How To Make Cold Brew Iced Strawberry Tea Recipe
Cold brew iced strawberry tea is a simple and refreshing way to enjoy tea without needing a kettle or stove.
It’s an easy method that brings out the best in your ingredients while keeping things cool and relaxed.
What Is A Cold Brew Iced Tea?
Cold brew iced tea is made by steeping tea leaves or tea bags in cold water over an extended period, typically 6 to 12 hours. Instead of hot water, the tea extracts slowly in the fridge, which results in a smooth and mellow drink.
What Does Cold Brew Tea Taste Like?
Cold brew tea has a lighter and less bitter taste than tea brewed with hot water. The slow steeping process pulls fewer tannins, which can make tea harsh. With strawberries added, the tea picks up natural sweetness and a subtle fruit essence that’s refreshing without being overpowering.
What’s The Difference Between Cold Brew Iced Tea And Regular Iced Tea?
The key difference is how the tea is brewed:
- Cold brew iced tea steeps in cold water for hours, which produces a softer, more delicate taste.
- Regular iced tea starts with hot-brewed tea that’s chilled with ice, which can sometimes turn bitter if steeped too long.
Cold brew is more hands-off and tends to be easier on the palate.
Can You Cold Brew Tea With Regular Tea Bags?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular tea bags. Just place them in a pitcher of cold water and refrigerate. Most people use 1 tea bag per cup of water. Black tea, green tea, and even herbal varieties all work well.
For this recipe, black tea pairs nicely with strawberries, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Can You Make It Any Flavor That You Want?
Definitely. Once you know the basic method, you can experiment with different ingredients. Add fresh fruit, citrus slices, herbs, or even a splash of juice. The tea acts as a base, and the rest is up to your taste preferences.
What Are Some Popular Flavors?
Some crowd favorites for cold brew tea include:
- Lemon and mint
- Peach and basil
- Blueberry and lavender
- Cucumber and lime
- Raspberry and hibiscus
For a strawberry twist, fresh or frozen strawberries are best. Let them steep with the tea, or muddle them slightly for a more intense fruit profile.
Storage Instructions
Cold brew iced tea should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
- Remove any fruit after 24 hours to keep the tea from becoming cloudy or fermented.
- Stir before pouring, especially if you added any sweeteners.
Serve it over ice, and you’ve got a refreshing, homemade drink that’s perfect for warm days or casual get-togethers.
- large pitcher or mason jar, with a top
- 6 cups cold water
- 8 black tea bags roughly 16 grams of loose leaf tea, if using
- 8 – 10 strawberries
- 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup simple syrup plus more if desired
- First, place the tea bags (or loose leaf tea) into a pitcher and pour 6 cups of cold water over. Give a quick stir, and put lid on top. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 36.
- Next, remove the tea from the fridge and take out the tea bags (or strain).
- Next, wash your strawberries and use a food processor to puree until smooth. Put a strainer over your tea container, and carefully pour the strawberry puree in, using a spoon to smooth down the mixture through the strainer. Discard the leftover pulp.
- Next, juice the lemon into the tea and add the simple syrup. Give everything a really good stir. Taste, and add more simple syrup if needed. Store in the fridge.
