Iced Tea 101

Why Do We Cold Brew?

Cold-brewed teas taste sweet and smooth. This is because cold water extracts a different chemical balance from the tea than hot water. Chemically speaking, this means there are fewer catechins and less caffeine. In terms of flavor, a reduction in catechins and caffeine drops out the bitterness.

It’s hot out. They’re cold. And they don’t require heat to make. Enough said.

Cold brewing is a new way to enjoy old favorites. The shift in flavor profile is an exciting way for foodies to explore the tastes of their teas. As much as you love your favorite teas hot, you’ve probably also tried them iced or paired with foods, and maybe you’ve had them as a lattes or as ingredients in food. This is just another way to taste them.

Cold-brewed teas are safer than sun-brewed teas. Unlike sun tea, cold-brewed tea does not encourage the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria. Think about it: hot sun, sugar, water… Sun tea is a microbe’s dream come true! Cold- brewing tea is fail-safe: simple and delicious.

They’re easy to make! 5 Steps to mastering Cold-Brew Tea.

Use a half gallon glass pitcher or Mason Jar
ADD TEA. Perfect Pot of Tea Spoons black tea:2 spoons, green tea: 3 spoons, herbal tea:4 spoons of whole leaf tea.
ADD WATER. Fill with cold filtered water.
WAIT. This is the hardest part. Refrigerate for 3-5 hours. White Teas will brew the quickest, followed by Green Teas and Oolongs. Allow the most time for black teas. Cold brewing in not recommended for rooibos or herbal teas.
SERVE. Strain out the tea leaves, add ice cubes and enjoy.

* TAY TEA TIP: We like to add one cup of Organic Apple or White Grape juice to our teas. This makes for a delicious and refreshing summer drink that everyone can enjoy!

TEA COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS

Tay Tea has special blends for making Cocktails and Mocktails

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