When it comes to refreshing summer teas, two methods often come to mind: cold brew and iced tea. Though they might seem similar, their differences in preparation and flavor profile create unique tea drinking experiences.

Let’s explore these methods and help you decide which one best suits you.

Cold Brew: Slow Extraction, Smooth Flavor

Cold brewing is a patient art. Instead of steeping tea in hot water, you submerge loose leaves in cold, filtered water and let time do the work. Typically, this process takes 6 to 12 hours in the fridge, allowing the tea to gently infuse. The result? A smoother, naturally sweet tea with lower bitterness and less astringency.

The slow extraction process highlights the delicate notes of tea, making it perfect for light oolongs, green teas, and even some black teas. It also retains more of the tea’s natural antioxidants, offering a refreshing yet nourishing cup. Cold brew is ideal for those seeking a calm, gentle tea experience—smooth, effortless, and balanced.

How to Make Cold Brew Tea:

1. Choose Your Tea: For cold brew, lighter teas like green tea, white tea, or delicate oolongs work best. However, you can experiment with black teas or herbal blends depending on your preference.
   
   
2. Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of cold, filtered water.
   
   
3. Steep: Add your tea leaves to a pitcher or jar and fill it with water. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours.
   
   
4. Strain & Serve: After steeping, strain the tea leaves and serve the cold brew over ice. Add sweetener or lemon if desired.
   
   

Iced Tea: Bold, Quick, and Classic

Iced tea, on the other hand, is a vibrant, fast-paced option. It begins with hot brewing—steeping tea leaves in hot water for a few minutes, then chilling it over ice or in the fridge. This method extracts flavors more intensely, producing a bold, brisk cup.

Black teas, robust green teas, and herbal blends thrive in this method. The heat unlocks deeper flavors, creating a more pronounced body and slight astringency that many find invigorating. Iced tea offers an instant refreshment, making it a great choice for those seeking a bright, energizing contrast to the heat of the day.

How to Make Iced Tea:

1. Choose Your Tea: Bold black teas, robust green teas, and herbal blends work well for iced tea. Strong-flavored teas like Assam, Darjeeling, or even hibiscus will give you that refreshing, vibrant taste.
   
   
2. Boil Water: Boil water to the appropriate temperature for your tea. For black tea, bring water to a full boil; for green tea, let the water cool to about 175°F before steeping. And if you need a reference, we put all this in a tea brewing guide for you.
   
   
3. Steep: Steep your tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on the type. Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.
   
   
4. Sweeten: If you’re a sweet tea drinker, now’s the time to add sugar or your preferred sweetener. We won’t tell you how much–as they say in the South: That’s between you and God.
   
   
5. Cool: Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags or strain the leaves. Let the tea cool at room temperature or place it in the fridge.
   
   
6. Serve Over Ice: Pour your chilled tea over ice, and add enhancements like lemons slices or mint, if desired.
   
   

Which One is Right for You?

If you want a tea that’s smooth, naturally sweet, and antioxidant-rich, cold brew is your go-to. If you’re in the mood for a bolder, more traditional tea experience, iced tea is the way to go. And if you’re unsure: Why not try both?  

At Route 636 Tea Co., we encourage mindful tea moments. Whether you’re drawn to the slow elegance of cold brew or the vibrant energy of iced tea, choosing high-quality, single-origin leaves makes all the difference. Our Assam Pekoe, for instance, develops rich maltiness in iced tea, while our delicate Ravana’s Uva Brew black tea shines in a slow cold brew.

Which do you prefer—cold brew or iced tea?