Tea is a refreshing and healthy beverage that can be enjoyed in many ways. One popular method of preparing tea is through the process of cold brewing.
Cold brewing your tea is a great way to enjoy a refreshing, flavorful, and healthy beverage that can be enjoyed throughout the day. You can make cold-brew tea by steeping normal (typicaly black) tea 8-12 hours. Sweeten with fresh fruit, stevia, sugar, or your favorite syrups.
In this article, we will take a closer look at cold brewing tea, including the process of making it, the flavor and caffeine content of the final product, how to sweeten it, and the difference between loose tea and tea bags. Let’s get started!
How Do You Make Cold Brewed Tea?

The main feature of cold brewed tea is that you don’t have to boil water or use hot water. This method is a bit different from making hot tea, as the tea is steeped in cold water over a period of several hours or overnight. Here’s how to make cold brewed tea:
- Choose your tea: Start by selecting the tea you want to use. Any type of tea can be used for cold brewing, including green, black, white, oolong, or herbal teas (you can view our full tea guide here). Some teas are better for cold brewing than others, and it’s a good idea to experiment with different teas to find the one that suits your taste.
- Add tea to water: Fill a large pitcher or container with cold water, and add your desired amount of tea leaves or tea bags. A general guideline is to use 1-2 tea bags or 1-2 tablespoons of loose tea for every 8 ounces of water.
- Stir and refrigerate: Stir the tea leaves or tea bags into the water, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. The longer the tea is steeped, the stronger the flavor will be. A typical steeping time is between 8-12 hours, but some teas can be steeped for up to 24 hours.
- Strain and serve: Once the tea has finished steeping, strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bags. Pour the cold brewed tea into a glass filled with ice and enjoy. You can also add sweeteners or garnishes to enhance the flavor.
Overall, making cold brewed tea is a simple and versatile process that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different tea varieties and steeping times to find the perfect combination that satisfies your thirst for a refreshing cup of tea.
Does Cold Brewed Tea Have a Stronger Flavor?
Cold brewed tea is often praised for its smoother and less bitter taste compared to traditional hot tea brewing. This is because cold water extracts fewer tannins and catechins, which can result in a less astringent taste.
Cold brewed tea is typically steeped for a longer period of time than hot brewed tea, for 8-12 hours as mentioned (or even longer). This extended steeping time allows the tea to release its flavor and aroma slowly, resulting in a more subtle and nuanced taste. Additionally, cold brewed tea is typically made using fresh, cool water, which can enhance the natural flavors of the tea leaves.
Overall, while cold brewed tea may not necessarily have a stronger flavor than hot brewed tea, it can have a more delicate and refreshing taste that is well-suited for iced tea or other cold tea-based drinks.
Additionally, cold brewing allows for a more gradual and gentle extraction of the tea’s flavor compounds, resulting in a unique taste profile that many tea lovers enjoy.
Does Cold Brewed Tea Have a Higher Caffeine Content?
Cold brewed tea generally has a lower caffeine content than hot brewed tea. This is because caffeine is extracted more easily and quickly in hot water than in cold water. While it may seem counterintuitive, the slower cold brewing process actually results in less caffeine being extracted from the tea leaves.
That being said, the caffeine content of cold brewed tea can still vary depending on the type of tea used, the amount of tea used, and the brewing time. Some teas, like black teas and certain green teas, naturally have a higher caffeine content, while other teas, like white teas and certain herbal teas, have little to no caffeine at all.
In general, it is safe to assume that cold brewed tea has less caffeine than hot brewed tea, but if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, it may be worth experimenting with different teas and brewing times to find a combination that works best for you.
And as with any caffeinated beverage, it’s important to consume in moderation and pay attention to how it affects your body.
What’s the Best Way to Sweeten Cold Brewed Tea?
When it comes to sweetening cold brewed tea, there are a variety of options to consider. The most common way to sweeten any type of tea is to add sugar, honey, or other sweeteners like Tarani’s French Vanilla syrup (on Amazon). However, with cold brewed tea, you may want to consider other methods for sweetening in order to enhance the flavor without altering the temperature or consistency of the tea.
One popular option is to add fresh fruit to the tea as it brews. This can add natural sweetness and flavor without adding sugar or other sweeteners. Some popular fruits for cold brewed tea include berries, citrus fruits, and melons. You can experiment with different combinations of fruits to find your favorite flavor.
Another option is to use flavored syrups or extracts. These can be found in most grocery stores or coffee shops, and can be added to the tea to sweeten it and give it a unique flavor. Some popular options include vanilla, almond, hazelnut, and mint syrup—as well as fruity options like raspberry and peach (like the Tarani example above).
If you prefer a more natural sweetener, consider using honey, agave nectar, or stevia (on Amazon). These sweeteners are derived from plants and can be added to taste. They are low calorie and won’t add extra sugar to your tea. Be sure to experiment with the amount of sweetener you use to find the right balance for your taste.
Consider Unsweetened
Lastly, some people prefer to drink their cold brewed tea unsweetened. This can be a refreshing and healthy option, especially if you are trying to limit your sugar intake. You can also experiment with adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, or spices like cinnamon or ginger, to give your tea a unique flavor without adding sweetness.
Ultimately, the best way to sweeten your cold brewed tea will depend on your personal preferences and taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and sweeteners to find the perfect combination for you.
Loose Tea vs Tea Bags: Which is Best For Cold Brewing?

When it comes to choosing between loose tea and tea bags for cold brewing, it really depends on your personal preference.
Loose tea allows for a more customizable flavor profile, as the tea leaves can fully expand and release their flavors during the brewing process. This can lead to a more complex and nuanced taste in the finished product. On the other hand, tea bags offer convenience and ease of use, as they are pre-portioned and require no additional equipment.
However, it is important to note that not all tea bags are created equal. Some lower-quality tea bags can contain tea dust or fannings, which can result in a weaker or less flavorful brew. When using tea bags for cold brewing, it’s best to choose high-quality tea bags that contain whole leaf tea.
Ultimately, the choice between loose tea and tea bags comes down to personal preference and convenience. Both options can produce a delicious cold brewed tea, so it’s worth experimenting to find out which one you prefer.