Refreshing Korean Cold Brew Green Tea Recipe
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Appreciating the Beauty of Simplicity
I still remember the first time I truly appreciated the beauty of simplicity in a drink. It was a scorching summer afternoon in Seoul, and I was visiting my aunt’s house after a long, sweaty walk from the subway station. As I collapsed into a chair at the kitchen table, she handed me a tall glass filled with ice-cold tea. At first sip, the refreshing burst of subtle green tea flavor, paired with the nutty hint of roasted brown rice, instantly soothed me. It was more than just a drink—it was an invitation to relax and savor the moment.
Later that day, I learned it wasn’t just any tea; it was her special Korean Cold Brew Green Tea. What made it stand out was the infusion of brown rice tea, a staple in Korean homes. The roasted, nutty aroma from the brown rice gave the green tea a depth I had never experienced before. I asked her how she made it, and she laughed, revealing how easy it was—just tea bags, cold water, and patience.
Making Korean Cold Brew Green Tea At Home
I decided to take this recipe back home and adapt it a bit. Living in a fast-paced world, I found that this cold brew method was perfect for those of us who want a refreshing drink without the fuss. You let it sit in the fridge while you go about your day, and when you’re ready, the tea is chilled and perfectly steeped. I began experimenting, adding lemon and lime slices for a bright, citrusy kick that complemented the earthy tea. It became my go-to drink during summer, whether for a relaxing day at home or when entertaining guests.
Now, whenever I sip on this tea, it takes me back to that afternoon in Seoul, reminding me that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that stay with you the longest.
Chef’s Notes – Korean Cold Brew Green Tea
- Experiment with Citrus: While lemon and lime add a refreshing brightness, you can try oranges, grapefruits, or even a combination of citrus for a different flavor profile.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding a few sprigs of mint or basil to the brew for a refreshing herbal note.
- Serve with Light Snacks: This cold brew pairs beautifully with Korean snacks like rice cakes or dried fruits, making it a perfect addition to your brunch or afternoon break.
- Keep it Cool: For best results, serve over plenty of ice and keep extra slices of lemon or lime on hand for garnishing each glass.
- Other Korean Teas you can try are the following: Korean Five-Flavor Tea, Herbal Flower Tea
Korean Cold Brew Green Tea
4
cups2
minutes0
minutes5
kcal6
hours6
hours2
minutesDive into the refreshing world of Korean Cold Brew Green Tea! This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for hot days, offering a delightful blend of green tea and brown rice tea. Serve it chilled over ice with fresh lemon and lime slices for a burst of citrusy goodness. It’s a fantastic make-ahead drink that stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Perfect for any occasion, this drink is a must-try!
Ingredients
- Green Tea Bags
2 sachets green tea
2 packets Korean roasted brown rice green tea
3 1/3 cups chilled water
Fresh lemon slices, for serving
Fresh lime wedges, for serving
Ice cubes, for serving
- Alternative Ingredients
Green Tea Bags Substitute with any preferred green tea variety.
Korean Brown Rice Green Tea Bags Replace with regular brown rice tea or omit if unavailable.
Lemon and Lime Slices Use orange or grapefruit slices as an alternative.
Directions
- Preparing the Brew – Place the green tea and brown rice tea bags into a large jug or water bottle. Refrigerate after adding water.
- Serving – After steeping, remove the tea bags and discard them. Serve the cold brew over ice cubes in glasses.
- Garnishing – Add fresh lemon and lime slices to each glass for an extra burst of flavor.
- Storage – Store any leftover tea in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Equipment
- water bottle
- refrigerator
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 5kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Potassium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 0mg
- Iron: 0mg
Herbal Flower Tea
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyDiscover the soothing benefits of Herbal Flower Tea, a delightful infusion perfect for relaxation. This simple recipe uses dried flowers to create a fragrant and calming beverage. Ideal for unwinding after a long day, this tea is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed multiple times with just one serving of flowers. Follow our expert tips to brew the perfect cup every time!
Korean Five-Flavor Tea
Cooks in 725 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the world of Korean flavors with this refreshing Five-Flavor Tea! This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for any time of the day. With a blend of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy notes, it’s a unique experience for your taste buds. Steeped overnight for maximum flavor, this tea can be sweetened to your liking with sugar or honey. Perfect for a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening!
FAQs – Korean Cold Brew Green Tea
Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! Just measure out the equivalent amount of loose-leaf green tea and brown rice tea, and place them in a tea strainer or cloth pouch before steeping.
How long should I steep the tea for the best flavor?
A minimum of 6 hours is recommended for a mild flavor, but for a stronger, more robust taste, let it steep for up to 8 hours in the fridge.
Can I sweeten the tea?
Yes, feel free to add honey, agave syrup, or your preferred sweetener before refrigerating the tea. This will allow the flavors to blend while chilling.
What are some alternatives if I can’t find brown rice tea?
You can substitute with regular green tea or omit it entirely. However, the roasted flavor of brown rice tea adds a unique nutty note.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead drink. You can prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
