Tea Guide

Cold Brew Tea Guide: Benefits, Tips, and Top Picks

"Not all strength comes from heat—sometimes, it's the quiet cold that brings the deepest flavor.”

Key Takeaways

Cold brew tea offers a smoother, less caffeinated alternative to traditional iced tea.
It is generally gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause sleep disturbances.
The best teas for cold brewing include oolong, white, green, and jasmine teas.
Proper tools, containers, and steeping times are crucial for making the perfect cold brew tea at home.
Cold brew tea can be stored safely for up to 24 hours in the fridge and reused, although with diminishing flavors.

Cold Brew Tea Guide: Benefits, Tips, and Top Picks

Cold brew tea is becoming increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cold brew tea, from its health benefits to the best teas for cold brewing and how to make it perfectly at home.

What Is Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew tea is not your typical hot tea left to cool.

Instead, it's crafted using a slow, cold extraction process at room temperature or in the fridge.

This method results in a smoother, less caffeinated brew, making it distinct from the traditional iced tea preparation that extracts more caffeine and tannins.

Cold Brew vs Iced Tea – What's the Difference?

While both cold brew and iced tea are served chilled, their preparation methods differ significantly.

Iced tea is typically brewed hot and then cooled, resulting in a more robust flavor with higher caffeine and tannin content.
In contrast, cold brew tea is steeped in cold water, producing a smoother, less astringent beverage that's easier on the stomach.

Is Cold Brew Tea Good for Your Health?

Can It Upset Your Stomach?

Cold brew tea is generally gentler on the stomach due to its lower caffeine and tannin content.

However, it can still cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive stomachs.

The polyphenols, although lessened, are still present and can occasionally be harsh. Furthermore, consuming cold beverages might add another layer of discomfort, particularly in hot weather.

Will Cold Brew Tea Keep You Awake?

Cold brew tea's low caffeine content means it's less likely to disrupt your sleep. However, it's important to monitor your stomach's reaction more than potential insomnia. If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, cold brew tea is a great alternative to traditional hot-brewed teas.

What Teas Work Best for Cold Brewing?

Great Teas to Cold Brew

Oolong Teas: Especially light-roast, fragrant oolongs like Tie Guan Yin are excellent choices for cold brewing. They produce a delicate, aromatic flavor that's perfect for a refreshing cold brew.
White Teas and Green Teas: These high-grade floral green teas and delicate white teas produce a sweet and refreshing taste. Their subtle flavors are well-suited for cold brewing, offering a light and invigorating drink.
Jasmine Tea: Surprisingly, jasmine tea fares quite well in cold brews, offering a pleasing aromatic profile. The floral notes of jasmine tea are enhanced when cold-brewed, making it a delightful choice for a refreshing beverage.

Teas to Avoid for Cold Brew

Aged Teas: Older white or black teas might cause stomach upsets. Their flavors are often too robust and can result in a less pleasant cold brew experience.
Expensive Teas: Save these for traditional brewing, as cold brewing does not fully utilize their flavors. Stick with affordable everyday teas to ensure an enjoyable cold brew experience without wasting premium teas.

How to Make Cold Brew Tea at Home

Tools and Containers to Use

Containers: Opt for glass or plastic containers with wide openings for easy handling. Use insulated jugs or cold brew bottles for convenience. Glass containers are preferred as they do not retain flavors and are easy to clean.
Water Choice: Bottled or filtered water enhances the taste and eliminates impurities. The quality of water can significantly affect the final flavor of your cold brew tea, so choose wisely.

Tea-to-Water Ratio and Steeping Time

Maintain a 1:100 to 1:200 tea-to-water ratio. This means using about 10 grams of tea for every liter of water.
Steep for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge to capture the best flavor balance. For a stronger brew, you can steep for up to 8 hours. Avoid steeping for too long, as it can result in a bitter taste.

Cold Brew Tea Ratio Calculator

Choose your ratio:Enter water amount (ml):

Tea needed: - g

Or enter tea amount (g):

Water needed: - ml

Should You Rinse the Tea Leaves Before Cold Brewing?

It's not necessary to rinse the tea leaves. Cold brewing naturally extracts fewer bitter substances, such as caffeine, and rinsing doesn't effectively clean the leaves. Simply measure your tea, add it to your container, and pour in the cold water.

Safety, Storage, and Reuse Tips

Can You Drink Cold Brew Tea All Day?

Store in the fridge to keep safe for up to 24 hours. At room temperature, tea oxidizes faster and may spoil. Keeping your cold brew tea chilled ensures it remains fresh and safe to drink.
Transparent bottles should be avoided as they hasten oxidation due to light exposure. Use opaque or dark-colored containers to extend the shelf life of your cold brew tea.

Can You Reuse the Leaves for Hot Brewing?

While possible, reusing cold-brewed tea leaves for hot brewing will result in weaker flavors. Leaves kept cold can be reused, but avoid reusing those brewed at room temperature. The second brew will be milder, but still enjoyable.

How to Clean Your Cold Brew Bottle Easily

Bottles with wide openings and detachable parts facilitate easy cleaning. Regularly rinse with clean water and use boiling water with edible baking soda for deep cleaning, if the material allows heat. This helps remove any lingering flavors and ensures your next brew is fresh.
The KORKEN bottle-shaped jar with lid from IKEA is a great option for cold brew tea—it's clear glass, easy to clean, and costs only $3.99.

Conclusion

Cold brew tea is a refreshing, gentle beverage with numerous potential benefits. By selecting the right teas, such as high-quality green teas or fragrant oolongs, and following the correct preparation steps, you can enjoy a delightful cold brew experience. Incorporating scientific insights and practical tips, this guide ensures that you maximize your cold brewing success and health advantages while navigating any risks with ease. Let this detailed exploration enhance your tea routine as you savor the nuanced flavors of expertly brewed cold tea, whether it's a refreshing green tea or a smooth white tea.

For more insights and high-quality tea selections, be sure to explore our extensive tea collection. Ready to start your cold brew journey? Shop now and enjoy the perfect cold brew tea at home!

Each year, we serve thousands of satisfied tea enthusiasts in our tea house, and we're excited to share these exceptional teas with tea lovers worldwide at Orientaleaf.com.