How long does tea need to sit in cold water? The ultimate guide

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Cold brew tea steeping times range from 2 to 12 hours or more, depending on the tea variety, yielding a balanced flavor profile. The best answer to how long does tea need to sit in cold water depends on the tea type and the preferred taste.

Quick Summary

Cold water brewing gently extracts tea flavors, minimizing bitterness and creating a sweeter taste. Tea steeping times typically vary from 6 to 14 hours for optimal flavor extraction without producing tannins.

Key Points

Black Tea: Steep for 8-12 hours in cold water for a smooth flavor.
Green & White Tea: Steep for 6-8 hours to preserve flavors.
Herbal Tea: Steep for 12-14 hours to extract full flavor.
Taste Test: Check the brew after the minimum time and adjust as needed.
Naturally Sweet: Cold brewing reduces bitterness, resulting in a naturally sweet tea.
Lower Caffeine: The process pulls less caffeine.

Why Cold Brew Tea is Better

Cold brewing tea offers a superior taste compared to traditional hot-brewed tea, especially when poured over ice. Cold brewing extracts less tannins and caffeine, resulting in a naturally sweeter, smoother, and less bitter drink. The slower extraction process also helps to retain the delicate flavors often lost with hot water.

The Benefits of Slow Steeping

Smoother Taste: Reduced tannin extraction means a smoother, less astringent taste.
Reduced Acidity: Cold-brewed tea has less acidity, which can be easier on the stomach.
Natural Sweetness: With reduced bitterness, the natural sweetness of the tea is more prominent, often reducing the need for added sugar.
Increased Antioxidants: The cold brewing process may preserve antioxidants, such as catechins.
Lower Caffeine Content: Cold water results in a brew with less caffeine, suitable for those sensitive to stimulants.

How to Cold Brew Tea

Making cold brew tea is simple:

Gather Ingredients: Use your choice of loose-leaf tea or teabags and cold, filtered water. The standard ratio is 1-2 teaspoons of tea per cup of water, but adjust to your taste.
Combine and Infuse: Combine the tea and water in a clean glass pitcher or jar, ensuring the leaves are submerged.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate. The steeping time depends on the tea type.
Strain and Serve: Once brewed, strain the tea leaves using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Serve over ice, with a lemon slice or other garnishes, if desired.

Cold Brew Tea Steeping Times

Steeping times depend on the tea type. The following table provides a general guideline, but taste is the ultimate factor.


Tea Type	Recommended Steeping Time	Flavor Profile	Notes
Black Tea	8-12 hours	Rich, malty, and full-bodied without bitterness	Overnight steeping is ideal.
Green Tea	6-8 hours	Smooth, grassy, and mellow	Extended steeping may increase astringency.
White Tea	6-8 hours	Delicate, floral, and naturally sweet	Shorter steeping times are best.
Oolong Tea	8-10 hours	Complex, fruity, and fragrant	Flavors vary; longer steeps for more robust oolongs.
Herbal Tea	12-14 hours	Varied, from fruity to minty or spicy	Can require the longest time for full flavor.

Optimizing Your Cold Brew

Use high-quality loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags for better flavor. Taste the brew after the minimum steeping time. This allows finding the perfect flavor. Start brewing in the evening to have it ready the next morning. Experiment with room-temperature water at first to speed up the infusion, before moving it to the fridge.

Conclusion: The Patience of Cold Brew

The answer to how long does tea need to sit in cold water varies based on the tea and desired strength. Patience is key in cold brewing. The slow infusion over hours creates a smoother, naturally sweeter drink. Whether you like green or black tea, cold brewing will elevate the experience. Start with the recommended times, taste as you go, and find your perfect cold brew routine for a refreshing and delicious drink.

For further information on tea, including the effects of different brewing temperatures, consider exploring resources from academic institutions or food science journals, such as the SDSU Extension's guide to making cold brew tea safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cold brewing tea in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours is generally safe. The low temperature prevents bacterial growth. Always use clean containers and keep the tea refrigerated.

Green, white, oolong, and black teas are popular choices. Herbal and fruit infusions also work well.

Yes, tea bags work for cold brewing. Use loose-leaf tea for better flavor.

Increase the steeping time or use more tea leaves in the next batch. Cold brewing takes time.

Cold brew tea can have more antioxidants and less caffeine. Both offer health benefits, though.

Store cold brew tea in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Yes, use room temperature water to start, then refrigerate to ensure safety and optimal flavor extraction.