Tea Blog

Over the past several years, cold brew has really caught on. Whether it's with coffee or tea, cold brew boasts some perks that the iced variety does not. For starters, cold brew means it has been just that, cold brewed.                                  

Tea can become bitter when exposed or overexposed to heat. Cold brewing prevents that bitter, astringent taste, making for a smoother, sweeter, less acidic taste. The cold water used extracts more flavors from the leaves over time, resulting in such a smooth, clean taste. 

The beauty of loose leaf tea? You can brew your own cold brew black tea right at home. It's a simple process, too. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting patiently until that delicious cold brew is ready to drink. 

Hot –– or should we say cold –– tip: Our cold brew packets make it even easier! Just drop in cold water, pop it in the fridge, and wait for a refreshing glass of homemade cold brew tea! 

Cold Brew Tea Benefits

Brewed hot, tea is jam packed with benefits. But cold brew tea? It packs an even bigger punch than its hot or iced counterparts. 

Since cold brew tea is never heated, the chemical reaction of hot water and tea doesn’t occur. What does that mean? Fewer tannins are released. Fewer tannins mean a smoother, less bitter taste. Not only that, it tastes smoother; cleaner. The secret benefit to a smoother, less bitter taste? It tastes sweeter, even without adding any sugar or other sweeteners. That means you’re less likely to need to add sugar, honey, or your other go-to sweetener, meaning fewer calories and less sugar –– a win-win. 

Additionally, the process of cold brewing preserves at least the same amount of antioxidants as hot brewed tea. So it’s at least as healthy, if not more so, than a traditional hot or iced tea.  

How Long to Steep Cold Brew Tea? 

Cold brew tea is easy to make. The hardest part is the waiting game that comes with steeping. And we know you’re just lusting after your cold fix, but the steeping process is crucial. 

So, how long do you have to wait, you ask? Depends on how you’re making your tea. If you’re using our handy dandy cold brew tea packets (and we recommend you do), we’ve specially formulated them to only require 1.5-2 hours of steeping, no matter the blend. If you get impatient and take a sip before that 2-hour mark? Well, you may not get the full flavor you’re after. So, patience, grasshopper.  

Good news. Cold brew can be steeped overnight, so you can certainly pop a packet in cold water and forget about it in the fridge until you’re ready to start your day with some cold brew on a hot morning. When you’re ready to enjoy, Just pull the cold brew bag out. 

If you’re opting for a DIY method of cold brew, we’re here for it. Simply drop your favorite blend (or blends, if you’re feeling wild) into one of our biodegradable tea filters, fill up a pitcher with water, and let it steep for 8-12 hours for the best flavor. 

No matter the method, you can enjoy your cold brew for 3-5 days after brewing, as long as it’s stored in the fridge. 

Cold Brew Tea Caffeine Content? 

The smooth, even flavor of cold brew tea makes it a refreshing treat no matter what time of day. But if you’re looking for a boost, we’ve got you covered. Since cold brew tea leaves are never exposed to heat, a bit less caffeine is released. That means you can still get your jolt of energy –– without the jitters afterward. 

We know you may want to enjoy some cold brew with the fam. That’s why we offer a variety of cold brew options with no caffeine. Maui Mango and Blueberry Wild Child are family favorites. Kids think they’re drinking juice, and parents are happy to share these tasty, antioxidant-rich drinks with their littles on a hot summer day. 

How Long Does Cold Brew Tea Last? 

Cold brew needs to be stored in the fridge. Not only does it yield the best flavor, but it also keeps your tea fresh and safe to drink for 3-5 days. So, this summer, be sure to free up some of your precious fridge real estate since you won’t want to be without your pitcher of cold brew for even one day. 

Cold Brew Tea Instructions - Finally!

We offer two simple options for cold brewing. First and easiest are our cold brew tea packets. They’re specially formulated for the cold brewing process, and it’s so easy, a kiddo could brew it!                                                               

• Here's how it's done: 

  • - Choose your favorite blend of Tiesta Tea Cold Brew packet 
  • - Drop the packet into a pitcher with 64-ounces (one-half gallon) of room temperature or cold water 
  • - Steep in the fridge for 1.5-2 hours 
  • - Remove cold brew tea packet from the water and enjoy! 
  
  

  Now, for a cold brew you whip up yourself with your favorite blend, or blends, of Tiesta Tea loose leaf tea(s): 

  • - Combine loose leaf tea in your accessory of choice with cold water in a pitcher
  • - Let the tea infuse the water for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator 
  • - Strain and enjoy your cold brew
  • - Cold brew tea will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge –– if you don't drink it all first, that is

Ready to Try Some Cold Brew Tea?