How to Cold Brew Tea: The Easy Method for the Best Tasting Iced Tea

Published on September 3, 2025

An ice-cold glass of tea is the antidote to any hot summer day. Unlike traditional iced tea, which is brewed in hot water and then poured over ice, cold brew tea is made by steeping the tea leaves slowly in the fridge. The result? A mellower tea that tastes less bitter with lower caffeine than traditional brewed tea. Our tasters found that cold brew tea was smoother and slightly sweeter than other preparations. Ready to give it a try for yourself? Here’s how to make cold brew tea, plus two of our favorite recipes for putting that pitcher to good use.

How to Cold Brew Tea

Making cold brew tea is easy but does take longer than traditional hot tea. Here's how to make a batch. Place 6 to 8 tea bags in 1 1/2 qt. of cold water and cover. Let the tea "brew" in the refrigerator for about 12-24 hours, depending on how strong you want it. Remove tea bags and serve the tea over ice.

In a hurry? Use instant tea or "cold brew" tea bags according to package directions.

Tips for Making Cold Brew Iced Tea

Keep these helpful tips in mind when making cold brew tea at home.

• Choose the right tea. Any type of tea will work when cold brewing. Try experimenting with black, green, oolong, or herbal teas. You can also mix different teas. Try green with mint or herbal tea with black.
• Tea too bitter? The BHG Test Kitchen recommends adding a pinch of baking soda to help offset any bitter flavor that occurs in your brewed tea.
• If you use loose-leaf tea, strain the tea before serving to remove any sediment or loose leaves.
• Cold brew tea can become cloudy or too strong if steeped too long. We recommend no longer than 24 hours.
• Get creative with your mix-ins. Try serving it with fresh fruit, herbs, or your favorite flavored syrup. Add in a drizzle of milk or half-and-half to make a creamy cold brew tea.
• Store homemade cold brew tea for 2-3 days in the fridge.
  

Our Favorite Cold Brew Tea Recipes

Have a pitcher of cold brew tea in the fridge? Put it to good use in these refreshing tea drinks.

London Fog Spritz

A sparkling iced version of the traditional Earl Grey tea latte.

Total Time: 10 min

• 1 cup cold brewed Earl Gray tea
• 1 Tbsp. Vanilla Syrup
• 1 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sparkling water
•  Ice cubes

1. Make Vanilla Syrup. In a small saucepan heat ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar until just simmering, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste. Cover; let cool. Chill up to 2 weeks.
2. Make Spritz. In a glass combine cold brewed Earl Grey tea, 1 Tbsp. Vanilla Syrup, heavy cream, and cup sparkling water. Serve over ice.

Blackberry-Ginger Arnold Palmer

A refreshing take on the classic iced tea and lemonade mix.

Hands-on time: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Cool: 1 hour

• 1 recipe Blackberry-Ginger Simple Syrup
• 4 cups Cold Brew Tea, black or green tea
• 1 1/3 cups club soda or water
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• 24 fresh blackberries
• Lemon slices and/or fresh thyme sprigs

1. Prepare Blackberry-Ginger Simple Syrup. In a 1- or 1 1/2- qt. saucepan combine 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup fresh blackberries, and 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger. Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar and to slightly mash berries; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until slightly syrupy. Let cool; strain. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
2. Make Arnold Palmer. In a large pitcher combine syrup, cold brew tea, club soda, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Serve in glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lemon slices and/or thyme sprigs. Makes 8 servings (1 cup each).