Cold Brew Iced Tea!

As the weather starts to heat up, iced teas are a great way to cool off, hydrate and refresh! Cold brew has long been my favourite method for making iced tea. This simple way of brewing tea offers a host of benefits that go beyond traditional hot brewing methods.

Better Flavor Profiles: Cold brew iced tea brings out the natural flavors of the tea leaves without any bitter or astringent notes. The slower brewing process extracts fewer tannins and allows for a smoother, sweeter taste profile. Whether you're brewing black, green, white, or herbal teas, cold brewing enhances the natural sweetness and delicate nuances of the tea, creating a more enjoyable and refreshing experience.
Reduced Caffeine and Antioxidants: If you prefer a milder caffeine kick, cold brew iced tea is the way to go. Cold water extracts caffeine more slowly than hot water, resulting in a naturally lower caffeine content. This makes it an excellent option for those who are more sensitive to caffeine. However, it still retains the beneficial antioxidants found in tea, which may support overall well-being.
Simplicity and Convenience: Preparing cold brew iced tea couldn't be easier! Simply add your favorite loose leaf tea to cold water and let it steep in the refrigerator overnight. The slow infusion eliminates the need for constant monitoring or precise temperature control. I like to add my leaves to a teaball so that they are easily removed in the morning. The simplicity and convenience of the process make it ideal for busy individuals or those looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy their favorite tea.
Longer Shelf Life: Compared to hot brewed tea, cold brew iced tea has a longer shelf life. Since it is not exposed to high temperatures, it is less prone to oxidation and spoilage. You can prepare a larger batch of cold brew iced tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to have refreshing tea readily available whenever you desire.
Versatile and Customizable: Cold brew iced tea provides ample room for creativity and experimentation. You can mix and match various tea blends, herbs, and fruits to create your own unique flavors. For added zest, consider infusing your tea with fresh citrus slices, berries, or mint leaves. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor your cold brew iced tea to suit your taste preferences.

Cold brew iced tea offers an easy alternative to traditional hot brewing methods. Providing enhanced flavor profiles and reduced caffeine content, simplicity, longer shelf life, and customizable options, cold brew iced tea is a refreshing and versatile option. Give it a try and elevate your tea-drinking experience to a new level of satisfaction!

While most teas will work using the cold brew method, here are a few of my favourite from the shop.

Peach Blossom (white tea)
Rose Mint (white tea)
Honey Oolong
Fukamidori Sencha (green tea)
Grapefruit (green tea)
Cherry (green tea)
Jasmine (green)
Ginger Peach (black tea)
Black Current (black tea)
Lady Grey (black tea)
Strawberry (herbal)
Citrus Mint (herbal)
Blueberry Rooibos (herbal)

While most teas work wonderfully, I have found that chai blends seems to be less tasty. I think it is because that the different ingredients release their flavours differently and that the balance of flavours gets lost with a cold brew infusion.