When temperatures rise (or let’s be honest—when you’re just not in the mood for a hot cup), cold coffee is a beautiful thing. But when you’re staring at the menu at Bon Bon’s Coffee trying to choose between a cold brew or an iced coffee, you might wonder…aren’t they the same thing?
Not quite. While both drinks are chilled and caffeinated, they’re crafted in very different ways—and the result is two totally unique flavor experiences.
Let’s break it down.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: The Basics
Iced Coffee is exactly what it sounds like: hot brewed coffee that's cooled down and poured over ice. It’s quick, classic, and convenient.
Cold Brew, on the other hand, is brewed cold from the beginning. Ground coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water for 12–24 hours. The result? A smoother, naturally sweeter coffee with less acidity and a stronger caffeine kick.
Here at Bon Bon’s, we brew our cold brew in small batches to keep the flavor rich, bold, and balanced—perfectly refreshing on its own or with your favorite milk and syrups.
Brewing Methods: Hot vs. Cold
| Drink | Brew Method | Time Involved | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iced Coffee | Brewed hot, chilled quickly | Minutes | Bright, bold, acidic |
| Cold Brew | Brewed cold, steeped for hours | 12–24 hours | Smooth, mellow, rich |
Iced coffee captures the more traditional flavors of coffee—bright and sometimes sharp—because it’s brewed with heat, just like your morning cup.
Cold brew is brewed without heat, which means many of the bitter, acidic notes never make it into the cup. It’s naturally lower in acidity and easier on the stomach for many drinkers.
Let’s Talk Caffeine
Here’s where things really get interesting.
Cold brew is often stronger in caffeine than iced coffee, even if it tastes smoother. That’s because it’s made using more coffee grounds and a longer steeping process.
If you’re looking for a morning boost (or an afternoon jolt during a long shift at the hospital or back-to-back classes on campus), cold brew might be your go-to. But if you want something lighter and easygoing, iced coffee is a great choice.
Taste + Customization at Bon Bon’s
No matter your pick, we believe your coffee should be exactly how you like it. At Bon Bon’s, we offer endless ways to customize both drinks:
Add flavor shots like:
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Vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut
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Brown sugar cinnamon
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Mocha or white chocolate
Choose your milk:
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Whole, skim, oat, almond, or coconut
Go sugar-free:
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We’ve got sugar-free syrups to keep things light
And if you’re really looking to chill out, try your cold brew nitro-style (at select Bon Bon’s locations). It’s cold brew infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy, beer-like head and velvety texture. No milk needed!
Best Pairings
If you’re sipping iced coffee:
Pair it with a blueberry muffin or everything bagel sandwich. The punchy brightness of iced coffee balances sweet or savory like a champ.
If you’re enjoying a cold brew:
Try it with a buttery croissant, chocolate chip cookie, or a sausage cheddar biscuit. The smoothness of cold brew plays beautifully with richness.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Go for Iced Coffee if:
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You like a more classic, hot-brewed taste
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You want a lower caffeine option
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You love the contrast of ice-cold coffee with rich cream or sweet syrups
Go for Cold Brew if:
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You want something smooth, low-acid, and bold
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You’re looking for a stronger caffeine boost
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You enjoy sipping your coffee straight-up without a ton of extras
Come Chill with Us
Whether you're studying at our Purdue Fort Wayne location, grabbing a mid-shift treat at Lutheran or Dupont, or relaxing with friends at Maplecrest Crossing, Bon Bon’s is your go-to for cold coffee done right.
Try both styles and see which one speaks to your coffee soul. And remember—you can always order ahead online and customize to your heart’s content:
No matter your pick, at Bon Bon’s, it’s always brewed for you.
Want more coffee wisdom? Follow us on Instagram @bonbonscoffee for drink tips, behind-the-scenes brews, and all things cozy.
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