How To

Yes, You Can Cold Brew Tea. Here’s How.

Katie Bandurski

pilipphoto/Shutterstock

For a sweeter, smoother steep, learn how to cold brew tea.

By now you’ve heard of cold brew coffee. But did you know you can cold brew tea, too? This chilly method promises a smooth, sweet beverage that’s perfect for summer sipping.

What is different about cold brew tea?

Cold brew tea stands apart from traditional tea because it never comes in contact with heat. For cold brew, tea is placed in cold water and steeped for several hours. Just like cold brew coffee, the end result has fewer tannins and tastes less bitter. By the way, this is the real difference between iced coffee and cold brew.

Does cold brew tea have the same benefits of hot tea?

For the most part, yes. Cold brew tea is full of the same antioxidants and health benefits of hot tea. The only drawback is that hot tea can soothe a sore throat or reduce nasal congestion when you have a cold. Cold brew won’t do that.

Is cold brew tea good for you?

Yep! In fact, the cold brew process helps the tea retain some of its natural sweetness, whereas steeping tea in hot water can extract a bitter flavor. Thus, you may end up using less sugar or sweetener in cold brew tea.

How to Cold Brew Tea

Ingredients

1 cup cold, filtered water
1 tea bag
Fresh ice

Editor’s Tip: You can adjust this ratio to make cold brew tea for a crowd, or to craft a stronger or weaker brew.

Step 1: Add the tea

Get started by placing your tea bag in the water. If desired, you can also use loose leaf tea—just keep in mind that you’ll need to strain the finished beverage.

Step 2: Let it steep

Place the tea in your refrigerator and let it steep for several hours. Anywhere between 12 and 24 hours will work.

Step 3: Dress it up

Remove the tea bag from the water. Add any desired mix-ins, like simple syrup, citrus slices, fresh fruit, etc. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Next, learn how to make sweet tea like a Southerner.

Our Favorite Iced Tea Recipes

1 / 20

Pineapple Iced Tea

Pineapple Iced Tea

With five teenagers, we go through lots of beverages. This thirst-quenching tea is easy to mix up and had a sparkling citrus flavor we all enjoy. —K. Kitell, Lenexa, Kansas

Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy

Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy

I love an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. I also love sweet tea, so one day I got the great idea to mix the two. Wow! It was absolutely delish. I experimented with different flavorings, and this combination was my favorite. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Smooth Sweet Tea

Smooth Sweet Tea

A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member

Honey-Citrus Iced Tea

Honey-Citrus Iced Tea

A frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this refreshing punch nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio

Iced Honeydew Mint Tea

Iced Honeydew Mint Tea

I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. In this minty tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea

Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea

I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii

Refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea

Refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea

This recipe makes two gallons, so it's a great choice for a springtime party when you have a medium-size crowd. It freezes well, so feel free to make it ahead of time. —Arlana Hendricks, Manchester, Tennessee

Sweet Tea Concentrate

Sweet Tea Concentrate

Sweet iced tea is a southern classic and this is a fabulous recipe for those tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida

Lemonade Iced Tea

Lemonade Iced Tea

I have always loved iced tea with lemon and this great thirst-quencher just takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, Beverly Hills, Florida

Agua de Jamaica

Agua de Jamaica

This agua de jamaica recipe features an iced tea made from hibiscus—tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Raspberry Iced Tea

Raspberry Iced Tea

One sip and you'll likely agree this is the best flavored tea you've ever tasted.—Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Mint Tea

Rhubarb Mint Tea

A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Lemon Lime Almond Tea

Lemon Lime Almond Tea

I got this delicious tea recipe from a friend and make it about twice a week. It's such a refreshing drink. —Tammy Griffin, Frankston, Texas

Iced Raspberry Tea

Iced Raspberry Tea

Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good year-round. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia

Summertime Tea

You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee

Glasses of Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea

Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea

Every special occasion deserves a refreshing beverage (and a lovely punch bowl). Our tea has a tangy flavor from lemonade, apricot nectar and mint. —Kay Chon, Sherwood, Arkansas

Sweet Raspberry Tea

Sweet Raspberry Tea

You only need a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing, spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Minty Tea Punch

Minty Tea Punch

Forget sugary (and boring) sodas for your next potluck and treat your family and friends to a refreshing homemade punch. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Sweet Citrus Iced Tea

Sweet Citrus Iced Tea

My family has been making iced tea this way ever since I was a child. When I recently prepared it for a church function, everyone liked it so much that they asked for the recipe. — Diane C Kirkpatrick, Terre Hill, Pennsylvania

Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea

Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea

I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

Originally Published on sitename.com

Popular Videos