Cold Brew Versus Iced Tea!? What is the difference?

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between cold brew and iced tea? Look no further because we are diving deep into the differences in this article!

Chief Tea Blender, Spill The Tea

11/25/20242 min read

When the weather heats up, a refreshing glass of tea is a must—but should you go for cold brew or iced tea? While both are delicious ways to enjoy tea, the preparation methods, flavor profiles, and benefits differ. Let’s break it down so you can choose your perfect cup.

What is Iced Tea?

Iced tea is the classic way to enjoy tea chilled. It starts with hot tea that is brewed traditionally and then cooled down by adding ice or refrigerating.

  • How It’s Made:

    1. Brew tea with hot water (typically 2-5 minutes).

    2. Allow it to cool or pour it over ice to chill instantly.

  • Flavour Profile: Bold and robust, with a slightly stronger tannic taste due to the hot brewing process.

  • Perfect For:

    • Quick preparation (you can have it ready in under 10 minutes).

    • Sweetened or flavored versions, like lemon or peach iced tea.

  • Typically has slightly higher caffeine concentration due to hot water extracting more caffeine from tea leaves

What is Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew tea skips the heat entirely. Instead, tea leaves steep slowly in cold water, allowing the flavours to infuse gently over several hours.

  • How It’s Made:

    1. Combine tea leaves (or tea bags) with cold water.

    2. Let steep in the fridge for 6-12 hours.

  • Flavour Profile: Smooth, mellow, and naturally sweet, without the bitterness that can come from hot water brewing.

  • Perfect For:

    • Highlighting the subtle flavours of high-quality teas.

    • A refreshing, low-caffeine option (cold brewing extracts less caffeine than hot brewing).

TLDR

In short, the teas defer in their brewing time with iced tea going through a much shorter amount of time (minutes) compared to cold brew that is brewed for a minimum of 6 hours. Their flavour profiles differ with cold brews giving a lighter, smoother taste compared to iced teas that have been brewed using hot water which gives off a stronger, bolder and slightly bitter taste. Iced tea also has slightly more caffeine than cold brew teas.

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Go for Iced Tea if:

    • You’re short on time.

    • You prefer strong, bold flavours.

    • You want to customise your tea with sweeteners, fruits, or syrups.

  • Go for Cold Brew Tea if:

    • You want a smooth, low-caffeine drink.

    • You enjoy exploring the delicate nuances of premium teas.

    • You don’t mind preparing it ahead of time.

Pro Tips for Both:

  1. Choose the Right Tea:

    • For iced tea, black tea or strong herbal blends work best.

    • For cold brew, try green tea, white tea, or oolong for a smoother experience.

  2. Experiment with Add-Ins:

    • Add fresh fruits, herbs, or citrus slices for extra flavour.

  3. Make It in Batches:

    • Both options can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them perfect for meal-prep enthusiasts.

Ending Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of the quick punch of iced tea or the mellow sophistication of cold brew, there’s no wrong way to enjoy tea chilled. The key is to match the method with your mood and the time you have on hand. So, what will it be—cold brew or iced tea? If you are still lost and not sure what to try out, we recommend our tea Wake Up Call that can be enjoyed perfectly either iced or cold brewed!