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Cold brewed tea with ice in a glass.
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How To Cold Brew Tea (Easy Formula)

Learn how to cold brew tea for a refreshing way to get your tea fix in, even in the peak summer months! Serve it unsweetened or sweet, with a squeeze of citrus, or with fresh herbs for a natural soda alternative.
Prep Time5 minutes
Steep Time8 hours
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: cold brewed tea, iced tea
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

  • 1 bag tea or 1 ½ teaspoons
  • 6 ounces water

Instructions

  • Measure: Start with 1 bag or 1 ½ teaspoons of loose-leaf tea per 6 ounces of water. You can adjust the ratio from there based on your preference and the type of tea.
  • Assemble: Place the tea in a glass pitcher or jar and add cold water. Gently stir the mixture to ensure all leaves are hydrated and evenly distributed.
  • Steep: Steep the tea in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Delicate teas like green or white may require less time (about 4-6 hours).
  • Taste & Strain: Taste the tea at different intervals to find your preferred strength. Avoid steeping for too long since it can lead to a bitter taste, especially in teas with higher tannin content like black tea. Once the tea has reached your desired strength, strain out the tea leaves and serve it over ice.
    If you like it sweet, add your favorite sweetener. Or, add a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist. You can store the strained cold brew tea in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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