Ingredients:

  • 8 cups (2 Litres) Filtered, Cold Water
  • 1/2 cup (40 grams) High-Quality Loose Leaf Tea (Black, Green, or Herbal)
  • Simple Syrup (1:1 ratio), To taste (Optional)
  • Fresh Lemon or Orange Slices, 1 large fruit (Optional)
  • Mint Sprigs, 4-6 large sprigs (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Measure and Combine: Place the measured loose leaf tea (40g or 1/2 cup) directly into the bottom of the clean 2-Litre pitcher.
  2. Add Water: Gently pour the 2 Litres (8 cups) of filtered, cold water over the tea leaves. A gentle swirl is sufficient to ensure all leaves are submerged.
  3. Cover and Chill: Securely cover the pitcher (using a lid or plastic wrap). Place the pitcher immediately into the refrigerator.
  4. Steep: Allow the tea to steep undisturbed. Steeping times vary by tea type: Black Tea (12–16 hours), Green Tea (8–12 hours), or Herbal/Fruit Tea (16–20 hours).
  5. Test for Strength: After the minimum required steeping time, taste a small amount. If desired strength is reached, proceed; otherwise, allow it to steep for another 1-2 hours, testing periodically.
  6. Strain the Brew: Carefully pour the cold brew through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer into a clean storage container. Discard the spent tea leaves.
  7. Check Clarity and Store: If the tea appears cloudy, strain it a second time. Ensure the finished cold brew is tightly sealed and chilled. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  8. Serve: Fill serving glasses fully with high-quality ice. Pour the cold brew over the ice, adding simple syrup to taste if desired. Garnish each glass with a slice of citrus and a sprig of fresh mint.