Cold brew... the term sounds fancy, maybe even intimidating. Want to know a secret? It's incredibly easy! If you like iced tea, Cold brewing is the ideal way to prepare it. It's also a great introduction to tea for those who are new to making tea. There's less room for error.
So, what is cold brew?
Cold brew is a brewing process. Just as it's name implies the tea leaves are steeped in cold water rather than hot water. To do this, the leaf and water combination is put in the refrigerator.
Why? What does this do?
The water temperature tea is brewed in affects how tannins and caffeine are extracted form the dry tea leaves. When tea is brewed hot the flavors, tannins, and caffeine are extracted quickly from the leaves (2-5 minutes depending upon tea type). This chemical change on the tea leaves can result in a beverage with a bitter or astringent taste. During the cold brew process the flavors are extracted over a longer period of time (however long it is left to steep). This gentle steeping process results in a smoother brew with more flavor dimensions, fewer tannins, and less caffeine than a hot brew.
How to cold brew?
For cold brewing we recommend using the suggested tea leaf/water ratio for whatever tea being prepared. If you like a stronger Iced Tea you can increase the amount of dry tea leaves. The key with cold brew is to use cold or room temperature water.
Add the tea leaves & water to a jar or brewing pitcher that can be covered. We like to use Mason jars!
Put it into the refrigerator. We suggest letting the tea cold steep in the refrigerator for the following time frames. Feel free to experiment with these times to find your perfect cup of iced tea!
Black tea – 8 to 12 hours
Green tea – 6 to 8 hours
White tea – 6 to 8 hours
Oolong tea – 8 to 10 hours
Herbal blends – 12 to 14 hours
Strain tea mixture through a cullender or strainer into another jar or pitcher.
Once prepared, cold brewed tea will keep for approximately 1 week in the refrigerator.
What tea can be cold brewed?
Pretty much any tea can be cold brewed. If you are looking for recommendations check out our Iced Tea collection.