Are you ready for the heatwave?
Whether you’re basking in the garden or escaping indoors with a good book, there’s no better way to stay cool than with a glass of cold brew tea. Light, clean, and full of natural flavour, it’s a homemade iced tea that genuinely refreshes without the sugar crash.
At MDTea, we’ve been experimenting with cold brews every summer for years. We love the way they bring out a tea’s softer side – all the subtle notes and natural sweetness you don’t always get with a hot brew.
🌿 What is Cold Brew Tea?
Cold brew tea is exactly what it sounds like – tea leaves or herbal blends steeped slowly in cold water instead of hot. This slower process extracts flavour gently, resulting in a smoother, less bitter drink.
And because it avoids heat, cold brewing preserves more of the tea’s Vitamin C and polyphenols – the antioxidant compounds that help support your immune system and overall health. If you’re after a healthy iced tea recipe without added sugars or preservatives, cold brew is the way to go.
🍵 How to Make Cold Brew Tea at Home
Here’s how we do it at MDTea:
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Choose your tea or infusion
Some of the best teas for cold brew include:
– White tea (naturally delicate and sweet)
– Green tea (especially Genmaicha or Sencha)
– Herbal teas like hibiscus, mint, or citrus blends
– Black tea with added lemon or mint -
Add tea to cold water
Use about 1.5x the amount of tea you’d use for a hot brew. Pop it in a jug or mason jar, cover, and refrigerate. -
Steep in the fridge
– White tea: 3–4 hours
– Green tea: 4–6 hours
– Oolong or black tea: 6–8 hours
– Herbal blends: overnight -
Strain and serve over ice
Add a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or some frozen berries if you’re feeling fancy. A splash of soda water adds a refreshing fizz – a great alternative to soft drinks.
☀️ Our Favourite Cold Brew Tea Blends
Every summer, we fall for a new cold brew blend. Right now, these are stealing the spotlight:
Sweet White Lelaini – Our tropical white tea blend with pear, pineapple and passionfruit. Light, fragrant and beautifully fruity.
Genmaicha Chi-Chi – A comforting green tea with toasted rice, calendula petals and a hint of liquorice. It’s mellow and slightly nutty – pure umami in a glass.
Fruity Tallulah – A citrusy, caffeine-free infusion that’s perfect for garden sipping after dark.
Deliciously Decadent – Bold berries and hibiscus, with a hint of rosehip. Tart, sweet and deeply refreshing.
These are all naturally caffeine-free or low-caffeine options, ideal for warm afternoons or a gentle evening drink.
🍹 Tea Mocktails for Summer
Cold brew tea also makes an amazing base for summer mocktails. Try these easy ideas:
– Cold brewed green tea (use Genmaicha Chi Chi) with mint and cucumber
– Iced hibiscus tea (use Deliciously Decadent) with lime and soda water
– Fruity Tallulah with frozen orange slices and a dash of tonic
They’re grown-up, alcohol-free, and full of natural flavour – perfect for summer parties or self-care rituals that don’t involve sugar or booze.
💡 Batch It for Easy Days
One of the best things about cold brew tea is that it keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days. Make a big jug in advance and enjoy grab-and-go refreshment all week long. You’ll save money, avoid plastic bottles, and enjoy a better-tasting iced tea made from real leaves – not flavourings.
Cold brew tea is more than just a drink – it’s a summer ritual. A small act of care that helps you slow down, hydrate well, and savour the season. Whether you’re hosting, sunbathing, or just pausing between meetings, it’s a glass full of goodness.
Here’s to summer – steeped slowly, served cold. 🧊🌿
