Top 12 Best Teas For Cold Brew
The Best Teas For Cold Brew are smooth, refreshing, and full of flavor without the bitterness that comes from hot brewing. Cold brewing tea is a simple process that uses cool water and time to bring out the natural sweetness of the tea.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Information and statements shown here are for educational and informational purposes only and are not to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
This post may include affiliate links. Please refer to our disclaimer for full disclosure.
Cold-brewed tea is a great way to enjoy tea with a smoother taste and less bitterness. Instead of using hot water, the cold brew method steeps tea in cooler temperatures for several hours. This helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tea while reducing bitter flavors.
Many tea drinkers prefer cold brewing tea because it creates a refreshing drink that is easy to make. Unlike hot tea, which can taste strong or bitter if steeped too long, cold-brewed tea stays light and smooth. It is also a popular brewing method during hot summer days since it doesn’t require boiling water.
Some herbal teas work even better with the cold brew process. Marshmallow root, for example, releases its soothing, thick texture best when steeped in cold water. Other herbal blends, like hibiscus tea or fruit teas, also taste great when cold brewed. This method helps preserve delicate flavors and important nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and healthy iced tea.
3 Top Benefits of Cold Brew Tea
- Smoother, Less Bitter Taste – Cold brewing tea brings out a naturally smooth flavor while reducing bitter flavors. Unlike hot brewed tea, which can get too strong if steeped too long, the cold brew process keeps the taste mild and enjoyable. This makes it a great choice for black tea, green tea, and oolong teas.
- Retains Delicate Nutrients & Compounds – Some herbal blends and loose-leaf tea lose important nutrients when exposed to high water temperature. The cold-brew method helps keep the natural properties of the tea intact, giving you the best cold brew tea in terms of both flavor and health benefits.
- Easier on Digestion – The cold brew process reduces tannins, which can cause stomach discomfort in some people. With fewer tannins and lower acidity, cold-brewed tea is gentler on digestion than hot tea. This makes it a great way to enjoy tea without the risk of an upset stomach.
12 Best Teas for Cold Brew Based on Taste & Benefits
A. Floral & Fruity Teas (Refreshing & Naturally Sweet)
Cold brewing tea brings out natural sweetness and smooth flavors, making fruit teas and floral teas a great choice for a refreshing drink. These teas don’t need much added sugar and work well with ice cubes, lemon juice, or simple syrup for extra flavor.
1. Hibiscus tea has a bright red color and a tart, fruity flavor. It’s packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a great way to stay hydrated on hot summer days. It also blends well with sweet tea or other herbal blends for a delicious iced tea.
2. Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and has a light, sweet taste that pairs well with honey or lemon slices. The cold brew method keeps its gentle floral flavor without any bitter flavors. It’s also soothing for a sore throat and a great bedtime drink.
3. Rose petal tea has a delicate, slightly sweet taste and is often used to support skin health. Adding loose leaves of rose to cold-brewed tea gives it a soft, refreshing flavor that pairs well with fruit teas.
4. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free with a mild, slightly sweet taste. It’s rich in minerals and has a smooth flavor that works well as a cold tea. Since it has no caffeine content, it’s a great choice for tea drinkers of all ages.
These best iced tea options are perfect for experimenting with different flavors. You can make a large batch to keep in the fridge and enjoy over the next day. Using loose-leaf tea or regular tea bags, you can easily prepare a glass of iced tea that’s both refreshing and packed with health benefits.
B. Herbal Teas That Are Best Cold-Infused (Extracts More Benefits)
Some herbal teas release their benefits better when steeped in cold water. The cold brew method helps preserve delicate compounds that might break down in hot tea. These teas are a great choice for those looking for a smooth, nutritious, and refreshing drink.
5. Marshmallow root creates a thick, soothing tea that is great for digestion and throat health. Cold brewing allows it to release its natural mucilage, which helps coat the throat and stomach, making it especially useful for irritation or a sore throat.
6. Licorice root has a naturally sweet taste and supports the adrenal system. It is often used to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Cold brewing helps extract its beneficial compounds while keeping the flavor smooth and mellow.
7. Nettle leaf is rich in minerals and is known for its hydrating and energizing properties. The cold brew process keeps its nutrients intact, making it an excellent herbal tea for overall wellness. It pairs well with other herbal blends or fruit teas.
8. Peppermint tea is cooling, refreshing, and great for digestion. Cold brewing enhances its crisp, minty flavor while reducing any bitterness. It makes a perfect iced tea for hot summer days and can be combined with lemon juice or simple syrup for extra flavor.
These teas work well in a large batch and can be stored in the fridge for the next day. Using loose-leaf tea or regular tea bags, you can easily make a cold-brewed tea that is smooth, flavorful, and packed with health benefits.
C. Traditional Teas for Cold Brew (Smooth & Balanced Flavor)
Traditional teas like green, black, oolong, and white tea work well with the cold brew method. Cold brewing helps reduce bitter flavors while keeping the taste smooth and balanced. These teas are a great choice for tea drinkers who enjoy classic flavors with natural sweetness.
9. Green tea, such as sencha or jasmine, has a light, grassy flavor and is packed with antioxidants. Cold brewing brings out its delicate taste while reducing bitterness. It makes a refreshing drink and pairs well with lemon juice or simple syrup.
10. Oolong tea has a slightly floral taste and is known for supporting metabolism. Cold brewing enhances its natural sweetness and smooth texture, making it a popular brewing method for those who want a tea that is rich but not overpowering.
11. Black tea, including Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Assam, has a bold, rich flavor with a caffeine kick. Cold brewing makes the flavor smoother and highlights the natural sweetness of the tea. Earl Grey tea, which contains bergamot oil, has a citrusy taste that works well as a glass of iced tea.
12. White tea, such as silver needle or white peony, is delicate, floral, and full of antioxidants. Cold brewing keeps its light, sweet flavor intact, making it one of the best choices for a refreshing and high-quality iced tea.
These teas work well in a large batch and can be stored in glass containers or a cold brew bottle for the next day. Using loose leaves or regular tea bags, you can easily make a delicious iced tea with a smooth finish and plenty of health benefits.
How to Cold Brew Tea for Best Results
Cold brewing tea is one of the easiest ways to get smooth, flavorful tea without the bitter flavors that can come from hot brewing. The cold brew process takes time, but the end result is worth it. Follow these simple steps to make the best cold-brewed tea.
Ratio – Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea or a few regular tea bags for every 4 cups of cold water. The amount can be adjusted depending on how strong you like your tea.
Time – Let the tea steep for 6 to 12 hours at room temperature or in the fridge. Herbal teas can steep even longer for a stronger flavor. The next day, your tea will be ready to enjoy.
Straining & Serving – Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer or remove the tea bags. Serve over ice cubes and add honey, simple syrup, or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Storage – Keep the tea in a cold brew bottle, plastic container, or glass container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
Cold brewing is a great choice for making a large batch of tea to enjoy over multiple days. This tea-brewing method is simple and lets you try different flavors to find your best iced tea.
Best Combinations for Flavor & Benefits
Cold brewing tea allows you to mix different flavors for a refreshing drink with added health benefits. Here are some of the best iced tea combinations to try:
Hibiscus + Mint – This blend is cooling and packed with vitamin C. Hibiscus gives a tart, fruity flavor, while mint adds a fresh, crisp taste. It’s a great choice for hot summer days and pairs well with ice cubes and simple syrup.
Chamomile + Lavender – A perfect mix for relaxation, this floral tea is soothing and great before bedtime. Chamomile has a light, sweet taste, while lavender adds a calming aroma. It makes a smooth, caffeine-free cold tea that’s easy on digestion.
Rooibos + Vanilla – Naturally sweet and comforting, this tea is full of minerals and has no caffeine content. Rooibos has a mild, earthy taste, and vanilla adds a warm, smooth finish. It’s a great choice for tea drinkers who want a naturally sweet tea without using less sugar.
Green Tea + Lemon + Honey – This combination is energizing and immune-boosting. Green tea is high in antioxidants, lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, and honey brings natural sweetness. It’s one of the best choices for a light, healthy glass of iced tea.
These tea blends work well in a large batch and can be stored in the fridge for the next day. Experimenting with different flavors helps tea enthusiasts find their favorite teas while enjoying the benefits of cold-brewed tea.
Conclusion
Cold brewing tea is a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink with smooth flavor and no bitterness. It allows tea drinkers to stay hydrated while exploring different flavors and benefits.
This method is ideal for herbalists who want to get the most out of their herbal tea. Certain herbal blends, like marshmallow root and nettle, release more nutrients in cold water, making cold brewing a smart choice for those looking to maximize health benefit AND sometimes taste!
