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Ah, homemade iced tea… Honestly, it’s a delight in summer, especially when you go for the cold brew method. Nothing like hot tea left to cool down, no no, here, we care about the taste and freshness from the start. Well, I warn you, it requires a bit of patience, but I like to make it the day before, nice and easy.
What I also like is that this method avoids the often sharp bitterness of tea brewed in boiling water. You know, that little bitter undertone that sometimes ruins everything. Here, the cold brew reveals very soft, light flavors, it’s like a caress on the tongue. I often put a bit more for it to be well flavored, but that’s personal.
Ah, and let’s be clear, you can vary the pleasures infinitely: green tea, black, white… even rooibos works really well. Each tea offers a little surprise, a different taste that slowly unfolds. I love the version with a bit of lemon and fresh mint leaves, it gives an incredible pep.
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And to top it all off, this way of preparing is super economical and hassle-free. No need for a complicated thermometer or precise gestures, it’s as simple as hello! So, shall we start together with this cold brew iced tea?
The essential ingredients for a successful cold brew iced tea
To start, here’s the list of ingredients I never miss, because after all, a good iced tea is above all a good base.
- 8 g of loose tea or 2 bags – according to your taste, personally, I often use green tea or organic rooibos.
- 1 liter of cold water – filtered, if possible, it makes all the difference.
- A few lemon slices – because it gives a very refreshing zest of acidity.
- Fresh mint leaves – if you like this little touch of intense freshness.
- A bit of honey or agave syrup – well, this is optional, but personally, I put some when I want a little sweetness.
Tools to have on hand for a successful cold brew infusion
- A nice carafe or a large glass jar, so you can watch the colors develop (I love this ritual!)
- A fine strainer or tea filter to avoid leaves in the drink.
- A wooden spoon to stir gently.
- A lid or cling film to protect the carafe in the fridge.
How to prepare your iced tea with the cold brew method
Here, we’re talking simple but effective, I like that. First step: put the tea in the carafe. Yes, I see you coming, no boiling water jump here!
- Pour one liter of cold water over the tea and stir gently with your wooden spoon. No excitement, otherwise you risk mixing everything like a storm.
- Cover and into the fridge for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. Meanwhile, you can do something else… I often prepare it in the evening for the next day, it’s perfect.
- Strain the tea to remove the leaves or bags.
- Add lemon slices and mint leaves a few minutes before serving so the scents explode without altering the taste.
Ah, often I find myself tasting after 4 hours… But well, no need to cheat, you don’t gain anything by being impatient!
A few tips to personalize your iced tea as you like it
- Play with fruits: raspberries, peaches, or even a hint of freshly grated ginger, it changes everything.
- Sugar? If you’re like me, best use a light liquid honey, either directly in the carafe or in your glass, at the last moment.
- For a fizzier effect, try mixing your cold brewed tea with some sparkling water.
Why cold brewing changes everything in the taste and freshness of iced tea
Honestly, I didn’t think the simple fact of not heating the water would make such a difference. The aromas remain intact, you really feel the subtlety of the tea without that bitterness I find hard to tolerate.
Plus, cold brewed tea is super soft and very pleasant, especially when it’s hot. I’m sure you’ll become addicted to this texture. I sometimes even take the time to prepare it in double dose, to have some just in case… It really saves hot days.
It’s also a very economical and ecological method, since you avoid heating the water. With our little habits in 2025, reducing energy consumption has become a nice little gesture that I love to share.
Can you use any kind of tea for cold brewing?
Yes, almost all teas work well for cold brewing, from green to black tea, including rooibos. Some more delicate white teas require a slightly shorter infusion time.
Should you sweeten iced tea before or after brewing?
It’s better to sweeten after brewing in order to better control the sweetness without altering the flavor and texture of the tea. Honey or agave syrup are good choices.
How long can iced tea be kept in the refrigerator?
Ideally, it keeps for 48 hours in the fridge in an airtight container. Beyond that, it may lose freshness and develop a slightly bitter taste.
Can you prepare iced tea with tap water?
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Yes, but I recommend using filtered or mineral water to preserve the purity of the taste. Tap water can sometimes alter the flavor depending on its quality.
Does cold brewing reduce the caffeine content of tea?
Cold brewing extracts less caffeine than hot infusion, which makes iced tea softer and easier to drink later in the day.
