With warm weather on the way, cold brew tea is a great addition to your specialty beverage menu. It can be prepared in large batches for high-volume businesses and served in a variety of ways. Caitlin Schiessl shares best practices to cold brew tea, popular RTNY offerings on cold brew, and info about our latest blend!
Intro to Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea differs from traditional iced tea in that it’s brewed without hot water. Utilizing this method results in a smooth, less astringent taste. It’s also less acidic, making it a refreshing option for those who are sensitive to regular iced tea!
For a more in-depth analysis, check out our post on caffeine in cold brew.
What You’ll Need to Make Cold Brew
Tea
Of course, the base of this cold brew is tea! Whether you choose black, green, oolong, or an herbal blend, ensure you use a high-quality leaf. Since your goal isn’t quick extraction, a fuller leaf works well here.
Water
Always use filtered water for steeping as non-filtered water can affect the taste of your brew.
Tea Filters or Strainers
Once steeping is complete, you’ll need something to separate your tea leaves from your water. You can either hand-pack your tea leaves into a large filter bag (make sure there’s enough room for those leaves to expand!) or strain out the tea leaves with a sieve.
Steeping Vessel
We recommend using a Toddy for steeping since they’re large and easy to clean.
How to Make Cold Brew Tea
1. Measure Your Tea Leaves
To cold brew tea, we recommend using 3 oz of loose leaf tea for every gallon, although this can be adjusted depending on personal preference. If you find your cold brew is coming out too strong, try dialing it back by half an ounce per gallon. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
2. Steep the Tea
Cover your vessel and place it in the refrigerator. Steep for approximately 8–10 hours; exact timing will depend on what tea you choose. Green teas and stronger flavors like hibiscus may need less time to steep, while black teas tend to take longer to bring out their bold, smooth flavors.
3. Strain the Tea
4. Serve & Let Your Customers Enjoy!
You can serve cold brew tea as is, but you can also add a simple syrup or other sweetener! We recommend storing cold brew tea for a maximum of 24 hours to avoid any food safety concerns.
If you need inspiration, check out some of our recipes for nitro cold brew tea lattes.
Popular RTNY Offerings for Cold Brew
Not sure what teas to start cold brewing first? Then try some of our favorites! Plus, we just launched a new blend perfect for a summer cold brew: Goji Coconut. Learn more about these offerings below!
Goji Coconut
This indulgent oolong blend offers a tropical twist with notes of dried fruit, citrus, and coconut. Its medium-bodied and sweet profile makes Goji Coconut a refreshing and flavorful choice for cold brew.
Papaya Pineapple Punch
Papaya Pineapple Punch is bursting with tropical sweetness! This vibrant Chinese white tea blend features juicy papaya and pineapple notes, complemented by hibiscus and red rose petals for a refreshing summer infusion.
White Peach
White Peach is a lively blend of white tea and bright peach flavors balanced by zesty lemon verbena. The result is a sweet, medium-bodied brew with a citrusy finish.
Golden Yunnan
This Chinese black tea delivers rich caramel and sweet potato notes. Slightly sweet and full-bodied, Golden Yunnan offers a smooth, comforting profile that translates perfectly to cold brew.
Organic Mao Feng
A mellow green tea from Anhui, China, Organic Mao Feng showcases delicate snap pea and buttery notes, creating a medium-bodied cold brew with a light floral aroma.
Raspberry Elderflower Rosé
This caffeine-free blend combines raspberry, rose, and apple flavors to make the perfect summer sipper. With a deliciously sweet profile and a vibrant pink hue, Raspberry Elderflower Rosé is a standout offering on a cold brew menu.
Root Beer
A nostalgic blend of rooibos and licorice root, our Root Beer tea offers a naturally sweet profile. Notes of black licorice and candy make this drink reminiscent of the classic soda, especially on cold brew!
Final Thoughts
Cold brew teas are a great way to round out your summer menu, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional iced teas. By following this simple guide, you can create high-quality drinks that your customers are sure to love. Start experimenting today!
