Cold Coffee: Beauty Booster, Trend Beverage, and Moment of Indulgence
"Cold coffee makes you beautiful" – the saying sounds like a nice joke among girlfriends, but actually has a long history. Originally, it dates back to a time when women in the Baroque era could ruin their elaborately powdered wigs and expensive make-up with steaming hot coffee. Cold coffee, on the other hand, spoiled neither hairstyle nor make-up – and so it was said: Cold coffee makes you beautiful.
Today, this old proverb doesn't just stand for a little everyday wisdom; it also represents a drink that has long become a trend. Because cold coffee is much more than just cooled filter coffee. Whether as Cold Brew, Eiskaffee or Iced Americano: Cold coffee is refreshing, often tastes milder than hot coffee, and still gives you a gentle caffeine kick – perfect for hot summer days or cosy moments of indulgence in between.
But why is cold coffee so celebrated? Is it really healthier? And how can you easily make it yourself? In this article, we delve deep into the world of cold coffee, giving you practical recipes, showing you the benefits and effects, and providing exciting background information – seasoned with a wink and plenty of inspiration for your next coffee moment.
So, chill out – and discover why cold coffee doesn't just make you beautiful, but also happy.
What exactly is cold coffee?
When you hear "cold coffee," you might first think of the mug you forgot in the morning, now undrinkable on your desk. But cold coffee is much more than stale filter coffee – it's its own little coffee world that offers you enjoyment, refreshment, and a special aroma.
And this is where the wheat is separated from the chaff: With cold coffee, it becomes particularly clear what quality a bean possesses. A high-quality coffee tastes balanced, aromatic, and pleasant even when cold, whereas inferior coffee quickly seems bitter or flat. So, if you drink a really good coffee, it will still be a moment of pleasure even when cold – whether as a Cold Brew, Eiskaffee, or simply because you forgot your mug.
Cold coffee, Cold Brew, Eiskaffee – what's the difference?
Cold coffee in everyday language often simply describes coffee that has cooled down. Some drink it black or transform it into a quick Eiskaffee with ice cubes and milk. But beware: when inferior coffee gets cold, it shows its true colours – bitter, thin, unpleasant. A high-quality coffee, however, remains a delight even when cold, as it retains balanced aromas and a pleasant sweetness.
Cold Brew is the supreme discipline among cold coffees. Coarsely ground coffee beans are extracted in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This slow, cold brewing extracts fewer bitter substances and acids from the coffee, resulting in a mild, smooth, and stomach-friendly coffee. It often tastes chocolatey, nutty, or fruity, depending on the bean and roast.
Eiskaffee is the summer classic: Cooled coffee or espresso is combined with vanilla ice cream, cream, or milk and often served with a straw. It's sweeter and creamier than Cold Brew and is more of a dessert or sweet refreshment.
Iced Americano is prepared by pouring fresh espresso directly over ice cubes and topping it up with cold water. This gives you a clear, refreshing coffee that doesn't taste watered down but provides the caffeine kick you need on hot days.
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Cold coffee is not just cold coffee. Whether Eiskaffee, Iced Americano or Cold Brew – each variant has its own character. The quality of the beans is crucial, as coffee reveals its true aroma when cold. Thus, cold coffee becomes a refreshing and aromatic discovery for all coffee lovers.
Did you know?
During Cup Tasting, the professional tasting of coffee, the coffee is tasted hot, because aromas, acidity, and sweetness develop and can be best judged at higher temperatures. However, as the coffee cools in the cup, tasters pay close attention to changes in taste. Because good coffee still tastes balanced and pleasant when cold. Inferior beans quickly taste bitter or flat when cooled.
That's why cold coffee is also a little secret test for the quality of your beans – and another reason to opt for high quality when buying.
Cold Coffee: A trend with history
Even though Cold Brew and co. are celebrated as trendy drinks, cold coffee is not a new phenomenon. Cold-brewed coffee was already drunk in Japan in the 17th century, in Vietnam it is traditionally served with sweetened condensed milk, and in Europe there have long been summery coffee variations with ice.
The global boom began in recent years, as coffee shops and roasteries established Cold Brew as a high-quality summer drink. Today, you'll find it in bottles, as a concentrate, or freshly brewed in many cafés, often in combination with single-origin beans that optimally develop their special aromas through cold preparation.
Why does cold coffee often taste better?
Classic brewed coffee uses hot water, which dissolves bitter compounds and acids more quickly. With Cold Brew, however, a slow, cold extraction takes place, which extracts significantly fewer bitter compounds, making the coffee mild, sweetish, and pleasantly smooth. At the same time, delicate aromas are preserved that are often masked by acidity in hot coffee.
You can also experiment with light or medium roasts that showcase their fruity and floral notes particularly well in cold preparation. Darker roasts often develop a chocolatey-nutty character in Cold Brew, which is appreciated by many enthusiasts. Consciously try your favourite beans cold and compare the taste – you'll be surprised how multifaceted coffee can be.
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Cold coffee is therefore much more than a stale drink: It is a trendy beverage with tradition, gentler on the stomach, an aroma carrier and a moment of indulgence all in one. Whether as Cold Brew, Iced Americano or classic Eiskaffee – the world of cold coffee invites you to discover new flavours and experience coffee in a refreshing new way.
Cold Coffee: Effects and health benefits
Many drink cold coffee because it's refreshing and tasty – as a gentle pick-me-up in the morning, a cool-down on hot days, or a little break in between. But what does cold coffee actually do in your body, and is it really healthier than hot coffee? And what advantages does it offer you in everyday life if you want to not only enjoy coffee but also tolerate it well? Does cold coffee make you beautiful? Really?
Cold Coffee and Caffeine: A gentle kick with impact
Whether hot or cold: Coffee contains caffeine, which makes you more awake and focused. With Cold Brew, the caffeine content is often higher, as a higher coffee-to-water ratio is usually used in its preparation. If you drink Cold Brew neat or as a concentrate, the gentle, cold coffee can wake you up more than you might expect.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, however, you can dilute Cold Brew with water, milk, or a plant-based drink to control the caffeine content according to your needs.
Less acid, fewer bitter substances – good for the stomach
One of the biggest advantages of cold coffee, especially Cold Brew, is its low acidity and bitter substance content. The cold extraction removes significantly fewer acids from the coffee, which can irritate the stomach and teeth. People who react to hot coffee with heartburn or stomach problems often tolerate Cold Brew much better.
Cold coffee provides valuable antioxidants
Coffee is a significant source of antioxidants, which can protect your cells from free radicals. This antioxidant effect is retained even during cold brewing, so Cold Brew remains a good source of healthy plant compounds. For this reason alone, cold coffee makes you beautiful :-).
Some studies suggest that coffee with lower acidity (like Cold Brew) additionally attacks tooth enamel less and can therefore be better for your teeth in the long term.
Cold coffee and your figure: Low-calorie enjoyment
Cold coffee contains virtually no calories without sugar or milk. If you enjoy it black or with a splash of unsweetened plant milk, it is an ideal companion during a diet or conscious eating.
But beware: Many ready-made Eiskaffees or Cold Brews from the supermarket contain hidden sugar or syrup, which negates the low-calorie effect. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prepare Cold Brew yourself to keep track.
Cold coffee during pregnancy – allowed or not?
Many pregnant women wonder if they can drink cold coffee. Essentially, the caffeine content is crucial, not the temperature of the drink. The German Nutrition Society recommends a maximum of 200–300 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy. Since Cold Brew often contains more caffeine than regular coffee, you should portion carefully here or dilute the coffee with water or milk.
If you don't want to miss out on the enjoyment during pregnancy, you can use decaffeinated coffee for Cold Brew and still enjoy the taste and ritual.
So, cold coffee can do more than just refresh: it gives you a gentle energy kick, is gentle on your stomach, provides you with valuable antioxidants, and is a low-calorie alternative to sugary soft drinks. At the same time, you can flexibly adapt it to your needs and enjoy it even during pregnancy if you pay attention to the caffeine content. Cold coffee is therefore not just a moment of pleasure, but also a drink that fits a healthy, conscious lifestyle.
DIY Guides & Recipes: Cold coffee made easy at home
Cold coffee isn't just a delight in a café – you can easily prepare it at home and vary it to your taste. Whether as a pure Cold Brew, creamy Eiskaffee, or refreshing Iced Americano: Here you'll find simple recipes to ensure your cold coffee turns out perfectly.
Cold Brew: The base for cold coffee enjoyment
Cold Brew is the trendy drink among cold coffee variations. Preparation is simple but requires a little patience – in return, you'll be rewarded with a mild, aromatic coffee that sweetens your morning or afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 100 g coarsely ground coffee (preferably single-origin of your choice)
- 1 litre cold, filtered water
- A large glass, a carafe or e.g. Brew Jar with an integrated filter
- A fine sieve or coffee filter
Preparation:
- Coarsely grind coffee (if using whole beans).
- Place the coffee in a carafe or large glass.
- Pour cold water over it and stir so that the coffee is fully saturated.
- Leave to steep, covered, for 12–24 hours at room temperature or in the fridge.
- After the steeping time, strain through a fine sieve or coffee filter to remove coffee grounds.
- You can enjoy the Cold Brew black, over ice, or with a splash of milk/plant-based drink. Optionally, you can add syrup, vanilla, or spices like cinnamon.
Tip: Cold Brew keeps for about 5–7 days in the fridge and can be used as a base for many summer coffees.
Eiskaffee: Dessert and refreshment in one
The classic Eiskaffee is the perfect combination of coffee and dessert and is ideal for hot days.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml cooled coffee or Cold Brew
- 1–2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Sugar or syrup to taste
Preparation:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add vanilla ice cream.
- Pour the cold coffee or Cold Brew over it.
- Optionally top with a dollop of cream and sprinkle with chocolate flakes or cocoa as desired.
- Enjoy with a straw and treat yourself on hot days.
Tip: You can also use caramel ice cream or hazelnut ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream to give your Eiskaffee a special twist. For extra creaminess, you can add a dash of milk or a plant-based drink before pouring in the coffee – this makes your Eiskaffee even smoother and richer.
Iced Americano: Pure and refreshing
The Iced Americano is for those who like it strong, but refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or strong coffee)
- Ice cubes
- Cold water
Preparation:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the freshly brewed espresso directly over the ice cubes.
- Top up with cold water until the desired strength is reached.
- Optionally garnish with a splash of lemon or a sprig of mint.
Tip: For even more flavour, you can add a small splash of tonic water when pouring – this turns your Iced Americano into an "Espresso Tonic" with a subtle bitter note and sparkling freshness, perfect for hot days.
Cold coffee – vary creatively
You can individually refine your cold coffee:
✓ With spices: Cinnamon, cardamom or vanilla for more aroma.
✓ With syrup: Caramel, hazelnut or vanilla for sweetness without sugar lumps.
✓ With plant-based drinks: Almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk for a vegan option.
✓ As protein coffee: Mix Cold Brew with protein powder, ideal after sports.
Whether Cold Brew, Eiskaffee or Iced Americano – cold coffee is versatile, easy to prepare and can be adapted to your taste. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can conjure up a refreshing coffee break that enriches your day.
Accessories & Product Recommendations: How to make your cold coffee even better
Cold coffee is easy to prepare, but with the right accessories, it becomes even simpler, more convenient, and more aromatic. Here you'll find practical tips on which tools and products will help you optimally enjoy your Cold Brew or Iced Americano.
Cold Brew Maker: Simple and clean
A Cold Brew Maker with an integrated filter saves you the hassle of straining through cloths or filters and ensures clean, quick handling. You simply fill it with coarsely ground coffee and cold water, let it steep, and can enjoy the finished Cold Brew directly from the container or decant it into bottles.
If you're looking for a recommendation: Our Brewjar Cold Brew Jar makes preparing Cold Brew particularly straightforward. The Brewjar is made of glass with a fine stainless steel filter, is easy to clean, and takes up little space – ideal for enjoying fresh, aromatic Cold Brew at home without effort, or for preparing it for on the go. This way, you can take your homemade Cold Brew anywhere and enjoy a refreshing coffee at any time.
An aesthetic highlight for your kitchen: The DRIPSTER² is a versatile 2-in-1 Cold Brew maker that allows you to easily prepare both Cold Brew and Cold Drip Coffee – perfect for discovering different flavour profiles and tailoring your cold coffee exactly to your taste. With the Dripster Cold Brew Coffee Dripper from our roastery, Cold Brew is child's play. The Dripster is made of glass and stainless steel, is taste-neutral, easy to clean, and space-saving, so you can prepare professional Cold Brew at home.
Tip: When buying, make sure the Cold Brew maker is made of glass or stainless steel, so that no foreign odours or tastes contaminate your coffee.
Arabic coffee spice: For that special touch
If you want to give your cold coffee a special twist, try our Arabic Coffee Spice. The blend of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves pairs perfectly with Cold Brew and Eiskaffee, bringing a subtle, oriental flavour to your coffee – ideal for anyone who loves to discover new taste experiences.
Ice cube trays: For slow melting
Large ice cubes or round ice balls melt more slowly and dilute your Iced Americano or Eiskaffee less quickly. They also look visually appealing in the glass and enhance your coffee's presentation.
Sustainable straws & glasses
Especially for Iced Americano or Eiskaffee, reusable glass or stainless steel straws are a sustainable choice. In a beautiful glass with a straw, your cold coffee becomes a small ritual that brings enjoyment and mindfulness into your daily life.
With the right accessories, your cold coffee will not only be easier to prepare, but also a real highlight of your day. Whether a Cold Brew maker, high-quality beans or aromatic coffee spice: Invest in small tools and ingredients that will make your enjoyment easier and more beautiful.
Cold Coffee: Your moment for enjoyment and quality
Cold coffee is more than a trend. It's a moment for you – a little break that gives you refreshment, energy, and pleasure, whether on a hot summer's day or during a creative work break. Whether as a Cold Brew, Iced Americano, or creamy Eiskaffee: Cold coffee is easy to prepare, versatile to enjoy, and perfectly customisable to your taste.
Especially with cold coffee, the quality of your beans and accessories really shines through. With high-quality single-origin coffees, a reliable Cold Brew Maker, and little extras like the Arabic Coffee Spice, you can bring café-quality enjoyment home – effortlessly, but with plenty of flavour.
If you've been tempted to try your own Cold Brew, you'll find everything you need at our Kirmse Coffee Roastery: from freshly roasted beans to the Brewjar Cold Brew Maker and the Dripster Cold Brew Coffee Dripper, with which you can easily prepare Cold Brew and Cold Drip Coffee yourself.
Give it a go, choose your favourite beans, prepare your first Cold Brew, and discover just how good cold coffee can really taste. Get creative, experiment with spices, milk alternatives, or tonic water, and create your very own signature drink. Be inspired and visit our online shop, where you'll find everything you need for your cold coffee moments.
So, chill out – and enjoy the moment, with a cold coffee that doesn't just make you beautiful, but also happy.