What Makes Cold Brew Tea Different From Iced Tea? - Tasting Table

"Cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold water over a period of several hours. Iced tea, on the other hand, starts out as traditional hot-brewed tea that's later cooled and served over ice. The temperature difference is a major distinction, leading to subtle flavor nuances. In cold brewing, the slow, gentle extraction of tea coaxes out more of the tea's inherent sweetness, resulting in a smoother taste."

"The different ways in which cold brew tea and iced tea are prepared result in more than just flavor nuances, however. The high heat used to craft iced tea pulls out more caffeine than cold brewing, leading to a buzzier, pick-me-up experience than what you'll get from a glass of cold brew tea. But, it also diminishes some of the tea's inherent health benefits, making cold brew tea the more health-advantageous option."

Cold brew tea is prepared by steeping tea leaves in cold water for several hours, while iced tea begins with hot-brewed tea that is cooled and served over ice. Cold brewing extracts more inherent sweetness and yields a smoother flavor; hot brewing produces bolder, more complex flavors with some bitterness. Hot brewing extracts more caffeine, producing a stronger stimulant effect compared with cold brew. Cold brewing preserves more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in teas. Green, black, and hibiscus teas contain antioxidants that can protect against heart disease, improve cholesterol, and help maintain blood pressure.

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