Cold Brewing tea is not only the most delicious way to make ice tea but it’s the easiest as well!
Why is cold brewing tea better?
The heat from hot water brings out the tannins in tea leaves, a natural bitter flavor found in tea (and in coffee). Without the heat (hot water), the tannins aren’t brought to the surface of the tea so you end up with a very smooth, light, and refreshing tea.
How to make cold brew tea?
It’s super simple!
Typically 1 heaping teaspoon for every 12 ounces of water, so a large pitcher holding 60 ounces would need only 5 to 6 heaping teaspoons of loose tea OR 4 tea bags.
You can use a 3″ Mesh Tea Ball, a #4 T-Sac, or use one of the nifty Flash Chiller Ice Tea Makers.
Fill pitcher with tap water and chill for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.
And it’s THAT easy!
AND did you know you can steep the leave more than once?
Multiple taste case studies by the foodie site Serious Eats, proved that you can actually re-steep the cold brewed tea leaves 1 even 2 times and still get a great tasting pitcher of cold-brewed ice tea!