What is cold infusion?
The principle is simple: leave tea, herbs, or fruit to infuse in cold water for several hours, usually in the fridge. The slow, heat-free extraction makes all the difference.
Without high temperatures, tannins remain dormant. The result: far less bitterness, a rounder, lighter drink, and something undeniably more thirst-quenching in warm weather. Green teas, fruit infusions, and rooibos lend themselves particularly well, but there is nothing to stop you from experimenting with other blends.
Why choose cold brew?
A natural drink, no fuss. No added sugar, ingredients of your choice: it is the perfect method if you are mindful of what you drink.
Surprising flavours. When brewed cold, floral, fruity, and vegetal notes reveal themselves in a far more delicate and sometimes more complex way than in a hot brew.
Effortless preparation. Simply set, forget, and enjoy. No technical know-how required.
Its only real downside? It requires a little planning. That is where the hot-brew method steps in.
The quick alternative: cooled hot brew
Craving an iced infusion without waiting for hours? It couldn't be simpler: brew your tea as usual with hot water, allow it to cool down, then pop it into the fridge. Add a few ice cubes to finish, and it's ready.
The steps in brief:
- Heat your water according to the type of tea
- Allow to brew for the recommended time
- Remove the leaves or tea bag
- Allow to cool to room temperature
- Refrigerate or add ice cubes
- Serve well chilled
This method extracts flavours faster and more intensely. On the other hand, bitterness can be slightly more pronounced — remember to reduce the brewing time or the amount of tea to balance it out.
How to perfect your iced infusion?
A few simple habits are all it takes for a truly delicious result.
Pay attention to the water. It is the foundation. Water with too high a mineral content crushes the aromas — opt for soft or filtered water.
Get the measurements right. Too much tea, and the drink becomes overpowering. Not enough, and it will be bland. Rely on the guidelines, then adjust to taste.
Adjust the brewing time. Every tea behaves differently. The first few times, taste regularly to find your ideal balance.
Recommended brewing times
| Drink type | Cold brew method | Hot brew method |
|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 6 to 8 hours | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Black tea | 8 to 12 hours | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Herbal infusion | 6 to 10 hours | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Rooibos | 8 to 12 hours | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Fruity blends | 4 to 6 hours | 5 to 8 minutes |
These timings are a starting point; your palate remains the best judge.
Our top 4 cold infusions
No need to look far: some blends are simply made to be served cold.
Aquafrutti: A burst of fruit that needs no added sugar to delight. Strawberry, raspberry, hibiscus... Brewed cold, it takes on a luscious, subtly tangy profile, perfect for summer afternoons.
Aquasummer: Bright, summery notes that unfold beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Fresh, thirst-quenching, it tastes just like summer in a glass.
Aquarosa: More floral, more delicate. When cold-brewed, its notes of rose and red berries gently unfold without ever overwhelming the palate. A wonderful option for lovers of subtle flavours.
Rooibos Vanille: Caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time of day — including in the evening. Cold-brewed, it develops a velvety texture with a gentle, comforting touch of sweet vanilla. Ideal for a relaxing break.
Tips to elevate your infusion
Looking to customise your infusions? Here are a few easy ideas to try:
- Add fresh fruit — lemon, berries, peach. It boosts the aromatic profile and transforms the presentation.
- Slip in some fresh herbs such as basil or rosemary. The pairing might surprise you in the best possible way.
- Prepare flavoured ice cubes made with tea or fruit. They cool without diluting, prolonging the enjoyment right down to the last sip.
Is it better to drink hot or cold in summer?
You might think that drinking something ice-cold in hot weather is the obvious choice. It is pleasant and instantly refreshing. However, the body works a little differently. An ice-cold drink causes mild vasoconstriction, which can actually slow down the natural cooling process. Hot drinks, conversely, stimulate increased perspiration, which is the very mechanism that effectively regulates body temperature. This is why in many warm countries, hot tea is enjoyed all year round. So, which should you choose?
It all depends on the context. In the shade or in a cool space, an iced infusion is perfect — light, hydrating, and aromatic. In intense heat, direct sunlight, or during physical exertion, a lukewarm or hot drink is paradoxically more effective at maintaining thermal comfort.
The good news is that both cold and hot brewing adapt to every situation. You don't have to choose once and for all. Prepare your cold brew for mornings at the office, and keep your hot tea for outdoor strolls. All without sugar or additives, offering flavours that evolve with the temperature.