How to Make Cold-Brew Green Tea at Home: Smooth, Refreshing Iced Tea

Light, easy to make, and pleasantly smooth, this cold brew green tea is perfect for warm days. Using just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off process, it produces the mildest, least bitter green tea you’ll ever taste.

Two glasses of cold brew green tea in front of a pitcher on a table.

What We Love About This Recipe

The cold brew technique reduces tannin extraction, so the tea won’t taste bitter or dry. Hot water releases more tannins and increases astringency; cold water is gentler and gives you a smoother, more delicate green tea.
This method is incredibly simple and nearly hands-off. Put the tea in water, seal the container, let it steep, strain, and enjoy.
You can make a larger batch and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just store it tightly sealed to preserve flavor.

Cheryl’s Tips

A mason jar is ideal for this recipe, but a tightly covered pitcher works fine if needed. Make sure the seal is secure.
Experiment with flavors: orange, berries, peaches, or herbs like mint, rosemary, or lemongrass work beautifully. A little minced ginger adds a pleasant kick.
Liquid stevia is used here, but simple syrup or another liquid sweetener is an easy substitute.
If you prefer loose tea, this recipe works well—use about 1 tablespoon of loose leaves per 1 ounce of water.

More Delicious Drink Recipes

Frozen Lemonade
Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Blueberry Smoothie
Starbucks Pink Drink Copycat Recipe
Jungle Juice Recipe
Cucumber Ginger Mocktail
Iced Matcha Latte
Homemade Disney POG Juice Recipe
Virgin Margarita Recipe (Non-Alcoholic Margarita)

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a review below. ★

Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on social channels for more ideas.

Cold Brew Green Tea Recipe

Prep: 10 minutes

Steep: 12 hours

Total: 12 hours 10 minutes

A light, refreshing green tea made using a cold brew method similar to coffee cold brew.

Cheryl Malik

Print
Save

4 servings

Ingredients

▢ 20 ounces cold filtered water
▢ 3 bags green tea
▢ lemon slices optional
▢ ¼ teaspoon liquid sweetener optional
▢ fresh basil leaves ripped by hand

Equipment

Large mason jar with lid
Wooden spoon
Cheesecloth

Instructions

Pour 20 ounces of cold filtered water into a large mason jar. Add 3 green tea bags, or open the bags and pour the loose tea into the jar.
If you like, add lemon slices, ¼ teaspoon liquid sweetener, and torn fresh basil leaves to the jar.
Stir gently to combine, secure the lid, and refrigerate for 24 hours or leave at room temperature for 12 hours.
Before serving, cover the jar opening with cheesecloth and strain the tea into a serving pitcher or glasses, catching any solids.
Serve over ice with your preferred garnish and enjoy.

Notes

Storage: Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Shown servings are approximate and will vary based on portion sizes.

Nutrition figures are estimates for one serving using the ingredients listed and do not include optional add-ins. Values may vary with different brands or ingredient choices.