Do you love tea but are looking for something a little different? Then cold brew tea is the perfect drink for you! This unique beverage is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Cold brew tea is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make. In this blog post, we will teach you how to make your cold brew tea at home. We will also discuss the benefits of drinking this delicious drink. So what are you waiting for? Start brewing!
What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is an increasingly popular beverage choice among health-conscious individuals. It is made by steeping either loose-leaf tea or a teabag in cold water for several hours, typically overnight. The result is refreshing, flavorful, and less caffeinated than traditionally brewed hot tea. Cold brew tea also has more antioxidants than hot-brewed tea.
The process of making cold brew tea is simple and requires no special equipment — all you need to get started are loose-leaf or bagged tea, a pitcher, a filter, and water. First, fill the pitcher with room temperature or cold filtered water and add the desired amount of tea leaves or bags. Let the mixture steep for 8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator before serving. Once chilled, strain out the loose leaves or bags and enjoy!
The flavor of cold brew tea can vary depending on the type of leaf used and the steeping time — black teas often produce bolder flavors while green teas tend to be much lighter and more floral. Generally speaking, cold brew teas taste sweeter due to their longer infusion time and lower caffeine content compared to other brewing methods. For those looking to reduce their caffeine intake without sacrificing taste, cold brew tea is an excellent choice.
Another benefit that makes cold brew tea so appealing is its health benefits — it’s rich in antioxidants which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals in your environment such as air pollution or UV radiation from sunlight exposure. Additionally, recent studies have shown that drinking iced green teas may help reduce inflammation levels in your body due to their high levels of polyphenols which can act as natural anti-inflammatories. With so many potential health benefits associated with this beverage choice, it’s no wonder why more people are turning to cold brew tea as part of their everyday routine!
History of Cold Brew Tea
The history of cold brew tea is believed to have originated in East Asia, where it was made from leaves that were steeped in cold water for hours or even days. This method of brewing tea was likely developed as a way to maximize the flavor and nutritional benefits of the leaves without needing to use heat. Over time, this practice spread throughout Asia and eventually made its way around the world.
Today, cold brew tea has become increasingly popular among tea drinkers in many countries due to its more delicate flavor profile and lack of bitterness compared with teas brewed using higher temperatures. Because the leaves are steeped for extended periods at lower temperatures, the tannins, and antioxidants present in the leaves are released slowly into the liquid, creating a smooth and mellow cup with high levels of both flavor complexity and health benefits. Additionally, because it requires minimal effort compared to traditional hot brewing methods, cold brew tea has become a go-to choice for people who want a tea experience but don’t have access to boiling water or may not have access to electricity at all times.
Cold brew tea is produced through several different methods, such as steeping whole-leaf teas in room temperature or refrigerated water for up to 48 hours; combining powdered matcha with chilled water; or making iced oolong by pouring freshly steamed oolong over ice cubes. Each method produces a subtly different beverage with its own unique flavor profile. Whatever method you choose, cold brew tea makes an easy and delicious addition to your daily routine!
Types of Tea Best for Cold Brew
Green Tea
Green tea is a great choice for cold brewing, as it has a light flavor and doesn’t become bitter when steeped for longer periods of time. The slightly vegetal taste pairs nicely with ice and other flavors, making it perfect for summertime. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help boost immunity and aid digestion. For cold brew green tea, use one teaspoon of loose leaves or one tea bag per cup of water and let it steep overnight in the refrigerator.
White Tea
White tea is a delicate variety that comes from young tea leaves cultivated mostly in China. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with various fruits and herbs. Its subtle sweetness can be enhanced by adding sugar or sweetener to the cold-brewed concoction. White tea is known to be rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, so it’s definitely a beneficial option for those looking to reap the health benefits while refreshing themselves over ice! Use one teaspoon of white tea leaves per cup of water and let steep overnight in the refrigerator.
Oolong Tea
Oolong teas are semi-oxidized Chinese teas that offer more complexity than green or white varieties. They range from light and floral to dark and roasted, so there’s something for every palate! Oolong teas make lovely cold brews because their mellow yet intense flavors stand up nicely against the addition of ice cubes. To make an oolong cold brew, use two teaspoons of loose leaves per cup of water and steep overnight in the refrigerator.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are not made from actual tea leaves (Camellia Sinensis), but rather consist primarily of dried fruit, flowers, or herbs. These herbal tisanes are naturally caffeine-free, making them an ideal option if you want to stay away from caffeinated beverages during hot weather days but still want something flavorful on hand! Popular herbal tisanes that work well with cold brew include hibiscus flowers, chamomile blossoms, peppermint leaves, and rose petals. For each cup of herbal tisane cold brew use two teaspoons per cup of water; if desired add sweetener before chilling overnight in the refrigerator or leave unsweetened if desired.
Rooibos
Rooibos (or redbush) is an herbal infusion native to South Africa that has become popular worldwide due to its antioxidant properties and pleasant flavor profile reminiscent of black tea without containing any caffeine whatsoever! For rooibos cold brew use two teaspoons per cup of water; let infuse overnight in the refrigerator before straining out the solids; garnish with lemon slices if desired before serving over ice cubes!
Different Methods You Can Use for Cold Brew Tea
Mason Jar Method
One of the easiest and most popular methods to make cold brew tea is using a Mason jar. All you need to do is fill your Mason jar with 8 ounces of room-temperature water, 2 ounces of loose-leaf tea, and a few ice cubes. Put the lid on the jar, give it a shake, and let it sit overnight in the fridge or at least 8 hours. After that time has passed, strain out the leaves and enjoy your cold brew!
French Press Method
If you don’t have a Mason jar handy, never fear! You can also use a French press to make cold-brew tea. Start by adding 4 ounces of room-temperature water and 1 ounce of loose-leaf tea into your French press. Then add enough ice so that the water level rises to about 7 ounces total. Stir gently, cover with the plunger top and leave it in the fridge for 8-10 hours. When ready, press down on the plunger to separate the brewed tea from the leaves, and enjoy!
Steeping Method
Another popular method for making cold brew tea is by steeping it directly in cold liquid. Start by adding 4 cups of cold water into a pitcher or large bowl (preferably glass) along with 2 ounces of loose-leaf tea leaves or tea bags. Give it all a stir, then pop it in the fridge and steep overnight or up to 12 hours. When done steeping, strain out any solids that are left behind before drinking your homemade cold brew!
Coffee Maker Method
Believe it or not, you can also use your coffee maker to make cold-brew tea! Begin by filling up your coffee maker’s carafe with 6 cups of room temperature water along with 3 ounces of loose-leaf tea (or teabags). Pop it all into your coffee maker as normal but instead of turning on the machine select ‘brew’ – this will cause just enough heat to help extract some flavor from your leaves without actually boiling them as regular hot brewed tea would require. Let this mixture steep for 10-12 hours before straining out any solids that may be left behind before drinking up!
Benefits of Cold Brew Tea
While most tea is made by steeping tea leaves or bags in hot water, cold brew tea has been gaining popularity as a refreshing summertime sip. But cold brewing isn’t just a trend – it actually enhances many health benefits of tea. Here are some of the top benefits of drinking cold brew tea:
Higher Antioxidant Levels
Studies show that cold brewing can increase the antioxidant activity in certain teas like green and black varieties. The cold water draws out more catechins and polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the body. This leads to higher anti-inflammatory activity as well.
Reduced Bitterness and Astringency
Cold water does not extract as much of the bitter tannins found in tea leaves compared to hot water. This results in a smoother, more mellow flavor. Those sensitive to bitterness may find cold brew more palatable.
Intensified Flavor Profiles
While aromas are more muted, many teas develop a richer, more concentrated flavor when cold brewed for hours. The long steep time allows more of the essence to infuse, especially in herbal blends.
Avoid Scalding and Ruining Delicate Teas
Very hot water can damage the integrity of certain delicate tea leaves. Cold steeping is gentler, perfect for teas like white tea, matcha, and herbal infusions where boiling water risks scalding.
Preserves Beneficial Cold-Soluble Compounds
Cold water may better preserve some of the beneficial plant compounds, like amino acids and volatile essential oils, that are heat-sensitive and would degrade under hot temperatures.
Naturally Caffeine-Free
Unlike traditional brewing, cold brewing does not extract any of the caffeine from tea leaves. This allows enjoyment of the flavor and antioxidants in green and black tea without stimulation.
So if you prefer a refreshing, milder, more aromatic cup, try switching to cold brewing your teas. The health advantages go beyond just the benefits of convenience and a cooler drink in warm weather.
4 Cold Brew Tea Recipes
Minty Iced Tea with Lemon
This refreshing and delicious cold brew tea recipe will make a perfect summer treat. Start by steeping 4-6 bags of your favorite minty black tea in 2 cups of boiling water for around three to four minutes. After the leaves have been steeped, remove them and let the tea cool down. Once cooled, pour the steeped tea over ice into two glasses. Slice a whole lemon thinly and add it to the glasses along with some honey or sugar if desired. And that’s it! Enjoy this light yet invigorating drink as a pick-me-up in the afternoon or sip on it while relaxing in the evening. With its fresh citrus flavor, this Minty Iced Tea with Lemon is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Spiced Chai Cold Brew Tea
This creamy Spiced Chai Cold Brew Tea is sure to warm you up during those chilly days. For this recipe, start by steeping 4-6 bags of your favorite chai spiced tea in 2 cups of boiling water for about five minutes or until desired strength is reached. Next, strain the leaves and let them cool down before adding 2 cups of cold milk or almond milk, depending on preference. Add one teaspoon of brown sugar or honey for sweetness and stir until dissolved before pouring into glasses filled with ice cubes. Top off with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cardamom for an extra special touch! Enjoy this comforting drink anytime throughout the day!
Mango-Lime Green Tea Punch
Looking for a fruity twist? Then look no further than this Mango-Lime Green Tea Punch! This beverage has all sorts of tropical flavors packed into one glass thanks to green tea steeped with mango puree combined with fresh lime juice, coconut cream, and maple syrup – yum! To get started, begin by making mango puree by blending ½ cup of diced frozen mangoes until smooth then set aside. Now steep 4 bags of green tea in 2 cups boiling water for two minutes before discarding leaves and allowing brewed green tea to cool off completely. Once cooled, add 1/4 cup mango puree, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup coconut cream, and 1/4 cup maple syrup to prepared green tea mix well until combined then pour over ice in glasses as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Coffee & Earl Grey Latte
For those who like their morning caffeine fix but want something different from regular coffee – try making this Coffee & Earl Grey Latte cold brew style! Begin by steeping 4-6 bags of Earl Grey black tea (or any other preferred blend) in 2 cups boiling water for three minutes before straining off leaves and letting brewed concoction cool off completely. Next, add ¼ cup double espresso shots (or very strong coffee), ¼ cup almond milk (or another preferred substitute) plus ¼ cup honey or agave syrup – mix everything together well until blended evenly then pour into glasses filled halfway with crushed ice cubes. Garnish with cinnamon sticks (optional) before serving up this delicious latte that won’t disappoint anyone’s taste buds!
Conclustion
If you haven’t jumped on the cold brew tea bandwagon yet, now is the time! This refreshing beverage has many benefits and can be made with any type of tea. Get started today by trying out one of our four delicious cold brew tea recipes. Cold brew tea is the perfect drink for summertime – so make sure to stock up before it gets too hot outside!!
I love Yucoo’s website so much because it taught me how to make a yummy Cold Brew Tea.