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Cold brew tea is one of the easiest and most refreshing drinks you can make for summer.
Instead of steeping tea in hot water, the tea slowly brews in cold water overnight, creating a smooth, crisp flavor that’s less bitter and incredibly refreshing.
This easy cold brew tea recipe is perfect for hot summer days, brunches, baby showers, garden parties, cookouts, and relaxing afternoons on the porch.
Tap to jump right to recipe.Serve it over ice with lemon, fresh fruit, or mint for a beautiful summer drink everyone will love.
Browse all of my easy iced tea recipes and other summer drinks including sweet tea, cold brew tea, fruity iced teas, floral teas, and herbal summer drink ideas.
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Why You’ll Love Cold Brew Tea
- Super easy to make
- Smooth flavor with less bitterness
- Perfect make-ahead summer drink
- Naturally refreshing
- Easy to customize with fruit and herbs
Ingredients
- 8 cups cold water
- 4–6 tea bags (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea)
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices, mint, or fruit for garnish
- Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
How to Make Cold Brew Tea
Fill a large pitcher with cold water.
Add the tea bags to the pitcher. Use more tea bags for a stronger flavor.
Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours or overnight.
Remove the tea bags and discard.
Serve the cold brew tea over ice.
Add lemon slices, mint, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, or sweetener if desired.
Tips for the Best Cold Brew Tea
Cold brewing creates a smoother flavor because the tea steeps slowly without heat.
Do not leave the tea bags in too long or the tea may become overly strong.
Green tea, black tea, herbal tea, and fruit teas all work beautifully for cold brew tea.
Flavor Variations
This cold brew tea is easy to customize.
Try adding:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Raspberries
- Cucumber slices
- Honey or simple syrup
- Sparkling water for a fizzy version
Best Tea Types for Cold Brew Tea
Black Tea
Classic and bold with a smooth finish.
Green Tea
Light, refreshing, and perfect with lemon or mint.
Herbal Tea
Naturally caffeine-free and delicious with fruit flavors.
Fruity Tea Blends
Perfect for summer entertaining and brunches.
What to Serve with Cold Brew Tea
This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with:
- Tea sandwiches
- Brunch casseroles
- Fruit salads
- Lemon desserts
- Garden party foods
- Summer cookout recipes
It’s especially perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, brunches, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day entertaining.
See next: Easy Brunch & Tea Party Recipes
More Iced Tea Recipes
- Classic Sweet Tea
- Iced Green Tea
- Lavender Iced Tea
- Blackberry Iced Tea
- Hibiscus Iced Tea
- Raspberry Iced Tea
- Peach Iced Tea
- 8 cups cold water
- 4 –6 tea bags black tea, green tea, or herbal tea
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices mint, or fresh fruit for garnish
- Honey or sugar to taste optional
-
Fill a large pitcher with cold water.
-
Add the tea bags to the pitcher.
-
Cover and refrigerate for 8–12 hours or overnight.
-
Remove the tea bags and discard.
-
Serve the tea over ice.
-
Add lemon slices, mint, peaches, berries, or sweetener if desired.
Use more tea bags for a stronger flavor.
Cold brew tea has a smoother, less bitter flavor than traditional iced tea.
Black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and fruity tea blends all work well.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should cold brew tea steep?
Most teas taste best after 8–12 hours in the refrigerator.
Can I sweeten cold brew tea?
Yes. Add honey, sugar, or simple syrup to taste.
Is cold brew tea less bitter?
Yes. Cold brewing creates a smoother, less bitter flavor than traditional hot brewed iced tea.
This easy cold brew tea recipe is refreshing, simple, and perfect for summer entertaining.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, relaxing outside, or preparing drinks ahead for a party, cold brew tea is always a refreshing favorite.
Follow my summer drinks board on Pinterest.
