Cold brewed green tea is a refreshing delicious summer thirst quencher. Easy to make and stored well for those hot humid days outdoors!
We are recent converts to cold brewed coffee, but have been making cold brew green tea for several years now. I can be quite contrary in my my tastes (after all one of my middle names is Mary), I like my coffee black and rather strong, and my tea also black but very weak. Tea bags just do not work for me as even one in a pot is far too strong – granted you can whip it out immediately the hot water hits it, but you do not get all the flavours extracted, and although I like weak tea, I also like a balanced brew. Usually when I make tea I put a few leaves into a mug, top up with hot water and leave to infuse.
For an overnight cold brew you do need a little more tea – and I find one teabag is about right for a litre jug of water, my favourite is Clearspring’s sencha – a clear, bright and refreshing drink. Even if you think you do not like green tea do try this; it is a different drink from the bitter over extracted brews served in tiny bowls in Chinese restaurants.
Since the start of the year I have been a BRITA ambassador and have been drinking filtered water – and a great deal less alcohol – it has made a massive difference to our coffee and tea which is brighter and clearer with none of that nasty scum floating to the surface. We have also been thinking about water as an ingredient. The iced tea above is pretty much clear – the condensation on the glass makes it look cloudy. It is worth finding a slim jug that will fit into the fridge door – you can make this in an empty bottle, but it is near impossible to fish out the lemon and mint and reuse it. This is perfect for on a picnic, or at your desk.
Cold Brew Green Tea & Al Fresco Dining Tips
Ingredients
- 1 Green tea bag
- 2 – 3 sprigs of mint
- 3 slices of lemon
- 1 litre of BRITA filtered water
Instructions
- Simple place all the ingredients into a jug and leave to infuse overnight.
- Served chilled.
Some Fuss Free Tips for All Fresco Dining & Picnics
- Don’t forget the picnic rug; sitting on damp grass is miserable. A waterproof backed rug makes picnics so much more comfortable.
- Traditional wicker hampers look smart, but are unwieldy and heavy. A backpack or similar makes it much easier to get to that secluded spot.
- For sun protection for al fresco breakfast or lunches, a selection of sun hats for visitors are always handy.
- Keep hydrated especially in the hot sun
- A couple of stones are ideal for stopping the newspaper blowing away when indulging in an extended, lazy brunch.
- If you’re disturbed by mosquitoes or other insects, citronella candles may help.
- If barbecuing, use the best charcoal you can get – preferably FSC certified – and wait for the flames to die down before starting cooking. Don’t restrict yourself to meat – fish, vegetable and cheese such as halloumi also make great additions to the menu.
- Don’t forget the food hygiene essentials – keep raw meat separate from cooked – and wash your hands after handling the raw meat. If you’re away from a tap, hand santisation gel is ideal.
BRITA Marella Filter Jug. Image from BRITA
BRITA has partnered with Delicious. magazine for the Better with BRITA Competition where two people have won the opportunity to showcase their dish, containing water as an ingredient to the public at The Big Feastival; Britain’s most popular food festival.
I am a BRITA ambassador and have been compensated my time spent on this campaign, all opinions are my own.
Lynn
Ah, the too-strong tea problem. I love Tung Ting and Genmaicha and Earl Grey but so often by the time you’ve got it from the hot drinks counter and through the checkout, it’s far too strong (and in the case of the Earl Grey, going bitter)!
Helen
I usually have herbal tea out (which paradoxically I like strong) to avoid this problem.
Jen @ Blue Kitchen Bakes
Sounds like you’re similar to me, my coffee always has to be strong and black and I also drink a lot of green tea, weak black tea is only consumed if there is absolutely nothing else. I had a go at making green iced tea infused with lime a few weeks ago and it was delicious and very refreshing.
Helen
Lime green iced tea sounds lovely. Delish!
Janice
Now there’s a thing! I remember having ‘sun’ tea in California in 1980, they even had a special jar that sat outside in the sun brewing the tea, but I’ve never actually made it. I’m a weak tea, no milk person too and we are fortunate to have beautiful clear, soft water straight from the tap so I’m definitely going to try this. Thanks.
Helen
I think that you have to be really careful about how long you keep Sun Tea Janice – as the brewing conditions are ripe for any bacteria in the pot. Let me know how it goes.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I am a big fan of iced green tea. It is so refreshing in this heat.
Helen
So refreshing. Have you tried it cold brew yet Dannii?
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
You and I are opposites, Helen. I hate coffee but like strong tea. Your drink looks very refreshing on stifling hot summers days like we’ve been having the past few weeks.
Helen
It is so refreshing, we drink gallons of it. I need to convert you to coffee.
Deena Kakaya
so grown up and classy, yet cheeky and relaxed. I like the gentle floral notes Helen, gorgeous pics too. Happy summer xx
Helen
Thank you Deena. I am loving my cold brewed tea and coffee at the moment.