Cold brew is one of my favourite ways to enjoy Japanese tea, particularly during the warmer months. It produces a wonderfully smooth, refreshing cup with very little bitterness and naturally brings out the tea's sweetness and umami. The preparation couldn't be simpler – all you need is good quality loose leaf tea, cold water and a little patience.
Preparing Cold Brew Tea at Home
You will need:
- 3 teaspoons of loose leaf tea
- 1 litre of filtered cold water
- A glass bottle or jug
Method
1. Add the tea
Place 3 teaspoons of loose leaf tea into a 1 litre glass bottle or jug.
2. Add the water
Pour in 1 litre of filtered cold water.
3. Refrigerate
Place the bottle in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the tea to infuse slowly.
4. Enjoy
Pour the tea into a glass and enjoy throughout the day. Keep refrigerated and drink within 4–5 days.
A Few Tips
Use filtered water
Using filtered water will produce a cleaner, fresher flavour and allow the character of the tea to shine through.
Try different teas
Cold brewing works beautifully with many Japanese teas. It's a lovely way to discover how different varieties change when brewed with cold water.
Which Tea Should I Use?
I have tried quite a few different types of teas to cold brew. My favourites are as follows:
3. Shincha Sencha Sukiya from Yame
I often keep a bottle of cold brewed tea in the fridge throughout the summer. It's incredibly refreshing and one of my favourite ways to enjoy Japanese tea.
I hope this helps you enjoy making cold brew tea at home. If you have any questions about Japanese tea or choosing the right tea for cold brewing, please feel free to email us at hello@keikouchida.com. We are always happy to help you choose the right tea or tea ware and share our love of Japanese tea.