The Best Drink for Summer: Try Cold Brew instead of Iced Tea

Summer is here (actually very early this year!), and the weather is starting to heat up, actually too hot!

Even on a sunny summer day, we still love our hot brewed tea, but when the temperature rises a little too much, there’s nothing better than a pitcher of iced tea in the garden and relaxing with a good book, sipping away at a refreshing cold brew. Iced tea is like that dependable friend who shows up every summer, refreshing, cool, and just what you need when the heat becomes too much to handle. 

However, this summer, we’re bringing something much fancier and really something that you should try at least once. Cold Brew Tea. If you’ve never tried cold brew tea before, don’t worry, you’re not alone. While it’s made its mark in Western countries and among tea nerds (yes, that’s a thing, you’re reading this, you’re one of them), it’s only just beginning to show up in our Indian kitchens, fridges, and café menus. And once you get a taste of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. So, shall we begin?

Cold brew, you say? What’s a “cold brew”?

Well, the traditional way to make iced tea is to hot brew it and let it cool. This method is still great, but the increasingly popular method is to cold brew it, letting the leaves infuse over a longer period in cold water.

Of course, if you’re in a hurry, cold brewing might not be the best choice since it won’t give you significant flavour in just a few minutes. In that case, hot brew your tea, wait a bit, and pour it over ice.

But if you’re planning ahead, cold brew iced tea is absolutely delicious and can be a bit more nutritious too, retaining higher levels of Vitamin C and polyphenols, which are great for giving your immune system a boost. 

Making iced tea is pretty simple, but a little extra care can ensure you get the best taste. We like our iced tea naturally sweet, refreshing, and clean tasting, with minimal astringency. This isn’t an issue with infusions, but when using tea leaves, keeping the tannins low is essential, as they can dry out your tongue, leaving you feeling unrefreshed. Still, what is the big difference between Iced tea and Cold Brew Tea?

Iced Tea vs Cold Brew Tea

Alright, let’s clear the air. Iced tea and cold brew tea sound like twins, but believe me, they’re more like siblings with very different personalities.

Iced Tea is brewed hot, then cooled down. You steep the tea in boiling water, let it do its thing, then chill it with ice. It’s quick, efficient, and hits the spot. But because it’s exposed to heat, the tannins (those bitter compounds) are more pronounced, especially if you over-steep. Result? Sometimes your iced tea tastes.. a bit sharp or bitter. 

Cold Brew Tea, on the other hand, is a slow ritual. You steep the tea leaves in cold water for 6-8 hours (yes, patience is a virtue here). There’s no boiling involved. No heat. Just time. The result? A much smoother, subtler, and naturally sweeter flavor. 

It’s the difference between having a quick cup at a busy chai tapri and slowly sipping on something chilled on your balcony during a breezy Sunday evening. 

But why go the cold brew way?

Good question. Why wait 6 hours when you can have iced tea in 15 minutes? Well, here’s the deal:

1. Low Bitterness, High Flavour

Heat extracts tannins and caffeine quickly. That’s why hot brews can be a bit too sharp or “kadak” for some. Cold brewing keeps the bitterness at bay and lets the nuanced flavors of the tea leaves shine through. Whether it’s a floral green tea or a punchy chai blend, cold brewing reveals the personality of the leaves in a gentler, more graceful way. 

2. Gentler on the Stomach

Indians are no strangers to acidity, especially with the masala chai and heavy meals we adore. Cold brew tea is often easier on the gut, less acidic, more hydrating, and perfect as a post-lunch drink that won’t give you that uneasy burn. 

3. Naturally Sweet

Ever added two teaspoons of sugar and still felt your iced tea needed more? Cold brews retain natural sweetness from the leaves. Many people say they don’t even need sugar after trying it. If you’re trying to cut down on sweeteners, this one’s your new BFF.

4. Convenient AF

Imagine waking up and opening your fridge to find a chilled, ready-to-go bottle of tea. That’s the beauty of prepping cold brew at night. Set it, forget, and chill (literally). No waiting, no heating, just pour and sip.

So, how to brew a cold brew?

Whatever tea or infusions you choose for your cold brew iced tea, our rule of thumb is to use half again as much tea as you would for hot brewing.

As for brew times: for infusions, over night brewing works well. But for white and green teas, a little less time is better. We recommend 3-4 hours for white teas and 4-6 hours for green teas. More oxidized leaves like Oolongs and black teas are good for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can achieve some flavour after even 30 minutes. Here at MDTea, we like our cold black teas mixed with a good dose of mint or lemon and maybe a little honey. 

Once brewed, just strain and serve with added ice and maybe a garnish or two.

Personal opinion

Sure, the idea of “cold brew” sounds like something you’d see on a cafe menu in Delhi’s Khan Market or Bandra’s artsy cafes, but let’s be honest, the method is so easy and Indian-home-friendly.

Have an old Horlicks bottle lying around? That’ll do. What to flavour it with tulsi or ealichi? Go for it. Planning to serve it at your next kitty party? Add a splash of rose syrup or soda and watch your friends get impressed. 

Also, you can even try some fun variations once you get the hang of the basics. Here are a few combos:

• Tulsi Treat Green Tea + Cucumber Slices 

• Moroccan Mint + Lemon Rind

• Calming Chamomile + Rose petals

• Kashmiri Kahwa + Apple slices

Our best teas to cold brew!

Our current favorite green tea blend is Moroccan mint, a green tea with spearmint leaf, peppermint leaf, and green tea. But our close second is our lovely Lemon Honey Delight green tea, a gorgeous green tea with lemon peel, natural honey, and lemon grass. Each one is different but hits the spot perfectly with a lovely taste of tea and subtle sweet flavors from the other ingredients.

You might also try something citrusy like our Earl Grey black tea, or something strong like our English Breakfast black tea for an incredibly refreshing cold serve.

Parting Words

Whatever your cold brew of choice, you can always up the ante with creative garnishes. From mint and berries to dehydrated limes and lemons, let your creativity flow and adorn your drink for a super tasty, super refreshing summer treat. 

Cold brews tend to be full of flavor but without the additives or sweeteners found in many soft drinks and bottled iced teas on the market today.