HOW AND WHY TO MAKE COLD BREW TEA
Cold brew tea is a refreshing way to enjoy your favorite teas any time of the year. Cold brewing brings out the natural flavors of tea leaves to create a smooth and delicious cup that delights each time.
Explore how to make cold brew tea to create your own delicious versions right at home.
WHAT IS COLD BREW TEA?
Cold brew is a unique brewing approach that steeps the tea slowly without using heat for a sweet, smooth taste. All it takes to make this specialty are loose-leaf tea leaves or tea bags and cold water. From there, the mixture is steeped in the refrigerator for about 4 to 12 hours inside a covered container, allowing the water to extract flavor and caffeine.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLD BREW TEA?
Cold brew tea can be made without a kettle or other heating device. It also yields an incredibly rich and smooth beverage that may extract less mouth-drying tannins than tea brewed using heat. Bases such as milk may then be added with other flavorings before it can finally be enjoyed, typically out of a clear glass with a bit of refreshing ice.
In addition, cold brew tea is less caffeinated and sugar-free, making it an ideal drink to keep you hydrated on a hot day.
WHAT IS THE BEST TEA FOR COLD BREW?
Almost any type of tea can be cold brewed if desired, but some are ideal for the task. Specifically, milder teas like green and white tea tend to fare well due to their subtle flavors that come through in the cold brewing process, while black teas steeped over a longer period of time could give you an overly bitter result.
Fruit-infused herbal blends also make great options that lead to deliciously refreshing drinks.
COLD BREW TEA RECIPE
To make a delicious glass of cold brew tea in the comfort of your home, you will need the right equipment. While you can achieve cold brew tea with any steeper, having a cold brew maker or infuser specifically designed for this purpose can make things easier and possibly even boost the quality of your beverage. The KitchenAid® Cold Brew Coffee Maker can be used to make cold brew tea as well as infuse floral, herbal or fruit ingredients into water.
Read on to learn how to make a basic cold brew tea recipe to use as inspiration for your own beverage creations.
YIELDS
14 servings
INGREDIENTS
Loose-leaf tea
Filtered water
Milk (optional for serving)
Sugar or simple syrup (optional for serving)
TOOLS
Cold brewer like the KitchenAid® Cold Brew Coffee Maker
PREP TIME
10 minutes
TOTAL TIME
4 to 12 hours
STEP 1: ASSEMBLE THE COLD BREWER
Most cold brewers include a jar, steeper and lid. Remove the lid and place the steeper inside the empty jar. The KitchenAid brand model features an easy-pour tap for serving directly from the jar. Make sure the tap is turned to the left until completely closed before adding water. For detailed set-up instructions, refer to the owner's manual for your model.
STEP 2: ADD TEA LEAVES
Add the loose-leaf tea leaves to the steeper at a ratio of about one to two teaspoons per four cups of water. Note that different tea varieties may call for slightly different ratios.
STEP 3: ADD WATER
Pour the water over the tea leaves slowly in a circular motion until completely covered and close the cold brewer lid.
STEP 4: PLACE IN FRIDGE
After placing the cold brew maker in the fridge, leave to steep for 4 to 12 hours. When done, slowly lift the steeper out of the jar, allowing the remaining liquid to drain into the brew jar.
STEP 5: SERVE
To serve, pour the tea concentrate over a glass of ice or dilute with a bit of water to achieve your ideal strength. Serve the tea pure and simple on its own or add your choice of milk, cream or simple syrups. Milk can help round out the bitter tannins when brewing with black teas but could be overpowering for more delicate teas like green or white.
SHOP KITCHENAID® COLD BREW COFFEE MAKERS FOR MAKING COLD BREW TEA
CAN I MAKE COLD BREW TEA WITH REGULAR TEA BAGS?
Making cold brew tea with regular tea bags is just as simple as using loose-leaf tea. The process of creating a cold brew concentrate with tea bags is generally the same. Regular tea bags can be placed directly into the cold brewer and left in the fridge overnight or for at least 12 hours.
As with other methods of cold brewing, lightly colored and flavored teas may yield milder results while dark teas may produce a more robust flavor. Regardless of the type used, cold brewed tea infusions are naturally less bitter than traditional hot brewing methods, leaving behind a smoother taste that’s perfect for those who prefer a less intense beverage. For those looking to create their own unique blends, combining various types of regular tea bags can also create new and interesting flavors.
HOW DO I SWEETEN COLD BREW TEA WITHOUT SUGAR?
Cold brew tea can be sweetened without sugar or artificial sweeteners by adding natural ingredients such as fruit syrups, a honey simple syrup and even fresh fruits. For example, a few tablespoons of pure apple juice can add natural sweetness to your cold brew tea, while tossing in a few slices of citrus fruit like oranges or lemons can also contribute to the flavor.
Additionally, some teas have a natural sweetness if you’re looking for a subtle flavor enhancement. Try varieties like rooibos that go well with spices like cinnamon and anise or try cold brewing licorice root for a more intense sweetness and a less conventional tea. No matter which type of sweetener you use, feel free to adjust the amount until you achieve the desired taste.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® COFFEE MAKERS AND KETTLES
Making a delicious cold brew tea is easier than ever with the right equipment. With KitchenAid® coffee makers and kettles, you have all the tools necessary to create your favorite specialty beverage at home. Whether it’s a classic hot cup of morning joe or an afternoon iced latte, explore KitchenAid® coffee appliances that help bring out the best in every sip.
GET MORE BEVERAGE TIPS WITH KITCHENAID BRAND
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