When summer heat strikes, few things hit the spot like a refreshing glass of cold brew or iced tea. But while they may seem similar in the glass, these two drinks are worlds apart in terms of flavor, caffeine, health benefits, and brewing technique.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between iced tea and cold brew—and help you choose the perfect summer sipper for your taste and lifestyle. Plus, we’ll show you how to enjoy both with our best-selling Hibiscus Heaven Iced Tea and Cold Brew Coffee Sachets from Latitude 23.5 Coffee & Tea.

☕ Brewing Methods: The Core Difference

Cold Brew

1. 1. 🧊 Brewing Ratio & Volume Guide: Quart (32 oz): 1 sachet; Pitcher (64 oz): 2 sachets; Gallon (128 oz): 4 sachets.
2. 2. 💧 Brewing time: 24 hours.
3. 3. 🌡️ Temp: Cold, no heat used.

Iced Tea

1. 1. Bring 4 cups of fresh water to a rolling boil.
2. 2. Place 1 sachet in a heatproof container and gently pour the hot water over it.
3. 3. Steep for 3–5 minutes - the longer you steep, the stronger the flavor.
4. 4. Stir before removing the sachet. Add your preferred sweetener if desired.
5. 5. Pour brewed tea into a pitcher and add 4 more cups of cold water and/or ice to taste.
6. 6. Chill and enjoy!

🔗 Learn how to make our Hibiscus Heaven Iced Tea here.

🔋 Caffeine Content: Which Has More Kick?

• • Cold Brew: Higher caffeine levels due to long steeping time. (~150–200mg per cup)
• • Iced Tea: Much lower, especially herbal teas like Hibiscus (naturally caffeine-free)

Want a caffeine-free cool-down? Hibiscus Heaven Iced Tea is your go-to summer favorite.

🍓 Flavor Profile: Bold vs. Bright

Cold Brew

• • Rich, chocolatey, smooth
• • Lower acidity, less bitter
• • Great base for flavor infusions (vanilla, cinnamon, citrus)

Iced Tea

• • Black tea = malty & bold
• • Green tea = grassy & light
• • Herbal tea (like Hibiscus Heaven) = fruity, tart, floral

🫐 Try this twist: Mix 2 parts Hibiscus Heaven with 1 part lemonade and muddled berries. Serve over ice for a summer-ready mocktail.

🌿 Health Benefits

Cold Brew Coffee

• • High in antioxidants
• • Can improve mood and metabolism
• • Lower acidity = easier on the stomach

🔗 Source: Cleveland Clinic – Is Cold Brew Healthier?

Iced Tea (Herbal)

• • Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• • May support blood pressure and heart health

🔗 Source: WebMD – Hibiscus Tea Health Benefits

🌞 Best Served…

• • Cold Brew: On its own, or mixed with milk, lemonade, or bourbon
• • Hibiscus Iced Tea: Fruity iced drinks, mocktails, or afternoon refreshment

🌺 Featured Products to Try This Summer

• 🧊 Cold Brew Coffee Sachets
  • Easy-to-use filter packs
  • Makes up to 32 oz per sachet
  • Order now
• 🌸 Hibiscus Heaven Iced Tea
  • Bright, floral, and caffeine-free
  • Just steep, chill, and enjoy
  • Try it here

Final Brew Thoughts

Whether you’re team coffee or tea—or both—there’s a refreshing summer sip waiting for you. Cold brew delivers a bold caffeine punch, while iced tea (especially our Hibiscus Heaven) keeps things cool and caffeine-free.

No matter your preference, Latitude Coffee has your perfect brew. So grab a sachet, chill out, and make this your most flavorful summer yet.

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