How to Cold Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Mason Jar: A Simple Guide

Quick Answer

To cold brew loose leaf tea in a mason jar, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of tea per 8 ounces of cold water, steep for 12 to 18 hours in the fridge, then strain and enjoy. This no-fuss method yields a smooth, less bitter iced tea without any special equipment.

Cold brewing loose leaf tea in a mason jar is the easiest way to get a smooth, refreshing iced tea without any special equipment. Unlike hot brewing, cold water gently extracts the tea leaves, resulting in a naturally sweet and less bitter cup. All you need is a jar, some quality loose leaf tea, and a little patience.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing the right tea to the perfect steeping time. Whether you want a simple pitcher for the week or a concentrated brew to mix with water or milk, you'll find the steps and ratios that work best for your taste.

Why Cold Brew Loose Leaf Tea?

Cold brewing is a game-changer for iced tea lovers. Because the tea never meets hot water, the extraction is slower and gentler. This means fewer bitter tannins and a smoother, naturally sweeter flavor profile. It's also incredibly forgiving: you don't need to watch the clock or worry about scalding the leaves.

Another advantage is convenience. You can prepare a large jar in the evening and wake up to ready-to-drink iced tea. It's perfect for meal prep, parties, or just having a refreshing drink on hand. Plus, using loose leaf tea gives you more control over flavor and quality compared to pre-packaged tea bags.

• Use filtered water for the best taste, as tap water can introduce off-flavors.
• Start with a clean mason jar to avoid any lingering odors or residues.

Choosing the Right Loose Leaf Tea

Almost any loose leaf tea can be cold brewed, but some shine more than others. Fruity herbal teas and green teas are particularly popular for cold brewing because they produce a light, refreshing drink. Rooibos and white teas also work well, offering subtle sweetness and low caffeine. Black teas can be used too, but they may become slightly more astringent if steeped too long.

For a caffeine-free option, try a herbal blend like Orange Tango Cold Brew, which features orange and hibiscus. If you prefer a green tea with a hint of sweetness, Peaches N' Green Cold Brew is a great choice. Both are specifically formulated for cold brewing, making them foolproof for beginners.

• Avoid very delicate teas like some white teas if you plan to steep for the full 18 hours, as they can become slightly bitter.
• Experiment with blends to find your favorite flavor profile.

The Perfect Cold Brew Tea Ratio

The golden rule for cold brew loose leaf tea is 1 to 2 teaspoons of tea per 8 ounces (1 cup) of cold water. For a standard 32-ounce mason jar, that's about 4 to 8 teaspoons (or 1 to 2 tablespoons) of tea. If you prefer a stronger brew, use the higher end of the range; for a lighter, more subtle flavor, stick to the lower end.

You can also make a cold brew concentrate by doubling the amount of tea. This is great if you want to mix the tea with water, milk, or a sweetener. Just remember to dilute it before drinking, as the concentrate is quite strong.

• Use a kitchen scale for precision: 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea typically weighs about 2 to 3 grams.
• For a 64-ounce pitcher, double the amounts: 8 to 16 teaspoons of tea.

Steeping Time: How Long Is Enough?

The ideal cold brew tea time is between 12 and 18 hours. This long steeping period allows the flavors to fully develop without becoming bitter. If you're in a hurry, you can steep for as little as 8 hours, but the tea will be less flavorful. On the other hand, steeping for more than 18 hours may lead to a slightly over-extracted, bitter taste.

The best approach is to taste your tea after 12 hours and decide if it needs more time. Remember that the tea will continue to steep as long as the leaves are in the water. Once it reaches your desired strength, strain the leaves immediately to stop the process.

• Set a timer on your phone to remind you to taste the tea at the 12-hour mark.
• If you forget and it steeps too long, don't worry—it's still drinkable, just a bit stronger.

Step-by-Step: Cold Brew in a Mason Jar

Here's the simple process: Add your loose leaf tea to a clean mason jar. Pour in cold, filtered water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Stir gently to ensure all the leaves are wet. Cover the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it steep for 12 to 18 hours.

After steeping, strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a tea infuser. Discard the leaves. Your cold brew is ready to drink! You can store it in the fridge for up to a week, though it's best enjoyed within a few days.

• Use a loose leaf tea infuser basket that fits inside the jar to make straining easier.
• If you don't have a strainer, pour the tea through a coffee filter.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

Once you've mastered the basic cold brew, you can get creative. Add fresh fruit slices like lemon, orange, or berries to the jar before steeping for a fruity infusion. Herbs like mint or basil also add a refreshing twist. For a touch of sweetness, stir in honey or simple syrup after straining.

Cold brew tea is also a fantastic base for cocktails or mocktails. Mix it with sparkling water for a fizzy drink, or combine it with milk for a creamy iced tea latte. The possibilities are endless!

• For a citrusy kick, add a few slices of Meyer lemon to your cold brew.
• Try using cold brew tea as a base for a summer sangria.

Simple Steps to Cold Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Mason Jar

1. Measure Your Tea: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water. For a standard 32-ounce jar, that's 4 to 8 teaspoons. Adjust based on your strength preference. Checkpoint: Start with 1.5 teaspoons per cup for a balanced flavor.
2. Add Cold Water: Pour cold, filtered water over the tea leaves, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Stir gently to ensure all leaves are saturated. Checkpoint: Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
3. Refrigerate and Steep: Cover the jar and place it in the fridge. Let it steep for 12 to 18 hours. Taste at 12 hours to see if it's strong enough. Checkpoint: Don't exceed 18 hours to avoid bitterness.
4. Strain and Enjoy: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the leaves. Your cold brew is ready to drink. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Checkpoint: Strain immediately once it reaches your desired strength to stop the steeping.

Tea Picks for Cold Brewing

• Orange Tango Cold Brew 64oz Pitcher Packs (10pack) - Wholesale: ORANGE HIBISCUS HERBAL TEA: Are your tastebuds ready to tango? Orange Tango is here to add some zest to your life with its orange flavor and tangy finish. Just be warned: you may find yourself dancing after just one sip! IMMUNITY BLEND: Our Immunity blends contain rooibos, herbal and fruit teas, which help you recover by fueling your body with a variety of vitamins and nutrients. This caffeine-free herbal blend is perfect for cold brewing, offering a vibrant, tangy flavor that stands up well to long steeping without becoming bitter. Plus, it's part of the Immunity blend, so you get a tasty drink with potential wellness benefits.
• Peaches N' Green Cold Brew 2qt Pitcher Packs (10pack): SMOOTH PEACH GREEN TEA: This smooth peach, loose leaf green tea is bursting with fresh-from-the-orchard flavor. One sip will have you feeling just peachy! SLENDERIZER BLEND: Our Slenderizer blends contain green teas that suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism. This green tea is specifically formulated for cold brewing, ensuring a smooth, naturally sweet peach flavor without the bitterness often associated with green tea. It's a great choice if you're looking for a light, refreshing iced tea with potential metabolism-boosting properties.

Cold brewing loose leaf tea in a mason jar is a simple, rewarding method that yields a smooth, refreshing iced tea every time. With the right ratio, steeping time, and a little experimentation, you can create your perfect pitcher. Whether you choose a fruity herbal blend or a classic green tea, this no-fuss technique is sure to become a summer staple.