As temperatures rise and the sun lingers longer each day, nothing hits the spot like a refreshing glass of iced tea. When it comes time to make your perfect summer brew, you can choose between a cold brew tea style process or a hot brew tea style process. Each option offers a refreshing iced tea experience, but tends to have different benefits, flavor profiles and styles of preparation.

Which process is the best summer refresher? Let's find out!

Understanding Cold Brew Iced Tea

The process of cold brew iced tea begins by steeping any tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time (generally 6-12 hours). The process of cold extraction allows for smooth flavors to come out of the tea without the bitterness produced by using hot brewing methods.

  • Smooth & mellow flavor: Cold brewing yields tea that is naturally sweet and low-tannin.

  • Less bitterness: The leaf cannot be over-extracted as over amounts of heat cannot scald the leaves.

  • No need for heat: Good for people who like to set it and forget it. Just steep overnight in the fridge and it's done!

  • Lighter teas like green teas, white, and floral blends tend to shine in cold brew, delivering a smoother, more delicate flavor.

Understanding Hot Brew Iced Tea

Hot brew iced tea is made by steeping tea in hot water, just as you would for a traditional cup of tea. The hot tea is cooled down - either by pouring over ice (flash chill) or letting cool in the fridge.

Why Choose Cold Brew Iced Tea?

  • It takes less time to prepare: Iced tea can be ready to drink in minutes and not hours.

  • Easy to customize: Add sweeteners, citrus, or herbs while hot, then chill to your preference.

Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Brew is Superior for Summer?

The answer ultimately depends on your taste preference and lifestyle.

  • Prefer a smooth, naturally sweet sip without bitterness? Cold brew is your perfect companion. Just steep your tea overnight and wake up to a refreshing, ready-to-drink iced tea.

  • If you need an efficient, bold-flavored drink, hot brew iced tea is the solution! The hot brew method is quick and easy to customize—add a squeeze of lemon or leave out a few mint leaves, or stir in a little honey to elevate your glass in minutes.

Whether you plan ahead or need something cold and refreshing in minutes, there is a brew for the moment this summer!

Top Recommended Iced Tea Blends

Get ready to quench your thirst for iced tea with our refreshing Best Tea Collection of delicious iced tea blends! Choose from tropical blends like Mango & Peach or energizing iced teas like Pomegranate Green Tea that are flavorful and crisp. Perfect for summer or as refreshing beverages throughout the year, enjoy the hits of freshness and wonderful flavor in each iced tea blend. Find your new favorite iced tea blend today at Mark T. Wendell Tea Company's Iced Tea Blends Collection.

 

Pro Tip: Why Not Enjoy Both?

There’s no need to limit yourself to just one. Cold brew and hot brew each offer their unique benefits and advantages. Just for fun, you could kick off your day with a cold, chilled cold brew green tea for a smooth, refreshing start and cool down in the afternoon with a hot-brewed chai iced tea, hot and spicy over ice. Feel free to have fun with Mark T. Wendell Tea Company different tea types, flavors, and garnishes, whether it’s adding a slice or two of citrus, fresh mint, or fruit-infusion ice cubes. With endless combinations to explore, you’ll never get bored sipping flavorful iced teas all summer long.

Brew, sip, and share your favorites—try our iced tea blends and tag us in your refreshing moments!

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