Easy Beginner’s Iced Tea Cold Brew Recipe for Perfect Summer Refreshment
A simple and refreshing cold brew iced tea recipe that requires no boiling water and yields smooth, mellow iced tea perfect for hot summer days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 12 hours (steeping time in refrigerator)
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes to 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 grams loose leaf tea or 3 standard tea bags (black tea recommended, but green, white, or herbal blends like hibiscus or chamomile can be used)
- 1 quart (4 cups) cold filtered water
- Optional sweetener: honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup (1-2 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
- Lemon or lime slices
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Measure 6 grams of loose leaf tea or use 3 standard tea bags for 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
- Place the tea leaves or tea bags into a mason jar or large glass container.
- Slowly pour 1 quart (4 cups) of cold filtered water over the tea.
- Seal the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours (overnight is ideal).
- After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves using a fine mesh strainer.
- Stir in sweetener if desired, and add lemon or lime slices and fresh mint leaves for extra flavor.
- Serve the cold brew iced tea over ice and garnish with additional lemon slices or mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Use filtered water for best taste. Steep for 8-12 hours to avoid bitterness. Add sweetener after brewing to control sweetness and prevent crystallization. Experiment with different tea varieties and flavorings like fresh fruit or spices. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz (240 ml) per se
- Calories: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1
Keywords: iced tea, cold brew, summer drink, refreshing beverage, easy iced tea, no boil iced tea, cold brew tea, beginner iced tea recipe