As summer temperatures slowly turn into everyday life, and the search for the perfect refreshment becomes a priority, an elegant and surprisingly simple drink that is conquering the world takes the stage – cold brew tea. Forget about complicated brewing and cooling procedures; this approach to tea preparation brings a revolution to the cup, offering a more refined, sweeter, and less bitter taste. It is a method that uses time instead of heat to extract the best from the tea leaves, resulting in a beverage that is ideal for hydration during hot days, but also a sophisticated drink that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The popularity of the cold brew method, which first took root in the world of coffee, is now unstoppably spreading to the universe of teas. The reason is clear: the simplicity of preparation that requires no special equipment and a superior flavor profile that reveals completely new dimensions even in well-known types of tea. This drink is not just another trend, but a reflection of a change in the understanding of quality and the way we approach daily rituals.

What actually is cold brew tea?

The fundamental difference between cold brew tea and its "warmer" relatives lies in the extraction process itself. Instead of pouring hot water over the tea leaves to quickly release aromas and active ingredients, the cold brew method involves long-term soaking of the tea in cold or room temperature water. The process takes from six to twelve, and sometimes more, hours, usually in the refrigerator. This slow and gentle release of ingredients is the key to its uniqueness.

Many mistakenly equate it with classic iced tea, but the differences are fundamental. Traditional iced tea is most often prepared by first brewing a hot, concentrated tea, which is then rapidly cooled, usually by adding a large amount of ice. Such a "shock" to the beverage often results in increased bitterness and astringency. During rapid cooling, tannins and catechins, the compounds responsible for bitterness, bind and create sediment, which can lead to a cloudy appearance and a less pleasant taste. On the other hand, cold brew tea, prepared exclusively with cold water, bypasses this problem. The result is a crystal-clear beverage, with a silky texture and a naturally sweet taste.

The science behind the smooth taste

The secret to the superiority of cold brew tea lies in chemistry. Hot water, although fast and efficient, acts as an aggressive solvent. It extracts a wide range of chemical compounds from the tea leaves at high speed. Among them are tannins, polyphenols that give tea its characteristic astringency and bitterness. Although they also have positive effects, their excessive extraction, which can easily happen at too high a temperature or with too long a steeping time in hot water, leads to an unpleasant taste.

Cold water, in contrast, acts more selectively and much more slowly. It favors the dissolution of sweeter and more aromatic molecules, while tannins and catechins are released to a much lesser extent. This is precisely why cold brew tea has a significantly lower level of bitterness and acidity. This makes it not only more pleasant to the palate, but also easier on the digestive system, which is an advantage for people with a sensitive stomach. Also, this process releases less caffeine. Although the amount varies depending on the type of tea and steeping time, the general rule is that cold brew contains between 30% and 50% less caffeine than its hot-brewed version. This makes it an ideal choice for an afternoon refreshment or even an evening drink without the fear of insomnia.

A guide to the perfect cold brew tea at home

Preparing this drink at home is incredibly simple and requires no specialized equipment. All you need is a glass jar or pitcher with a lid, high-quality tea, and cold, preferably filtered water.

Choosing the right tea

Almost any type of tea can be used for the cold brew method, and experimenting is part of the fun. However, some types yield particularly good results:

• Green tea: Japanese varieties like Sencha or Kukicha are ideal as they develop wonderful, sweet, and grassy notes without any bitterness. Their umami flavor comes to full expression.


• White tea: Known for its delicacy, white tea like Pai Mu Tan or Silver Needle releases subtle floral and fruity aromas in a cold preparation.

Oolong tea:

Depending on the degree of oxidation, oolong teas can offer a wide range of flavors, from floral and creamy to nutty and roasted.

• Black tea: Although black teas are more prone to bitterness, the cold brew method mitigates this, highlighting their sweeter, fruity, or chocolatey notes. Varieties like Darjeeling or Ceylon teas are an excellent choice.


• Herbal infusions (tisanes): Teas made from hibiscus, mint, chamomile, or rooibos are fantastic for a caffeine-free preparation. Hibiscus gives a beautiful ruby red color and refreshing acidity, while mint provides an exceptional cooling sensation.

It is recommended to use high-quality loose leaf tea as it allows for better extraction and a richer flavor, but high-quality tea bags will also suffice.

Ideal ratio and steeping time

The golden rule for the ratio is approximately 1.5 to 2 times the amount of tea you would use for a hot preparation. A good starting point is 1 to 2 teaspoons of tea (or one tea bag) for every 250 ml of water. Of course, feel free to adjust this ratio to your own taste.

Steeping time is a key factor that depends on the type of tea:

• White and green teas: 6 to 8 hours


• Oolong teas: 8 to 10 hours


• Black teas: 10 to 12 hours


• Herbal infusions: 12 hours or longer

The procedure is simple: place the tea leaves or bags in a jar, pour cold water over them, stir gently, cover, and place in the refrigerator for the recommended time. After steeping, simply strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. The beverage prepared this way can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed bottle for 3 to 5 days.

Take your beverage to the next level

One of the greatest advantages of cold brew tea is its versatility. Its clean and smooth taste is a perfect base for various creative additions. You can enrich it with fresh fruit such as slices of lemon, orange, peaches, or berries. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or lemon balm will add a new dimension of aroma. For warmer, spicy notes, you can add a cinnamon stick or a piece of fresh ginger.

For a special experience, try making a cold brew tea concentrate by using double the amount of leaves. You can then dilute this concentrate with plain or sparkling water, creating your own sparkling iced tea. It also serves as an excellent base for summer cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails, opening the door to endless possibilities of flavor mixing.