The Difference Between Ice Tea & Cold Brew Tea
By Laura Jane Manning
If you’re like most tea lovers, you have probably enjoyed a nice cold glass of iced tea on a hot day.
Or was it cold brew tea?
Wait, aren't they both the same thing?
It might come as a surprise, but there is a difference between the two drinks.
Keep reading to find out!
Differences Between Iced Tea and Cold Brew Tea
Let's have a look at the main differences between the two types of tea which many people are not aware of.
1) Brewing Method
The biggest difference between iced tea and cold brew tea is the brewing method.
Iced tea is brewed with hot water and then cooled down, while cold brew tea is brewed with cold or room-temperature water from the start.
This difference in the brewing method leads to some key differences in taste and nutrition.
2) Taste
Cold brew tea is less astringent than iced tea because it isn’t made with hot water. This means that cold brew tea is less likely to taste bitter.
Cold brew tea also has more antioxidants than iced tea, since the longer brewing time allows for more of the tea leaves’ healthy compounds to be extracted.
3) Preparation Time
Iced tea can be brewed relatively quickly, whilst cold brew tea requires a minimum 4 hours steeping time but overnight gives the best result (12 hours plus).
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy right away, iced tea is the way to go. But if you’re willing to wait a little longer, cold brew tea is worth the wait (as mentioned above, it also has more antioxidants).
4) Nutrition
Since cold brew tea is less astringent, it also contains more of the tea leaves’ catechins—a type of antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits.
Catechins are thought to play a role in cancer prevention, weight loss, and lowering cholesterol levels.
However, iced tea does have one nutritional advantage over cold brew tea: it contains more caffeine.
This is because iced tea is brewed with hot water, which extracts more of the caffeine from the tea leaves.
So, if you’re looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up, iced tea is the way to go. If you’re looking for a healthier tea option, cold brew tea is a better choice.
How to Make Cold Brew Tea?
Now that you know the difference between iced tea and cold brew tea, you might be wondering how to make cold brew tea?
Luckily, it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps:
1) Fill a pitcher or jar with room temperature or cold water.
2) Add your favourite tea leaves, herbal infusion or fruit tisane (usually 1-1.5 heaped teaspoon per 200ml of water).
3) Allow the tea to brew in the water for at least four hours, the longer you leave the tea the bolder the flavour (we like to leave ours overnight).
4) Strain the tea leaves and enjoy your cold brew tea!
5) Keep your cold brew in the fridge.
You can enjoy cold brew tea plain, or add your favourite sweeteners, such as honey or sugar.
If you are looking for the best cold brew flavours, order our Cold Brew Loose Tea Bundle online at www.brwsociety.com.
The bundle contains three delicious fruity flavours - Rhubarb, Raspberry Mojito and Bitter Lemonade.
Additionally, you will also get the BRW Society Glass & Stainless Steel Bottle to take your refreshing cold brew tea with you on the go.
As if the bundle was not enticing enough, we are giving 10% off on the bundles.
Enjoy!
How to Make Iced Tea?
Making iced tea is also easy! Just follow these simple steps:
1) Brew the tea as per the tea's brewing guide, its crucial you get the water temperature and steeping correct because this varies depending on the tea type.
2) Once your tea is brewed, strain to removed the tea leaves.
3) Allow your tea to cool slight before pouring over ice. Enjoy!
You can enjoy iced tea plain, or add your favourite fruit, such as lemon or limes.
Try making ice tea using Miami Ice Tea, you will not be disappointed!
Time to Cool Yourself This Summer
So, there you have it!
Now you know the difference between iced tea and cold brew tea, as well as how to make both.
Which one will you try first to cool yourself this summer?