Hot vs. Cold Brew Tea — Which Method is Right for You?
Tea is endlessly versatile, and one of the most exciting ways to explore that versatility is through brewing method. Hot brew and cold brew tea aren't just the same drink at different temperatures. They produce genuinely different flavor profiles, textures, and experiences. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right method for you.
Hot Brew: The Classic Method
Hot brewing is what most people think of when they think of tea. You heat water to the right temperature, steep your tea for a few minutes, and enjoy. It's fast, familiar, and produces a bold, aromatic cup.
Best for:
- When you want tea quickly, ready in 3 to 7 minutes
- Bold, full-bodied flavors with depth and complexity
- Warming blends like GOLDEN, SERENITY, or CALM
- Cold mornings or evenings when you want something comforting
Tips for the best hot brew:
- Always match your water temperature to your tea type, as boiling water can scorch delicate green or white teas
- Don't over-steep, since most teas are best between 2 and 5 minutes
- Use fresh, cold water for a cleaner, brighter cup
Cold Brew: The Slow Method
Cold brew tea skips the heat entirely. You simply add your tea to cold or room-temperature water and let it steep slowly in the fridge for 6 to 12 hours. The result is a naturally smooth, sweet, and incredibly refreshing drink with almost no bitterness.
Best for:
- Summer sipping and warm weather refreshment
- Naturally sweet, smooth flavor without bitterness
- Fruity and floral blends like TROPICAL or MINTED+
- Meal prep, since you can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge all week
Tips for the best cold brew:
- Use about 1.5x more tea than you would for hot brewing, as cold water extracts more slowly
- Steep for 6 to 12 hours in the fridge, and overnight works perfectly
- No heat means no bitterness, so even teas that can turn bitter when hot brew beautifully cold
- Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a spa-worthy drink
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Hot Brew | Cold Brew | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 3 to 7 minutes | 6 to 12 hours |
| Flavor | Bold, complex, aromatic | Smooth, sweet, mellow |
| Bitterness | Possible if over-steeped | Almost none |
| Best season | Year-round, especially autumn and winter | Spring and summer |
| Best blends | GOLDEN, CALM, SERENITY | TROPICAL, MINTED+, IMMUNITY |
Our Recommendations
For hot brew: Start with GOLDEN | Ginger & Turmeric for a warming morning ritual, or SERENITY | Chamomile & Cinnamon for a calming evening cup.
Shop GOLDEN | Shop SERENITY
For cold brew: Try TROPICAL | Hibiscus Tea Blend for a stunning ruby-red iced tea, or MINTED+ | Peppermint & Spearmint for a crisp, refreshing cold brew.
Shop TROPICAL | Shop MINTED+