To make cold brew tea, steep about 6 teaspoons of loose tea (or 3 teabags) in 1 litre of room-temperature water, let it stand 15 to 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 8 to 20 hours and strain. It is one of the easiest drinks you can make: once the tea and water are together, the brew does the work itself. Hot tea is ready in minutes, but a good cold brew rewards a few hours of patience with a smoother, sweeter cup.
Cold brew contains less caffeine and tannin than hot tea, yet it could not be simpler to prepare. If you are not sure what sets it apart from iced tea in the first place, start with what cold brew tea is.
What you need
This makes 4 servings of medium-strong tea:
- 6 teaspoons of loose tea, or 3 teabags
- 1 litre of room-temperature water
- A clean container, ideally glass, with a lid
- A fine strainer or filter
You can dilute a finished brew that is too strong by adding water. If it turns out too mild for your taste, use a little more tea next time. Whole-leaf loose leaf tea works beautifully, and so do teabags.
Cold brew tea ratio chart
Use this as your starting point, then adjust to taste:
| Water | Loose tea | Teabags | Fridge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 ml (1 cup) | 1.5 teaspoons | 1 bag | 8 to 20 hours |
| 500 ml | 3 teaspoons | 1 to 2 bags | 8 to 20 hours |
| 1 litre (4 servings) | 6 teaspoons | 3 bags | 8 to 20 hours |
As a rule of thumb, black tea needs the longest steep, while green and white teas take the least. Taste the brew if you are unsure.
How to make cold brew tea, step by step
- Measure the tea into a container, preferably glass. Loose leaf, teabags, or even matcha powder all work, though matcha needs a slightly different approach.
- Pour over room-temperature water. Room temperature starts the extraction faster than cold water, but cold water or ice works too.
- Cover the container with a lid. If you are using a press pot, set the lid on and press the strainer down about a centimetre.
- Let the tea stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to kick-start brewing, then move it to the fridge. In a hurry, you can refrigerate it straight away.
- Refrigerate for 8 to 20 hours, depending on the tea type and how strong you like it. Black tea takes longest, green and white the least.
- When the time is up, strain the tea through the press-pot strainer or a filter bag.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy. Cold brew is usually sweet enough on its own, but you can add a little syrup if you prefer.
Tips for better cold brew
- Make a big batch at once. It keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, though it is at its best as soon as it is ready.
- Mix flavours once you are confident: try a berry black tea and a lemon green tea in the same water for a new combination.
- Add fresh berries or fruit slices along with the tea for an easy flavour twist.
- For green tea specifically, a few details make a real difference: see our guide to cold brew green tea.
- Prefer your tea hot? Our guide to making a perfect cup of tea has temperatures and times for every type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ratio for cold brew tea?
Use about 6 teaspoons of loose tea or 3 teabags per 1 litre of water for a medium-strong brew. That works out to roughly 1.5 teaspoons of loose tea per cup. Adjust up or down to taste.
How long does cold brew tea need to steep?
Refrigerate it for 8 to 20 hours. Black tea takes the longest, while green and white teas need the least time. Overnight is a reliable choice for most teas.
Do I use hot or cold water for cold brew tea?
Use room-temperature or cold water, never hot. Room temperature starts the extraction a little faster, but cold water and even ice both work well.
How long does cold brew tea keep?
Cold brew tea keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a covered container, though it tastes best soon after it is ready.
Can I make cold brew tea faster?
Let the tea stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before refrigerating to speed up brewing. Matcha powder also makes a quick cold drink, using a slightly different method.