When it comes to brewing tea, the options are as varied as the teas themselves. At Libertine Blends, we love discovering methods that bring out the best in our organic blends. Two modern approaches gaining attention are ice brewing and cold brewing. While both methods deliver refreshing, chilled teas, they are worlds apart in technique and flavour profile. Let’s dive into the art of ice brewing and how it differs from cold brewing…Â
What is Ice Brewing?
Ice brewing, also known as “Kōridashi” in Japanese tea culture, is a slow, delicate method where tea is brewed using only ice. Instead of steeping tea leaves in water, you place ice cubes in a vessel and sprinkle in your tea. As the ice gradually melts, it extracts flavours from the tea leaves, creating a nuanced, highly concentrated brew.
The process takes several hours, but the result is worth the wait: a rich, smooth tea with complex layers of flavour. This method works particularly well with our Lightning Green, Luxe Grey or Runaway Rose, where subtle floral and herbal notes can truly shine.
How Ice Brewing Differs from Cold Brewing
Cold brewing involves steeping tea leaves in cold water (still or sparkling) for a few hours before straining. It’s a quicker method than ice brewing, and yields a light, refreshing tea with reduced bitterness and a gentle sweetness.Â
Ice brewing tends to deliver richer and more nuanced flavours, partly due to the ice extraction and partly because of the more concentrated brew (less water).
Why Choose Ice Brewing?
Ice brewing isn’t just about the final cup—it’s an experience. The gradual melting of the ice invites patience and mindfulness, qualities that align beautifully with the calming essence of our beautiful blends. The slow extraction process avoids over-extraction, resulting in a tea that is remarkably smooth, free of bitterness, and brimming with subtle flavours that might otherwise go unnoticed.
How to Ice Brew Tea at Home
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Choose your tea: you can try this with any of our organic, small batch teas.
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Prepare your vessel: Use a clear glass, ceramic teapot or your favourite mug.
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Add a few ice cubes to the vessel.
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Add tea leaves: Sprinkle two teaspoons of tea leaves over the ice.
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Wait: Allow the ice to melt slowly at room temperature. For a quicker brew, you can place it in the sun.
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Enjoy: Once the ice has melted completely, strain the tea into your favourite glass or cup. Now you’re ready to savour the beauty of ice brewed tea!
Elevate Your Tea Ritual
Whether you’re seeking the vibrant clarity of cold brew or the intricate flavours of ice brewing, both methods have a place in your tea repertoire. Ice brewing, however, offers a chance to slow down, connect with the process, and celebrate tea in a more intense yet delicate form.
Try a variety of Libertine Blends teas with this exquisite method, and elevate your tea ritual to a whole new level.
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