Cold Brew Loose-Leaf Tea: Ratios, Steep Times & Tips

by Kalah Garcia

Why Cold Brew Tastes Smoother

Cooler water extracts slower and less aggressively, so you’ll typically get lower caffeine and catechins than a hot infusion of the same tea—hence less bitterness and astringency. Colder, shorter, and softer conditions reduce extraction of these compounds.

Lower temperatures pull fewer bitter catechins and caffeine, resulting in a smoother cup. 

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Core Method

Yield: 1 liter or about 4 cups served over ice. This recipe works for most teas.

You’ll need

  • 10–15 g loose-leaf tea (see table below)
  • 1 liter cold, chlorine-free water
  • Lidded glass jar/pitcher + fine strainer or filter

Steps

  1. Measure: Start at 10–12 g per liter, or 2 g per 8 oz.
  2. Combine & cover: Add leaves and water to a clean jar; refrigerate.
  3. Steep in the fridge: 6–8 hours for most green and white teas; 8–12 hours for oolong/black/herbal.
  4. Strain and taste. If you want a stronger flavor, steep 1-2 hours longer.
  5. Serve over ice, with citrus/herbs, if desired. Keep the remainder refrigerated and consume within a few days.

Hint: For a tea concentrate, use 15–18 g/L and pour 1:1 over ice/sparkling water.

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Ratios and Fridge Times by Tea Type

Tea type

Leaf per liter

Fridge time

Notes

Green

10–12 g

6–8 h

Bright, low bitterness; great with lemon or mint. 

White

12–14 g

6–10 h

Delicate aroma; light flavor.

Oolong

12–15 g

8–12 h

Floral, roasty; these notes shine when cold.

Black

12–16 g

8–12 h

Round and smooth; less astringence than hot. 

Herbal/Rooibos

12–16 g

8–12 h

Naturally caffeine-free, full flavored.

Ratios are starting points pulled from reliable kitchen tests; adjust amount and time to taste. 

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Safety: Cold Brew the Right Way

  • Always brew in the refrigerator (≤ 40 °F / 4 °C).
  • Use clean/sanitized pitchers and strainers.
  • Refrigerate immediately after straining. 
  • Drink within 3 days.

FAQs

Does cold-brew tea have less caffeine?
Generally, yes vs. a comparable hot brew (same tea, typical home ratios), though exact amounts vary by tea and time. Studies comparing steeping methods report lower caffeine and catechins in cold infusions. 

How long can I keep it?
Best within 24–48 hours for peak flavor; for food safety, finish within 3 days and keep refrigerated.

What if it tastes weak?
Increase leaf (e.g., 2–3 g per liter) or extend fridge time by 1–2 hours.

Can I cold-brew matcha?
Yes—shake 1–2 g in 300–500 ml cold water. It’s ready immediately with no straining required.

Which water is best?
Use low-to-moderate mineral, chlorine-free water for cleaner flavor.

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