How to Make Cold Brew Tea (and Hot Tea) With Loose Leaf
Sophia Kinhnarath
Tea is a versatile and beloved beverage enjoyed by people around the world. Whether you're craving a warm, comforting drink or a refreshing, cool treat, tea can be prepared in various ways to suit your mood and the occasion. Two of the most popular methods are hot brewing and cold brewing. Cold brew tea in particular is one of the easiest drinks you can make: just leaves, cold water and time.
How to Make Cold Brew Tea
What you need
- Loose leaf tea
- Cold, filtered water
- A jar or pitcher with a lid
- A fine mesh strainer or infuser
Steps
- Measure the tea: use about 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water, or 1 tablespoon per 16 oz. Cold brewing needs a little more tea than hot brewing.
- Add cold water: pour cold, filtered water over the leaves and stir so they are fully covered.
- Cover and refrigerate: put the lid on and place it in the fridge.
- Wait: steep for the time in the chart below. Taste as you go.
- Strain: pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove the leaves.
- Serve: pour over ice. Add lemon, fresh mint, fruit or a little sweetener if you like.
Cold brew steeping times
- Green tea: 6 to 8 hours. Try Jasmine Pearl Green or Moroccan Mint.
- White tea: 6 to 8 hours. Try Champagne White Tea.
- Oolong: 8 to 10 hours. Try Wuyi Whisper Oolong.
- Black tea: 8 to 12 hours. Try Citrus Blend No. 13 or Lux Lady Grey No. 28.
- Herbal and fruit tea: 8 to 12 hours. Try Tropical Harvest No. 03 or Tropical Sunshine Green Rooibos.
Why cold brew tastes smoother
Cold water pulls flavor out of tea leaves slowly and pulls out fewer of the compounds that make tea taste bitter or astringent. The result is a naturally sweeter, smoother cup that is hard to over-brew. Cold brewing also tends to extract less caffeine than hot brewing in the same amount of time.
How long does cold brew tea last?
Once strained, keep it covered in the fridge and drink it within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor.
Cold brew tips
- Too weak? Add more tea next time rather than steeping much longer.
- Too strong? Just add more cold water or ice.
- Sweetening: sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold tea. Use honey or simple syrup.
- Infuser bottle: a glass travel infuser mug lets you cold brew overnight and take it with you.
Hot Brew Tea
- Boil Water: Start by bringing fresh, cold water to a rolling boil. Different types of tea require specific water temperatures, so check the optimal temperature for the tea you're brewing.
- Preheat Teapot or Mug: Pour a little hot water into your teapot or mug to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature of your brewed tea.
- Add Tea Leaves: Measure the appropriate amount of loose leaf tea according to your taste preferences and the type of tea. A general guideline is to use about 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves per 8 ounces of water.
- Pour Water: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Steep: Let the tea steep for the recommended time, which varies depending on the type of tea—usually between 2-5 minutes. Be careful not to steep too long, as this can lead to a bitter taste.
- Strain and Serve: After steeping, strain the tea leaves out of the liquid and pour the brewed tea into your cup or teapot. Add sweeteners, milk, or lemon according to your preference.
- Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and savor your freshly brewed cup of hot tea.
For exact temperatures and steep times for every tea type, see How to Brew the Perfect Cup.
Hot or Cold: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between hot and cold brewing depends on your preferences and the occasion. If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful experience, hot brewing is the way to go. If you need something light and refreshing, especially on a warm day, cold brewing is an excellent choice.
Both methods bring out different flavors from the same leaves. Try your favorite blend both ways and see which you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cold brew tea the same as iced tea?
Not quite. Iced tea is usually brewed hot and then chilled. Cold brew tea is steeped in cold water from the start, which makes it smoother and less bitter.
Can you cold brew any tea?
Yes. Green, white, oolong, black and herbal teas all cold brew well. Fruity and floral blends are especially good.
Does cold brew tea have caffeine?
Yes, if it is made with real tea leaves, but usually a little less than the same tea brewed hot. Herbal cold brews are caffeine free.
Can I leave cold brew tea out on the counter?
Brew it in the fridge, not on the counter. Keeping it cold helps it stay fresh and safe.
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Related Reading
Keep exploring with Quiet Bloom Glass Teapot and Kettle, The Beginner's Guide to Tea Accessories: What You Actually Need and How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Loose Leaf Tea Every Time.
