When the temperature rises, there's nothing quite like a tall glass of iced tea to cool you down. But if you've ever brewed hot tea and poured it over ice only to end up with a bitter, cloudy drink, you're not alone. The secret to a perfectly smooth, naturally sweet iced tea lies in cold brewing. This gentle, no-heat method extracts flavor slowly, resulting in a mellow, aromatic brew that's free of the bitterness and astringency that hot brewing can sometimes bring.

Cold brewing tea is incredibly easy, requires no special equipment, and works beautifully with almost any tea variety. Whether you're a fan of black tea, green tea, herbal infusions, or oolong, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious cold brew tea at home. Plus, we'll share some of our favorite teas to use, including the bright and citrusy Rwanda - Loose Leaf and the soothing Lemon Verbena - Loose Leaf.

Lemon Verbena - Loose Leaf

Lemon Verbena - Loose Leaf

What Is Cold Brew Tea and Why Try It?

Cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 8 to 12 hours. Unlike traditional iced tea, which is brewed hot and then chilled, cold brewing extracts the tea's flavor compounds slowly without the high heat that can release bitter tannins. The result is a smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced cup that highlights the tea's natural character.

This method is perfect for summer sipping because it's virtually foolproof. You can't over-steep or burn the leaves, so you get a consistent, delicious result every time. Plus, cold brew tea is incredibly refreshing and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, mint, or a splash of citrus. It's also a great way to enjoy teas that you might find too bold when brewed hot.

  • Smoother, less bitter flavor profile
  • Naturally sweeter without added sugar
  • Easy to make in large batches for the week
  • Works with loose leaf, tea bags, and herbal blends

The Perfect Cold Brew Ratio and Method

The golden ratio for cold brew tea is about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces (240 ml) of cold, filtered water. If you're using tea bags, one bag per cup is a good starting point. For a stronger brew, you can increase the tea slightly, but resist the urge to overdo it — cold brewing is gentle, and too much tea can lead to a slightly muddy flavor.

To make cold brew tea, simply place your tea leaves in a pitcher or jar, add cold water, cover, and refrigerate. Let it steep for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the tea type and your taste preference. Black teas and oolongs often benefit from a full 12 hours, while green and white teas may be ready in 8 to 10 hours. Herbal teas, like rooibos or chamomile, can steep even longer without becoming bitter.

  • Use a glass pitcher or mason jar for best results
  • Strain or remove tea leaves after steeping to avoid over-extraction
  • Store cold brew in the fridge for up to 3 days

Best Teas for Cold Brewing

Almost any tea can be cold brewed, but some varieties truly shine with this method. Black teas like Rwanda - Loose Leaf offer a bright, fruity character that becomes wonderfully smooth when cold brewed. Its natural notes of blackberry and honey make it a fantastic base for iced tea, with or without sweetener.

Herbal teas are also excellent candidates. Lemon Verbena - Loose Leaf, for example, infuses into a delicate, lemony brew that's incredibly refreshing on a hot day. It's naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it any time of day. For a more traditional iced tea experience, try a classic black tea like Yunnan - Loose Leaf, which has a malty sweetness that translates beautifully to cold brew.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

Once you've mastered the basic cold brew method, you can get creative with add-ins and garnishes. A sprig of fresh mint, a slice of lemon or lime, or a handful of berries can elevate your iced tea to a refreshing summer drink. For a touch of sweetness, try a drizzle of honey or agave syrup, or muddle a few peach slices in the glass before pouring.

You can also blend different teas for unique flavor combinations. Mix a bold black tea with a floral oolong, or combine an herbal infusion with a hint of green tea. The possibilities are endless. For a truly special treat, try cold brewing our GUEST TEA Kumari Gold - Loose Leaf, a rare white tea that develops a silky, honeyed flavor when steeped cold.

  • Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary
  • Try citrus slices, cucumber, or edible flowers
  • Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup
  • Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist

Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew Iced Tea: What's the Difference?

The main difference between cold brew and hot brew iced tea is the extraction process. Hot brewing uses heat to quickly pull flavor and caffeine from the leaves, which can also release bitter compounds if steeped too long. Cold brewing, on the other hand, is a slow, gentle extraction that preserves the tea's delicate aromatics and natural sweetness.

Many tea lovers find that cold brew tea has a cleaner, more refined taste than its hot-brewed counterpart. It also tends to be less cloudy, especially with teas that are high in tannins. If you're looking for a crisp, clear iced tea that's easy to make in bulk, cold brewing is the way to go. For a quicker option, you can still make hot brew iced tea, but we recommend using a little less tea and chilling it quickly to avoid bitterness.

  • Cold brew: smoother, sweeter, less bitter, takes 8-12 hours
  • Hot brew: quicker, bolder flavor, can be bitter if over-steeped
  • Both methods can be used with loose leaf or tea bags

Cold brewing tea is a simple, rewarding way to enjoy your favorite teas all summer long. With just a few minutes of prep and a little patience, you'll have a pitcher of perfectly smooth, naturally sweet iced tea ready to sip. Whether you're using a classic black tea like Rwanda - Loose Leaf or a soothing herbal like Lemon Verbena - Loose Leaf, the cold brew method brings out the best in every leaf. Ready to get started? Explore our full selection of award-winning teas and find your perfect cold brew companion today.