The Iced Coffee Craze… How do you take your beans?

As a fundamental part of Hereford’s Coffee Culture, we’re answering the big questions… The great coffee debate: Hot-shots or poured over ice? Is there a difference? Let’s find out together.

So, where did it all start? We know that coffee beans were discovered by a man and his goats, but that’s a story for another day… Iced coffee was first documented in the late 19^th century, around 1840 in Algeria during the Battle of Mazagran. The French army had reportedly run out of milk, so they added water, lemon and ice to their coffee instead, after the soldiers returned home.

They brought the idea to local café owners, creating what then became known as the café mazagran. sparking possibly one of the most significant trends the coffee Industry would ever see.

Iced coffee itself wasn’t a global trend until around the 1920s, thanks to a marketing campaign in the United States by the Joint Coffee Trade Publicity Committee. The sudden surge in popularity meant that our beloved iced drinks began appearing on menus and in restaurants globally!

Who’s Drinking What?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and break down our global coffee population and how we are consuming our beans.

Global Iced Coffee Consumption:
- 10% of iced coffee consumption occurs in the U.S.
- 86% of iced coffee consumption occurs in Asian countries.
United Kingdom Coffee Consumption (October 2022):
- 65% of respondents preferred hot coffee.
- 9% opted for iced coffee.
- 23% did not provide an answer, possibly because they don’t drink coffee.
U.S. Coffee Consumption:
- 20% of Americans drink iced coffee.
- 83% of Americans consume hot coffee.
Demographics:
- 38% of people aged 18 to 24 drink iced coffee, higher than the national average and any other demographic.

Different Methods of Making Iced Coffee

European/Middle Eastern Iced Coffee:
- Similar to a Frappuccino.
- A Frappe is an iced beverage that has been shaken, blended or beaten to produce a tasty, foamy, and refreshing drink.
- Sugary, milkshake-like treat often served with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, crushed ice, and some coffee.
Japanese Method:
- Hot coffee is brewed and immediately poured over ice.
- Preserves coffee’s acidity and highlights fruity, floral flavours.
- Produces a lighter, sweeter flavour.
Cold Brew:
- Coffee grounds mixed with water and left in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
- Results in a nutty, chocolatey, and less acidic flavour.
- More caffeinated due to longer absorption time.

As we explore these different methods and their origins, it becomes clear that iced coffee is more than just a trend. Whether it’s the sweet, creamy concoctions of Europe and the Middle East, the bright, floral notes of Japanese iced coffee, or the smooth, rich flavours of a cold brew, there’s an iced coffee out there for everyone. So next time you’re at the coffee cart, why not test your curiosity and try something new?

Ready to Chill with Us?

Iced coffee isn’t just a summer fling; it’s a global obsession, and now bigger is better. Whether you’re a team cold brew, Japanese pour-over, or a sweet frappe fan, we’ve got your fix in a new XL size.