Teas & preparation
When the heat sets in, tea is brewed differently. Cold brewing prevents the bitterness that boiling water can bring out, and instead reveals softer, fresher, more delicate notes.
Why cold brewing changes the tea's profile
Cold water extracts flavors slowly, selecting the compounds most soluble at low temperatures. Tannins, responsible for bitterness and astringency, are released slowly and gradually. Floral, fruity, and vegetal aromas, on the other hand, express themselves fully.
The result is a naturally sweet tea, without any intervention, without any sugar needed. The only condition: time.
The recipe
For 1 liter of iced tea
Ingredients:
- 1L fresh water
- 20 to 25g tea
- A few ice cubes for serving
The amount of tea can be slightly adjusted depending on the chosen origin and desired intensity.
Preparation:
- Place the tea directly into a pitcher of fresh water
- Let steep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours
- Strain slowly
- Serve over ice
Cold brewed tea can then be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 48 hours.
Which tea to choose?
The choice of origin entirely guides the result in the pitcher.
Green teas produce light, vegetal, and fresh infusions, ideal for quenching thirst without being heavy. Two references from our selection particularly suitable for cold brewing:
The Red Fruits & Heather Scent, with fruity and slightly floral notes, which gives a lively and colorful infusion, naturally sweet on the palate.
The Grand Jasmin Chung Feng, with delicate floral jasmine aromas on a Chinese green tea base, which produces one of the most elegant iced teas imaginable.
Black teas provide more body and depth, for those who prefer a more structured infusion.
The Black Tea with Rose Petals, floral and slightly tannic, gives a very refined cold infusion, with a beautiful amber color.
The Bergamot & Grapefruit Scent, with lively and fragrant citrus notes, for a tonic and aromatic iced tea.
Some adjustments according to your taste
Steeping time is the main lever for modulating intensity. Two hours give a light and very delicate tea. Three hours produce a more assertive profile, with more aromatic presence. Beyond that, some black teas can develop a slight astringency: taste regularly to find your balance.
You can also dilute with sparkling water when serving for a lighter and sparkling version, particularly pleasant with flavored green teas.
Find our entire selection of teas online or at 256 rue Saint-Honoré, Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. Our team can advise you on the origins best suited for cold brewing according to your taste.
