If you still associate iced tea with boiling water, cooling it down, and then adding ice cubes, it's time to learn about cold brew tea.
It's a simple, almost lazy method, and it's also an interesting way to discover new flavours in organic infusions, especially now that the heat has arrived.
In this guide, we explain what it is, why it's worth trying, and how to make cold brew tea at home, step by step.
What is cold brew tea?
Cold brew tea is literally "tea infused with cold water". Instead of using hot water to extract the flavours from plants, flowers, or fruits, the process uses cold water (or room temperature water) and time — usually several hours in the fridge.
No boiling, no heat. Just patience.
The result is a drink with a different flavour profile: generally smoother, less bitter, and with more delicate notes, because cold water extracts plant compounds more slowly and selectively.
Cold brew tea vs. traditional iced tea: what's the difference?
It's easy to confuse the two, but they are not the same thing.
Traditional iced tea: tea or infusion is prepared as usual, with hot water, and then cooled (with ice or in the fridge).
Cold brew tea: the infusion is in contact with cold water from the beginning, without any exposure to heat.
This difference has real consequences for the flavour:
- Heat can accentuate bitter or astringent notes in some plants.
- Cold infusion tends to result in a rounder, smoother flavour, without losing aroma.
- Some combinations of flowers and fruits — like those Criatura uses in its herbal teas — gain a different dimension when prepared cold.
Why it's worth trying cold brew tea in summer
Besides the smoother flavour, there are other practical reasons to adopt this method on hot days:
- Doesn't heat up the kitchen. No need to boil water — ideal for hot days.
- It's practically effortless. Prepare it at night (or in the morning) and it's ready in the fridge, unsupervised.
- It's easier to portion for several people. A jug of cold brew yields several cups or glasses, great for hosting friends or taking on a picnic.
- Reduces ice and water waste. Since it's already cold, there's no need to dilute with excessive ice.
How to make cold brew tea at home: step by step
What you'll need
- A glass jug or bottle with a lid
- Cold water (ideally filtered)
- Your favourite organic infusion — flowers, herbs or dried fruits
- A strainer or reusable infuser bag (optional, but makes it easier)
Step 1: Choose the right infusion
Not all combinations work the same way in a cold infusion. Delicate flowers, fruits, and aromatic herbs usually work particularly well because they release aroma without becoming astringent.
Combinations with hibiscus, elderflower, raspberry, or lime blossom tend to give good results in cold brew.
Step 2: Define the ratio
A good starting reference is 1 tablespoon of infusion for every 250 ml of cold water. You can then adjust to your taste — more concentrated for a stronger flavour, more diluted for something lighter.
Step 3: Add the infusion to cold water
Place the infusion directly into the jug with cold water, or inside a reusable bag/strainer to make straining easier later.
Step 4: Let it steep in the fridge
Cover the jug and let it steep in the fridge for 6 to 12 hours. Many people prepare it at night and have their cold brew ready the next morning.
There's no problem leaving it longer; unlike hot infusion, cold brew is harder to "oversteep" and become bitter.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Remove the flowers, herbs, or fruits, serve in a glass with ice if you want it even colder, and it's ready to drink.
Store the remainder in the fridge, ideally for up to 2-3 days, in a sealed container.
Tips for the best result
- Always use cold water from the beginning, never lukewarm or hot water, even if you plan to refrigerate it afterwards.
- Try adding fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or red berries to the jug for an extra touch.
- If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of infusion instead of shortening the steeping time.
Frequently asked questions about cold brew tea
Does cold brew tea have caffeine? It depends on the infusion used. Herbal, flower, and fruit infusions (like those from Criatura) are naturally caffeine-free. If you use true tea (Camellia sinensis), cold infusion usually releases less caffeine than hot infusion, but it's not entirely caffeine-free.
How long does cold brew tea last in the fridge? It is recommended to consume it within 2 to 3 days, always stored refrigerated in a sealed container.
Can I make cold brew with any infusion? Most flower, herb, and fruit infusions work well. More robust teas, like black tea, might need less steeping time to avoid becoming too intense.
Do I need special equipment? No. A common glass jug and cold water are sufficient. A strainer or reusable infuser bag just makes the process easier.
Want to try cold brew tea with 100% organic infusions?