Quick answer
Yes, white tea cold brews beautifully. Use 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf per cup of cold water, steep for 8–12 hours, then strain and enjoy a smooth, naturally sweet brew.
Why white tea works for cold brewing
White tea is minimally processed, with young leaves and buds that release sweet, floral notes slowly. Cold water extracts these delicate flavors without pulling out the bitter tannins that hot water can, so you get a naturally smooth glass.
Because white tea is so gentle, it’s forgiving with time. You can steep it longer than black or green tea without the brew turning harsh, which makes it a great choice for overnight cold brewing.
Choosing your white tea
Any loose leaf white tea works, but consider the flavor profile. Fruity blends, like those in Tiesta Tea's Summer Vacation Bundle, bring a refreshing twist that pairs well with cold brewing. A sampler like the Tiesta Tasting Sampler lets you experiment with different white teas to find your favorite cold brew base.
Avoid pre-ground or very broken leaves if you can—they can over-extract and turn slightly bitter. Whole or large-piece loose leaf is ideal for a clean, sweet result.
How to cold brew white tea in a pitcher
- Measure your tea: Use 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf white tea for every 1 cup (8 oz) of cold, filtered water. For a standard 64 oz pitcher, that's about 6 tablespoons of tea. Too much tea makes the brew strong and bitter; too little makes it weak. Stick to the ratio for a balanced glass.
- Add cold water: Pour the measured tea into your pitcher, then add cold, filtered water. Do not use hot water—cold brew relies on time, not heat, to extract flavor. Always start with cold water; hot water will change the flavor and may make it bitter.
- Steep in the fridge: Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Steep for 8 to 12 hours. White tea is forgiving, so you can leave it up to 12 hours without it turning harsh. Set a timer for 8 hours and taste; if it's not strong enough, let it steep a bit longer.
- Strain and serve: Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve or a tea filter to remove the leaves. Pour over ice and enjoy. You can store the cold brew in the fridge for up to 3 days. Strain as soon as it reaches your desired strength—leaving leaves in will continue to extract and may cause bitterness.
Products that help
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Summer Vacation Bundle: The Summer Vacation Bundle includes 4 fruity tea blends, described as bursting with refreshing, fruity blends that bring on the carefree energy of summer days. These blends are ready to cold brew as-is, giving you a flavorful white tea pitcher without any extra sweetening or mixing.
Summer Vacation Bundle
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Tiesta Tasting Sampler - Wholesale (3pk): The Tiesta Tasting Sampler includes all 45 handcrafted teas, including white tea options. It lets you taste several white teas side by side to discover which one you like best for cold brewing, without committing to a full bag.
Tiesta Tasting Sampler - Wholesale (3pk)
