Article: Cold Brew Iced Tea Recipe
Cold Brew Iced Tea Recipe
Iced tea made the cold brew way is completely different from what you're used to. No heat means no bitterness — the astringent tannins that make hot-steeped iced tea taste harsh never get extracted. What you get instead is naturally sweet, crystal-clear tea with a smooth, clean flavor that lasts a full week in the fridge.
The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker handles this the same way it handles cold brew coffee: add your tea, fill with cold water, steep in the fridge overnight, pull the filter. Done. One batch makes enough for the week.
Ingredients
- 4–6 tea bags or 4–6 teaspoons loose-leaf tea (adjust for strength)
- Cold or room-temperature filtered water (enough to fill to the max line)
- Optional: sliced lemon, fresh mint, sweetener of your choice (honey, simple syrup, sugar)
Works with any tea: green, white, black, oolong, herbal, or blends.
Instructions
- If using tea bags: cut one corner of each bag and empty the loose tea into the Ovalware Cold Brew filter. Or drop whole bags directly into the filter basket.
- If using loose-leaf: add 4–6 teaspoons directly to the filter.
- Insert the filter into the glass carafe.
- Pour cold or room-temperature filtered water over the tea slowly, filling to the max line.
- Stir gently to start the steep.
- Place the cap on and refrigerate.
- Steep according to tea type (see guide below).
- Remove the filter. The silicone seal can be transferred from the filter to the cap for a tighter seal during storage.
- Serve over ice. Add lemon, mint, or sweetener to taste.
Cold brew iced tea keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Steep Time by Tea Type
| Tea Type | Steep Time (Fridge) | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 8–10 hours | Light, grassy, delicate |
| White tea | 8–10 hours | Floral, subtle, mild |
| Black tea | 10–12 hours | Bold, smooth, slightly sweet |
| Oolong tea | 10–12 hours | Complex, floral-to-roasted |
| Herbal / fruit | 10–14 hours | Varies — bright and fruity |
Start at the lower end of the range and taste before removing the filter. Steeping longer intensifies flavor without adding bitterness — unlike hot brewing, you can't really over-steep cold brew tea.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew Iced Tea
- Use filtered water. Tea has a delicate flavor — tap water minerals can affect it. Cold filtered water makes a noticeable difference.
- Don't squeeze the filter. Just lift and remove. Pressing the grounds or tea extracts bitter compounds you don't want.
- Add flavors after steeping. Lemon, mint, or fruit slices are best added fresh per glass rather than stored in the pitcher — they can overpower the tea over 24+ hours.
- Use more tea for concentrate. If you want a stronger base to mix with sparkling water or lemonade, use 8–10 teaspoons instead of 4–6.
Watch: How to Make Cold Brew Iced Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cold brew any type of tea?
Yes. Green, white, black, oolong, and herbal teas all work with cold brewing. Green and white teas are especially well-suited — hot water is often their biggest enemy (over-extraction causes bitterness), so cold brewing lets their natural sweetness come through cleanly.
Does cold brew iced tea have less caffeine?
Slightly less than hot-brewed tea, but not dramatically. Cold water extracts caffeine more slowly, so a 10-hour cold brew has somewhat less caffeine than the same tea steeped hot for 3–5 minutes. For low-caffeine options, use white or green tea, or choose an herbal blend.
How long does cold brew iced tea last?
Up to 1 week refrigerated in a sealed container. The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker's glass carafe goes straight from steeping to serving — no decanting needed.
Can I use the same maker for coffee and tea?
Yes. Rinse the stainless steel filter thoroughly between uses. Coffee oils can linger, so if you're switching from coffee to a delicate green or white tea, a soak in warm water with a drop of dish soap for 10 minutes will clear any residual flavor.
Ready to try it? The Ovalware Cold Brew Maker is available in 1.0L and 1.5L — steep tea or coffee, same process, same effortless result.
