Mastering Cold Brew Tea: Here’s What You Need to Know!

Ever wondered how to get the most refreshing cup of tea without needing to boil water? You’re not alone. A lot of people are switching to cold brew tea these days, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, delicious, and downright convenient. But the thing is, if you’ve never made it yourself, it might sound a bit intimidating. You’re probably asking:

• What’s the difference between cold brew and regular tea?

• How do I make sure it tastes good?

• What tea should I use?

Well, good news. I’ve got the full breakdown for you. Trust me—cold brew tea is a game-changer, and by the end of this, you’ll be the cold brew pro you didn’t know you could be.

What You Need to Get Started with Cold Brew Tea

Making cold brew tea is super easy. Here's the basic setup:

• A 550ml bottle of water—you can go with either purified or mineral water. Personally, I prefer purified water because it's cheaper, but mineral water is nice too if you’re feeling fancy.

• 2-3 grams of loose leaf tea—I’m using Maojian (a type of green tea), but feel free to swap it out for any type of tea you like: oolong, jasmine green tea, white tea, or even a simple tea bag if that’s your vibe. The taste might change a bit, but it’ll still work.

A Few Quick Tips:

• If you don’t have Maojian tea, just grab whatever tea you usually drink. The beauty of cold brew is its flexibility. No need to be a perfectionist.

• The amount of tea you use depends on how strong you like your brew. If you’re after something lighter, go with less tea. For a stronger, richer taste, add more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cold Brew Tea

Alright, let’s get into it. Here’s how to make cold brew tea like a pro:

1. Grab your 550ml bottle of water. Open it up, take a couple of sips, or if you’re worried about bacteria, just pour a little out. Why? Because you’ll need some space in the bottle to let the tea leaves expand.

2. Add your tea leaves. For the Maojian tea, I usually go with 3 grams (about a heaping teaspoon), but if you want something lighter, go with 1.5 grams. If you’re using a tea bag, just drop one in.

3. Shake it up! Screw the cap on tightly and give the bottle a good shake. This helps the tea leaves get fully submerged and start infusing the water right away.

4. Chill it. Place the bottle in the fridge. It’s best to lay it flat—this helps the leaves spread out and soak into the water evenly. Let it sit in there for about 8 hours. No need to rush it, the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavour.

5. Enjoy! Once it’s ready, you can filter it if you don’t want to drink the leaves straight up. A coffee filter or tea strainer works fine. If you don’t mind a few tea bits floating around, just drink it as is.

Why Cold Brew Tea is Worth Your Time

You might be thinking, “Why bother with cold brew when I can just make hot tea?” Here’s why:

• It’s smoother. The process of cold steeping results in a much less bitter taste. Hot water tends to extract more tannins from the leaves, which can make tea taste a little too sharp. With cold brew, you get a gentler, sweeter flavour.

• It’s more convenient. No boiling, no waiting. Just pop it in the fridge and forget about it. The whole process is pretty hands-off.

• You can drink it on the go. Once it’s brewed, just grab your bottle and head out the door. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher for busy mornings.

FAQs About Cold Brew Tea

1. Can I use any kind of tea?
Yes! You can use any tea you like, though different types of tea will give you different flavours. Experiment and find what you love.

2. Is it okay to drink cold brew tea every day?
Cold brew tea is generally safe, but like anything, balance is key. It’s not the best idea to drink it constantly on an empty stomach. Make sure you’re eating well before you enjoy your cold brew.

3. How long can I store it in the fridge?
It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a shake before you drink it.

4. What if I don’t have a bottle?
No bottle? No problem. Just use a jar, jug, or any other container with a tight lid. The principle is the same.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it! Cold brew tea is super simple to make, and it’s hands down one of the easiest ways to get a refreshing, flavourful drink without much fuss. Whether you’re new to it or you’ve been curious for a while, give it a try. Trust me, it’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder why you never made it before.

So, do you prefer cold brew tea or the traditional way of brewing with a Yixing teapot? Either way, it’s all about what suits you.

Are you ready to ditch the hot water and jump into the world of cold brew tea? It’s time to give it a shot!