Is Espresso Stronger Than Cold Brew?
When it comes to bold coffee drinks, two heavyweights stand out: espresso and cold brew. Both pack a punch, but in different ways. Some coffee lovers swear by the intensity of an espresso shot. While others appreciate the smooth, slow-extracted power of cold brew.
But which one is actually stronger?
Does Espresso Have More Caffeine Than Cold Brew?
The answer depends on how you measure strength. Ounce for ounce, espresso is stronger, but cup for cup, cold brew wins on total caffeine.
- A single shot of espresso (1 oz) has about 63 mg of caffeine
- A cup of cold brew (16 oz) can range from 150-300 mg of caffeine, depending on how concentrated it is
Espresso is more concentrated because it’s brewed under high pressure in a short time, extracting the boldest flavors and caffeine quickly. Cold brew, on the other hand, is steeped for 12-24 hours, slowly extracting caffeine and flavors for a smoother, less acidic taste.
If you’re after a quick, intense caffeine boost, espresso is the way to go. But if you prefer a long-lasting, slow-release caffeine experience, cold brew is your best bet.
The Difference in How You Brew Cold Brew vs. Espresso
The brewing process is where these two coffee drinks differ.
| Feature | Espresso | Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Time | ~25-30 seconds | 12-24 hours |
| Brewing Method | High-pressure extraction | Slow steeping in cold water |
| Water Temperature | Hot (195-205°F) | Cold or room temperature |
| Coffee-to-Water Ratio | ~1:2 | ~1:4 to 1:8 (very concentrated) |
| Final Strength | Highly concentrated | Can be diluted with water or milk |
Grind Size for Each
The grind size plays a huge role in the brewing process for both espresso and cold brew.
- Espresso Grind: Very fine, almost like powdered sugar. This ensures proper pressure and extraction within 25-30 seconds in an espresso machine.
- Cold Brew Grind: Coarse, similar to sea salt. A larger grind prevents over-extraction, resulting in a smooth, clean taste after steeping.
Using the wrong grind size can ruin your brew—too coarse for espresso = weak, under-extracted coffee; too fine for cold brew = bitter, over-extracted coffee. Luckily, with whole bean coffee, you can grind it your way!
The Value of Each: Flavor, Convenience, and Cost
Flavor Profile
- Espresso: Rich, bold, slightly bitter, with caramelized notes and a thick crema.
- Cold Brew: Smooth, slightly sweet, less acidic, with a natural chocolatey undertone.
Convenience
- Espresso: Quick to brew, but requires a machine.
- Cold Brew: Takes hours to steep but can be made in large batches and stored for up to a week.
Cost
- Espresso: More expensive upfront due to espresso machines, but per cup, it can be cost-effective.
- Cold Brew: Requires more coffee per batch but is easy to make at home.
Choosing the Right Beans: Espresso vs. Cold Brew
To get the best results, you need the right coffee beans for each method.
Best Beans for Espresso
Our Espresso Bean Collection features:
- Italian Roast Espresso – Our darkest espresso with deep, smoky notes.
- Café Espresso – A smooth, café-style espresso with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Espresso Dark Roast – A balanced blend with bold flavor and a touch of dark chocolate.
Best Beans for Cold Brew
For a smooth and flavorful cold brew, you need a coarse-ground medium to dark roast that brings out the natural sweetness. Our Cold Brew Blend is specially crafted for this method, delivering a full-bodied, naturally sweet brew that’s perfect over ice.
Final Verdict: Which One is Stronger?
If you’re looking for concentrated strength in a small dose, espresso wins. But if you want a high caffeine content in a full cup, cold brew takes the crown.
The best choice comes down to your preference—quick and bold, or smooth and slow? Either way, we’ve got you covered with the perfect espresso beans and cold brew blend.
Browse our Espresso Collection or grab a bag of our Cold Brew Blend and start brewing today! ☕