Perfect Measurements
Cold Brew Tea Ratio Guide
Getting the right ratio of tea to water is the key to consistent, delicious cold brew. Use this guide as your starting point.
The Golden Rule
The standard starting ratio for cold brew tea is 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 250ml (1 cup) of water. This produces a well-balanced cold brew that is neither too weak nor too strong.
However, the ideal ratio varies by tea type. Delicate teas like green and white need less leaf, while robust black teas and herbals benefit from a bit more. Personal preference also plays a role, some people like stronger cold brew.
Ratios by Tea Type
These ratios are for a single cup (250ml). Scale up proportionally for larger batches.
| Tea Type | Tea Amount | Water | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | 1-1.5 tsp (3-4g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 4-6 hours |
| White Tea | 1.5-2 tsp (4-5g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 4-6 hours |
| Oolong Tea | 1-1.5 tsp (3-4g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 6-8 hours |
| Black Tea | 1.5-2 tsp (4-5g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 8-12 hours |
| Herbal Tea | 1.5-2 tsp (4-6g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 8-12 hours |
| Pu-erh Tea | 1-1.5 tsp (3-4g) | 250ml (1 cup) | 10-12 hours |
Batch Size Quick Reference
Making a larger batch? Here is how much tea to use (using the standard 1.5 tsp per cup ratio):
500ml (2 cups)
2-3 tsp (6-10g)
1 litre (4 cups)
4-6 tsp (12-20g)
1.5 litres (6 cups)
6-9 tsp (18-30g)
2 litres (8 cups)
8-12 tsp (24-40g)
Adjusting Strength
For stronger cold brew: Use more tea (up to 2 teaspoons per cup) or steep longer (up to the maximum recommended time). Adding more tea is generally better than over-steeping, which can eventually introduce bitterness.
For lighter cold brew: Use less tea (1 teaspoon per cup) or steep for a shorter time. This is often preferable for delicate green and white teas, where subtlety is part of the appeal.
For iced cold brew: If you plan to serve over ice, make your cold brew slightly stronger to account for dilution. Use about 25% more tea than usual.
Measuring Tips
By weight is most accurate: If you have a kitchen scale, measuring by weight (grams) is more precise than volume (teaspoons). Tea leaves vary in size and density.
Teaspoon measurements work fine: For everyday cold brewing, teaspoon measurements are perfectly adequate. Do not overthink it, cold brew is forgiving.
Adjust based on leaf size: Large, whole leaf teas may need slightly more volume than tightly rolled teas. If your cold brew seems weak, add a bit more tea next time.
Water Quality
The quality of water matters more than you might think. Tea is 99% water, so the water flavour comes through clearly.
Filtered waterproduces the cleanest, most neutral cold brew. It allows the tea's natural flavours to shine.
Tap water is fine in most areas. If your tap water tastes good on its own, it will make good cold brew. If it has a noticeable chlorine taste, consider filtering it.
Avoid distilled water: It can taste flat because it lacks minerals. Spring water or filtered tap water work best.
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