice. It tastes brighter and more classic than cold brew. If you want espresso flavor instead, go for an Iced Americano: our Neapolitan-style espresso with cold water over ice.
Cold brew vs. nitro vs. iced coffee at a glance
- Cold brew: brewed cold for 18 hours; smooth, low-acid, chocolatey.
- Nitro cold brew: cold brew plus nitrogen; creamy and silky with no milk needed.
- Iced coffee: brewed hot, then chilled; bright and classic.
The Qargo cold brew lineup
Ready to try one? Here's what's on our cold brew menu:
- Cold Brew: our signature 18-hour dark roast.
- Nitro Cold Brew: silky and cascading, with dark chocolate and toasted malt notes.
- Nutty Nitro Cold Brew: nitro with a smooth swirl of hazelnut. Dessert-like, never heavy.
- Coco Choc Nitro Cold Brew: nitro layered with coconut and dark chocolate, like a chocolate-coconut bar in a glass.
- Black Cherry Cold Brew: a fruity twist that's balanced and smooth.
Prefer something with milk? Check out our iced lattes, mochas and matcha.
Frequently asked questions
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
Often, yes. Cold brew is usually brewed as a strong concentrate, so many servings have more caffeine than regular iced coffee.
Does nitro cold brew have milk in it?
No. The creamy texture comes from nitrogen, not dairy.
Which is least bitter?
Cold brew and nitro. Cold brewing pulls less acidity and bitterness from the beans.
Find your cold brew
Find a Qargo Coffee near you or order ahead in the Qargo Coffee app. More for iced coffee fans: Iced Coffee, Your Way.