February 6, 2022
The Drifting Leaf
Cold Brew vs Hot Brew
What is the best way to brew Iced Tea? The debate on whether Cold brewed vs Hot brewed will probably never end. A comparison of the same tea using both methods will yield very different results. Some will argue that heat brings out tannic and bitter flavors in tea, whereas a cold brew extracts more of the flavors while being brewed for a longer period of time. A cold brew tea contains less caffeine, is less bitter with no astringency. A hot brew tea can have stronger, fuller flavor, but may be bitter requiring an added sweetener.
Here are some general guidelines for both methods.
Cold Brew:
- Combine 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf for every 6 to 8 ounces of water in a pitcher and let infuse for 6 to 12 hours in the refrigerator
- Steep white or green tea for 6-8 hours, steep black or oolong tea for 8-12 hours
- Strain the loose-leaf from the pitcher by pouring the tea through a fine mesh sieve (for best results cover the sieve with a cheesecloth)
- Feel free to add sliced lemon or sweetener of choice or fresh mint leaves
- Pour over ice
- Will keep well covered and refrigerated for 3 to 5 days
Hot Brewed Iced Tea:
- Heat your water to your desired temperature
- Place the tea in your teapot (generally 2 teaspoons per 6 yo 8 ounces of water)
- Pour the heated water in the teapot and steep for an appropriate amount of time (typically around 4 minutes)
- While the tea is steeping, fill a pitcher with ice and prepare for straining
- Pour the fully steeped tea over the pitcher of ice while straining
It is not necessary to use loose-leaf tea. Bagged tea is perfectly acceptable as it keeps the tea contained with no need for straining and makes clean-up easier. There are no set in stone rules for Iced Tea, just guidelines. If you find the tea too watery or strong, adjust the amount of tea accordingly. If you find it bitter, consider adding a liquid sweetener or honey.
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