Cool tea for warm summer days!
Cold brew tea is one of the easiest and most refreshing ways to enjoy loose-leaf tea once the weather turns warm. At Amsterdam Teas, we’ve been experimenting with some of our favorites, and the results are delicious. Whether you’re curious about how it works or just want a smoother, cooler cup, here’s everything you need to know.
What is cold brew tea?
Cold brew tea is exactly what it sounds like: loose-leaf tea steeped in cold water instead of hot. Unlike traditional iced tea, which is brewed hot and then cooled down, cold brew starts cold and stays cold — resulting in a gentler extraction of flavor. The lower temperature brings out less bitterness and more natural sweetness, especially in green and black teas.
The result is a smooth, refreshing iced tea with delicate aromas and a clean finish — perfect for hot afternoons, picnics in the park, or an elegant glass at home. Some even find cold brew tea to be a wonderful substitute for wine!
How do you make it?
You don’t need any special equipment to make cold brew tea. Just add tea to cold water (we recommend filtered), let it steep in the refrigerator, and strain.
General guideline
- 1 gram of tea per 100 ml of cold water.
- Steep for 4–8 hours (or longer -- we'll often try overnight or 24 hours), depending on taste and tea type.
This method works beautifully for anyone who enjoys homemade iced tea but wants a softer, less astringent version. It’s also ideal for making large batches ahead of time.
Two of our favorite cold brew teas
Shiraore (Japan)
Made from the stems and leaf veins of premium green tea, shiraore is naturally low in bitterness — making it ideal for cold brewing. The result is light, fresh, and crisp, with a cooling character that practically tastes like summer.
→ Try: 5 grams in 500 ml of cold water. Taste after 6 hours, and remove the leaves when ready (we like to let it steep overnight).
Nilgiri Smooth (India)
Don’t be afraid to cold brew black tea! This family-made tea from the Nilgiri Mountains is rich and rounded, with fruity notes and a clean finish. Cold water reveals a surprising softness that’s perfect over ice — a refined take on classic black iced tea.
→ Try: 4.5–5 grams in 500 ml of cold water. Taste after 6–8 hours, and remove the leaves when ready (we'll give this one as much as 24 hours).
Cold brew tips
• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
• Try steeping overnight so it’s ready in the morning.
• Store in a sealed carafe or thermos.
• Want to add sparkle? try mixing with sparkling water just before serving.•
• For extra chill, serve your cold brew tea over ice — the perfect summer iced tea
Give it a try!
Whether you love green tea, black tea, or are just looking for your next favorite iced tea recipe, cold brew is a simple and refreshing way to enjoy loose-leaf teas all summer long.
Explore our collection and discover your favorite way to cool down!