Cold brewing tea
When the sun is shining and the temperatures rise, cold-brewed tea is the perfect way to stay refreshed and hydrated. Unlike traditional iced tea, cold brewing gently extracts the flavors over time, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste. It’s also incredibly easy to make!
A refreshing twist for hot days
With just a bit of planning, you can enjoy a delicious, cold-brewed tea that highlights the natural flavors of The Beanery’s premium tea blends. Let’s dive into how to cold brew tea at home, step by step.
Why cold brew tea?
Cold brew tea is brewed using cold or room-temperature water over an extended period of time. This method extracts the subtle flavors of the tea without the bitterness that can come from hot water brewing. Cold brew tea is smoother, lighter, and perfect for sipping on a hot day. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated and enjoy tea without adding sweeteners.
What you'll need:
- Loose-leaf The Beanery tea
- A large jar or pitcher with a lid
- Cold or room-temperature water
- Strainer (if using loose-leaf tea)
- Ice and optional garnishes (mint, lemon, etc.)
Step-by-step guide to cold brewing tea:
1. Choose your tea
The best part about cold brewing is that you can use almost any type of tea! Whether you prefer green tea, black tea, herbal blends, or oolong, cold brewing will bring out the subtle flavors in each. For a refreshing twist, try The Beanery’s lighter and floral teas, or experiment with fruity herbal blends.
💡 Some teas, like green or white teas, will have a more delicate flavor with cold brewing, while black teas will give you a bolder, more robust brew.
2. Measure the tea
For cold brew, you’ll want to use more tea than you would for hot brewing since the extraction process is slower. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.
If you’re using tea bags, opt for 2 tea bags per 8 ounces of water for a more concentrated flavor.
3. Add water
Fill your jar or pitcher with cold or room-temperature water. Add the loose-leaf tea directly into the water, or if you’re using tea bags, just drop them in.
💡 Use filtered or spring water for the cleanest, purest flavor. The quality of your water can significantly affect the taste of the tea.
4. Let it steep
Cover your jar or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. The tea should steep for 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type of tea and your flavor preference. Here’s a general guide for cold brew steeping times:
- Green tea: 6-8 hours
- Black tea: 8-12 hours
- Herbal tea: 8-12 hours
- White tea: 6-8 hours
- Oolong tea: 8-12 hours
The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor. If you like a lighter brew, stick to the lower end of the steeping range.
5. Strain the Tea
Once your tea has finished steeping, it’s time to strain out the leaves or remove the tea bags. If you used loose-leaf tea, pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to separate the leaves from the liquid.
💡 Don’t squeeze the tea bags or press the leaves too hard when straining, as this can release bitter compounds that cold brewing typically avoids.
6. Serve and enjoy
Pour the cold brew tea over ice and enjoy! You can add garnishes like a sprig of fresh mint, a slice of lemon, or a few fresh berries to enhance the flavor. Cold brew tea is naturally smooth, but feel free to add a touch of honey or syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Enhance Your Cold Brew Tea
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Experiment with blends
One of the best parts about cold brewing is how easy it is to experiment with tea blends. Try mixing different The Beanery teas to create your own custom flavors. For example, blend a fruity herbal tea with green tea for a light, refreshing drink. -
Add citrus
Adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange during the steeping process can give your cold brew a subtle citrusy twist. Just be sure to remove the citrus before straining, as leaving it in too long can make the tea bitter. -
Go herbal
If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, cold brew herbal teas are a great choice. Herbal blends like chamomile, hibiscus, or peppermint are refreshing and naturally sweet, making them perfect for a hot day. -
Infuse with fresh herbs
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary can take your cold brew to the next level. Add a few sprigs into the water with your tea, and remove them when you strain the tea. -
Cold brew concentrate
Want a more concentrated flavor? Double the amount of tea leaves or tea bags, and steep as usual. Once strained, dilute the tea with ice or cold water to taste. This method is great if you want a stronger flavor or plan to use the tea for cocktails or tea-based drinks.