At T2, we’re on an endless quest to discover new flavours and tea, as well as different and innovative ways to brew it. So, when word came into the T2 headquarters about an exciting method in the iced tea world, it piqued our interest.

Iced tea has grown in popularity over the last few years – so it’s no wonder our customers are looking for faster, more simple ways to brew it at home. Cue: Cold Brew.

The cold brew method rose to popularity in the coffee world and has quickly become as just as popular way of making tea.

How does cold brew method work?

The name is pretty much self-explanatory. The method involves brewing tea in cold water for a longer period of time.

Unlike traditional iced tea, where hot water is quickly used to extract flavours from the tea. Traditional iced tea does generally take longer since it needs to cool down from boiling temperature, if rushed the flavour can be diluted if it's topped up immediately with ice.

Because the cold brew method steeps tea leaves slowly in cold water, they offer a mellow, sweet and smooth flavour. It is also less likely to produce a bitter taste, that can form when tea leaves are over-brewed. When black, green and white tea is over-brewed (left in hot water too long or with too high a temperature), an excessive amount of tannins are released. This leads to a strong, sharp taste that can overpower the tea’s natural flavour notes, such as maltiness, sweetness, or floral undertones. To avoid this, you can follow the brew time and water temperatures recommended on the tea packaging.

Check out our guide for traditional iced tea recipe or explore the cold brew method for a refreshing twist.

What teas to use with cold brew vs. iced tea method? 

All teas can be used with the traditional iced tea method. Take your choice of green and black tea or fruits and herbal tisanes. You can even get experiential and mix and match blends, to create your desired flavour.

However, in true T2 style we have a range designed and blended specifically for the Cold Brew method. We don't believe in watery, boring brews that taste like someone whispered 'fruit' in the next room. These flavours pack the right amount of punch for sipping all day. We're famous for our iced teas, and Cold Brew means you can have that any time, any place, with zero fuss.

Our Cold Brew tea bags are specifically designed to steep in cold water, unlike traditional iced tea, which relies on hot water to extract flavours from the tea or tisane.

The key difference lies in the processing of the ingredients. Cold brew tisanes undergo a unique stabilisation process, ensuring the herbs, fruits, and botanicals stay fresh and free from microbial growth throughout the cold brewing process. This stability allows the ingredients to steep safely in cold water without the need for preservatives.

The Cold Brew collection is quick and easy to prepare, requiring just 5–10 minutes to steep—much faster than traditional methods when factoring in brewing and cooling time. Featuring classic flavours with a slight twist, we added a hint of mint to the mango, and berry to the classic peach iced tea.

At T2, we’re big fans of both methods – the different brewing processes bring out different nuances in flavours and textures. Try both and let us know your favourite!