When the weather turns hot and the sun is blazing, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled drink to cool you down. But if you’re looking for something a little more exciting than water or soda, cold brew tea might just be your new favorite go-to! It’s simple, satisfying, and brings out the smooth, natural flavors of tea without the bitterness that can sometimes come from hot steeping.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to make cold brew tea at home. Plus, we’ll share some of our fruity blends from Tea Source that are absolutely perfect for cold brewing—think Peach Oolong, Cranberry Rose, Yoga Time, and more!
What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is a method of steeping tea leaves in cold water over a longer period of time, usually between 8-12 hours. This method gently extracts the tea’s natural flavors without the need for heat, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beverage. It’s also naturally less astringent, making it a smooth and easy-drinking option for even the most delicate blends.
The beauty of cold brew tea is that it works wonderfully with a wide variety of tea types—black, green, herbal, or oolong. Plus, it’s super easy to make, requiring just a bit of patience and your favorite loose leaf tea.
How to Make Cold Brew Tea at Home
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of cold brew tea:
You’ll need:
- 1 liter of cold, filtered water
- 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea (adjust according to your taste)
- A pitcher or large mason jar
- A fine-mesh strainer or tea filter bag
Steps:
- Pick Your Tea – Start by choosing your loose leaf tea. Fruity blends work wonders for cold brew because their natural sweetness and flavor are enhanced when steeped slowly in cold water. We recommend our Peach Oolong, Cranberry Rose, Yoga Time, Grapefruit Peach, or Green Oasis.
- Measure Your Tea – For every liter of water, use about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea. If you prefer a stronger brew, feel free to add a little more
- Add Water – Place the tea leaves in a pitcher or large mason jar and add your cold, filtered water. Make sure the tea is fully submerged
- Let it Steep – Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the tea to steep for at least 8 hours, or up to 12 hours for a stronger brew. The longer it steeps, the richer the flavors will be
- Strain and Serve – Once your tea has steeped, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves (or simply discard the tea filter bag if you used one). Pour your cold brew tea over ice and enjoy
- Optional Add-Ins – Want to jazz it up even more? You can add fresh fruit slices like peach, lemon, or berries for an extra burst of flavor. Mint leaves or a splash of honey also make great additions!
Fruity Blends Perfect for Cold Brew
Cold brew brings out the natural sweetness and fruity notes in tea, making it the ideal method for some of our most vibrant blends. Here are our top picks:
Peach Oolong – The juicy, sweet flavor of peach pairs beautifully with the smooth and rich base of oolong tea. This blend is perfect for a summer afternoon refreshment.
Cranberry Rose – A delicate balance of tart cranberry and fragrant rose petals, this blend is floral yet fruity—refreshing and aromatic in every sip.
Yoga Time – A soothing herbal blend with a touch of spice and calming herbs, perfect for those who prefer caffeine-free options. The flavors blossom beautifully with cold brew.
Grapefruit Peach – Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly fresh! The bright citrusy notes of grapefruit and peach make this blend a crowd-pleaser for cold brew.
Green Oasis – A refreshing green tea blend with hints of citrus and tropical flavors, ideal for those who love something light and invigorating.
Why You Should Try Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea is not only a refreshing treat, but it’s also an incredibly convenient option for busy days. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you always have a chilled drink on hand. Plus, it’s healthier than sugary beverages, making it a guilt-free way to stay hydrated.
Ready to cool down and enjoy a delicious cold brew tea at home? Give it a try using one of our fruity blends from Tea Source and experience the smooth, naturally sweet flavors for yourself!
Looking for more tips on brewing tea or recommendations on new blends to try? Keep exploring The Leaf Lounge for all things tea!