Find Your Perfect Match
Best Teas for Cold Brewing
Not all teas are created equal when it comes to cold brewing. Some varieties truly shine, while others are better saved for your kettle.
What Makes a Good Cold Brew Tea?
The best teas for cold brewing share a few characteristics: they have natural sweetness, interesting aromatics, and flavours that benefit from the gentler extraction of cold water.
Generally, lighter teas work exceptionally well because their delicate flavours are preserved rather than overwhelmed. However, this does not mean you should avoid bolder teas, black tea and herbal infusions can produce excellent cold brew with proper technique.
Quality matters more with cold brew than hot tea. Because the extraction is slower and more selective, the inherent qualities of the tea leaves become more apparent. Start with good loose leaf tea for the best results.
Tea Types Ranked for Cold Brewing
Green Tea
Green tea is arguably the best choice for cold brewing. The cool water brings out its natural sweetness while minimising any grassy or bitter notes. Japanese green teas like Sencha and Gyokuro are particularly excellent.
Best for
A clean, refreshing drink with subtle vegetal notes
Steep time
4-6 hours
Recommended varieties
White Tea
White tea cold brews beautifully, producing a delicate, naturally sweet drink. Its subtle flavours, which can be lost in hot brewing, really shine through in cold brew.
Best for
A light, delicate drink with floral and honey notes
Steep time
4-6 hours
Recommended varieties
Oolong Tea
Oolong teas develop complex, interesting flavours when cold brewed. Lighter oolongs work best, producing floral and creamy notes. Darker, roasted oolongs can work but require careful timing.
Best for
Complex flavours with floral, fruity, or creamy notes
Steep time
6-8 hours
Recommended varieties
Black Tea
Black tea makes a robust cold brew with good body and depth. It is excellent for those who want something more substantial. The cold brewing process removes the bitterness that can come from hot brewing.
Best for
A fuller-bodied drink, great with milk or sweeteners
Steep time
8-12 hours
Recommended varieties
Herbal Tea
Caffeine-free herbal teas are excellent for cold brewing, especially fruit-forward and floral varieties. Hibiscus makes a stunning ruby-red cold brew, while mint produces an incredibly refreshing drink.
Best for
Caffeine-free refreshment with vibrant flavours
Steep time
8-12 hours
Recommended varieties
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh can be cold brewed, but results vary significantly. Younger, lighter pu-erhs work better than aged, earthy ones. It is worth experimenting if you enjoy this unique tea style.
Best for
Those who enjoy earthy, complex flavours
Steep time
10-12 hours
Recommended varieties
Tips for Choosing Tea
Start with loose leaf: While tea bags can be cold brewed, loose leaf tea typically produces better results. The leaves have more room to unfurl and release their flavours.
Consider the season: Light, floral teas are perfect for summer, while fuller-bodied black teas work well year-round. Match your tea choice to your mood and the weather.
Experiment freely: These are guidelines, not rules. Some people love cold brew Pu-erh; others prefer only the lightest green teas. Try different varieties to find your favourites.
Buy from reputable sources: Quality matters. Invest in good tea from trusted suppliers for the best cold brew experience.
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