LOGBOOK

Cold-brewed tea: dosage, time and method

Dosage per liter, time in the refrigerator, choice of tea and filtration: the simple method for a successful cold brew.

Making iced tea doesn't necessarily mean brewing hot tea and then adding ice cubes.

There is another method: cold brewing.

The leaves are placed directly in cool water and then left in the refrigerator for several hours.

The result is often very different from hot brewing: milder, sometimes less pronounced in bitterness and astringency, and often more floral or rounder.

But how long should it steep? What dosage should you use? Are all teas suitable?

Here is a simple method for making your own iced tea.

Quick answer

To make a cold brew, use about 8 to 12 g of tea per liter of water, then let it steep for 4 to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Then strain the leaves and keep the drink chilled. Start with 4 hours, taste, and then extend if necessary.

Table of Contents

1. What is cold brewing?
2. Why is it often less bitter?
3. How to make homemade iced tea?
4. What dosage should you use?
5. How long should you let it steep?
6. Which tea should you choose?
7. Mistakes to avoid
8. How to store iced tea?

What is cold brewing?

Cold brewing involves extracting the compounds from tea in cold or cool water rather than heated water.

Because the temperature is lower, the extraction is slower.

You therefore replace heat with time.

Instead of a few minutes, the leaves are generally left in the water for several hours.

The process is slower, but it often results in a milder flavor profile.

Why does cold brewing often taste milder?!--nl-->

The water temperature affects the extraction rate of the compounds present in the leaf.

At a low temperature, the extraction is slower. Bitterness and astringency may therefore develop more gradually than with very hot brewing.

However, the result depends on the tea, the dosage, and the duration. A cold brew that is too concentrated or left for too long can also become unbalanced.

How to make homemade iced tea?!--nl-->

You can then serve it as is, with a few ice cubes if you wish.

It is not necessary to add sugar to make it pleasant to drink: some teas naturally develop a very mild flavor when cold-brewed.

What dosage should you use for cold brewing?!--nl-->

A good starting point is to use about 8 to 12 g of tea per liter of water.

However, the ideal dosage depends on the tea used and your taste.

A highly aromatic leaf may require less tea than a more delicate one.

It is therefore best to start with a little less and adjust the next time you prepare it.

How long should you let it steep?!--nl-->

There is no universal duration.

The size of the leaves, how they are rolled, the type of tea, and the actual temperature of your refrigerator all affect the extraction.

In practice, a range of 4 to 8 hours is a good starting point.

Tightly rolled leaves may need more time to open.

Conversely, a tea made of small leaves may develop more quickly.

Your palate remains the best guide.

Taste before deciding to extend the steeping time.

Which tea should you choose for cold brewing?!--nl-->

Almost all major tea families can be tried, but some yield particularly interesting results.

Flavored teas can also be very well suited to this preparation method, especially when their floral or fruity notes remain balanced.

Try it at home

Oolongs are particularly interesting for cold brewing: their leaves can develop floral, mild, and highly aromatic profiles.

Mistakes to avoid

Using too much tea

Cold brewing is still an extraction. An excessive dosage can make the drink too intense.

Leaving the leaves in indefinitely

Extraction continues as long as the leaves remain in the water. Once you have achieved the desired profile, strain them.

Adding too many ice cubes after hot brewing

This method can dilute the drink significantly. Cold brewing directly generally allows you to better control the result.

Looking for an exact time applicable to all teas

The leaf matters as much as the duration. Taste regularly rather than blindly following a number.

How to store cold-brewed tea?!--nl-->

Once prepared, keep your cold tea in the refrigerator in a clean, closed container.

For home use, the simplest solution is to prepare a quantity that you will consume quickly.

Avoid leaving a cold brew for several hours at room temperature, especially after preparation.

If the smell, appearance, or taste seem unusual, do not consume it.

To learn more

Are you worried about bitterness? Discover why tea becomes bitter .

Do you want to adjust your brews? How long should you steep tea?!--nl-->

To compare the major families: Green tea or black tea: which should you choose?

Are you looking for a complete iced tea recipe? Read our homemade iced tea guide .

Frequently asked questions

Can you steep tea directly in cold water?

Yes. You simply need to leave the water for longer to extract the compounds from the leaf.

How long does it take to make cold tea?

Start with about 4 hours in the refrigerator and extend up to 8 hours depending on the tea and the desired intensity.

Which tea is best for cold brewing?

There is no single best tea. Oolongs, certain green teas, and flavored teas often yield very interesting results.

Can you make a cold brew with rooibos?

Yes. Rooibos can also be used to prepare a cold drink and naturally contains no caffeine.

Another way to discover the same tea

Cold brewing is not simply a summer version of hot tea.

It is a different extraction method.

A tea you know perfectly hot can reveal a completely different side after several hours in cold water.

Less bitterness, more mildness, a different aromatic profile: sometimes, it is enough to change the temperature to completely rediscover a leaf.