When the weather heats up, an icy cold-brewed tea can be the most refreshing and invigorating beverage out there. While the term "cold brew" has become synonymous with coffee, it’s a method that is perfectly suited for yaupon tea. Cold brewing unlocks a new dimension of flavor, creating a smooth, refreshing, and flavorful experience.
At Goldholly, we’ve found that cold brewing is a fantastic way to enjoy our tea’s natural smoothness and versatility. That said, keep reading for our comprehensive guide to creating the ultimate cold brew refreshment.
Why Cold Brew Is Different (and So Perfect for Yaupon)
The magic of cold brewing is its gentle approach. Unlike hot brewing, which uses high temperatures to rapidly extract compounds, cold water extracts flavor compounds slowly and over a longer period of time.
This slower, more gentle process has two major benefits for yaupon holly tea:
- Unparalleled Smoothness: In general, cold brewing extracts significantly fewer tannins and catechins. This process is why cold-brewed beverages are naturally less bitter and have a much smoother taste. Since yaupon is already a low-to-no-tannin tea, this process makes for an exceptionally clean and pure-tasting brew that is incredibly gentle on the stomach.
- A Different Kind of Energy: Cold brewing can still extract a good amount of caffeine and other beneficial alkaloids, but the slower process results in a more gradual release. This process means you still get the focused, sustained energy that Goldholly is known for, but in a smoother, more subtle way.
Step-by-Step Goldholly Cold Brew Guide
Making cold brew yaupon tea is incredibly simple and requires very little hands-on time.
- Select Your Roast: Choose your favorite Goldholly tea roast flavor—any of the three taste delicious iced.
- Choose Your Strength: You can change the number of teabags you use according to the flavor and function you desire. Use 1 teabag for elevated focus and clarity, 2 teabags for all-day energy, and 3 teabags for peak performance.
- Combine & Steep: Place Goldholly tea bags into a tall glass or pitcher. Pour in cold, filtered water.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the container. We recommend letting it steep overnight so you can set it and forget it. For a stronger, bolder flavor, you can steep for up to 24 hours.
- Remove & Serve: Once the tea has finished steeping, discard the teabags. Serve over ice, and enjoy!
Creative Ways to Customize Your Cold Brew
One of the best things about cold brewed Goldholly is its versatility. You can experiment with different additions to create your own unique blend.
- Add Citrus: Add a few lemon, lime, or orange slices to the pitcher before you steep. The subtle citrus flavors will infuse the tea beautifully.
- Herbs & Spices: Try adding a few sprigs of mint, a cinnamon stick, or even a few slices of fresh ginger.
- Sweeteners: A touch of honey or maple syrup can complement the natural flavor of the yaupon tea. It’s best to add these to the finished cold brew immediately before serving.
The Ultimate Summer Refresher
Goldholly Organic American Supertea is an American original, and cold brewing it is the perfect way to enjoy its unique, native flavor. Whether you're making a single serving or a large pitcher to last the weekend, it's a simple, refreshing, and incredibly delicious way to get a natural energy boost.