I’m so excited to share one of my favorite tea preparation methods with you today – cold-brewing green tea! I’ve experimented with various cold brew methods over the years and have honed the perfect technique to achieve a refreshing, flavorful, cold-brew green tea anytime.
Why Cold Brew?
Cold brewing is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of green tea without the bitterness that can come from hot brewing.
Cold brewing also allows you to make a large batch of concentrated tea that will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. So you can enjoy fresh, cold-brew green tea whenever you like with just a splash of the concentrate. It’s so convenient!
What
How to Make Cold-Brew Tea
Supplies needed:
- Green tea leaves (loose-leaf or bagged)
- Large mason jar or pitcher
- Fine mesh strainer or tea/coffee filter
Instructions:
- Start with a ratio of 1/4 cup of loose-leaf tea or 4 green tea bags per 4 cups of water. Adjust amounts as desired for a stronger or milder tea concentration.
- Bring water to a rapid boil, then let it cool down to room temperature. This allows you to start with fresh, oxygenated water.
- Place tea leaves or bags into a large mason jar or pitcher. Pour the room-temperature water over the tea.
- Let the tea steep at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours. I like to start steeping in the evening and let it brew overnight.
- Once brewed, strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or tea/coffee filter to remove all leaves.
- Enjoy cold-brew green tea straight over ice or store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To serve: For hot tea, gently reheat the concentrate on the stove or microwave. For iced tea, pour 1 part concentrate over 1 part water or ice. Adjust the ratio to taste. Add fresh mint or lemon, if desired.
What Teas Are Good For Cold-Brew?
Here is a short list of some excellent green teas to use for cold brewing:
- Sencha – This classic Japanese green tea has grassy, vegetal notes that shine when cold brewed.
- Dragonwell – Also known as Longjing, this Chinese green is renowned for its sweet, nutty flavor.
- Jasmine Green – Jasmine-scented green tea has an intensely floral aroma and taste.
- Genmaicha – This Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice has a lovely nutty, savory quality.
- Matcha – High-quality ceremonial grade matcha can make an ultra-vibrant cold brew.
- Gunpowder Green – Bold, lightly smoky Chinese green tea that brews smoothly.
- Houjicha – Toasted Japanese green tea with comforting roasted notes.
Any high-quality loose-leaf green tea that you enjoy hot will also make a delicious cold brew. Try different varieties to find your favorites!
The possibilities are endless with DIY cold-brew green tea! I hope you’ll try this method and find your perfect cup.