Introduction to Three Brewing Methods for Tea in Bubble Tea Shops: Hot Brewing, Iced Brewing, and Cold Brewing
Brewing tea is one of the key steps in making bubble tea. Choosing the appropriate brewing method based on different tea characteristics and the desired tea flavor can enhance the drink's taste and ensure the stability and quality of the tea. Below are three common tea brewing methods: hot brewing, iced brewing, and cold brewing, along with detailed ratios and brewing techniques.
Extend Reading: Bubble Tea Shop Tea Brewing Guide: How to Brew High-Quality Tea Correctly

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1. Hot Brewing (Warm Infusion Method)
Hot brewing, also known as the warm infusion method, involves quickly brewing tea leaves with high-temperature water. This method is suitable for most teas that require the release of rich flavors, such as black tea and oolong tea.

• Tea-to-Water Ratio:
  1. The typical ratio for hot brewing tea is 1:40. This ratio ensures that the tea extracts enough flavor at high temperatures without becoming overly bitter, making it particularly suitable for black tea and roasted oolong tea.
  2. For example, 100g of tea leaves requires 4000ml of water for brewing.

• Warm Infusion Method:
  1. Take a pot, pour in 4 liters of boiling water, and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and allow the water temperature to drop to 95°C.
  2. Add 100 grams of tea leaves to the hot water and stir until the tea leaves are fully submerged. Cover the pot and start steeping for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, stir the mixture again before filtering the tea into a tea bucket.
  3. Leave the tea bucket half-covered to sit for about 20 minutes until it cools to below 65°C before use.

• Brewing Tips:
  1. Use the appropriate water temperature for brewing: black tea at 95°C, oolong tea at 85-95°C.
  2. Control the steeping time based on the type of tea: steep black tea for 10 minutes and oolong tea for 8.5-10 minutes.
  3. Filter the tea immediately after brewing to prevent over-extraction of the leaves, ensuring stable flavor.

• Application: This method is suitable for most bubble tea drinks, such as milk tea and black tea, which require a rich tea base that pairs well with other ingredients. Hot brewing can quickly release the aroma of the tea leaves, making it a commonly used method in bubble tea shops.

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2. Iced Tea Cooling Method (Cold Brew Method)
The iced tea cooling method, also known as the cold brew method, involves brewing tea leaves with hot water first, then rapidly cooling the tea by adding ice.

• Tea-to-Water Ratio:
  1. For rapid cooling, a ratio of 1:35:5 (tea: water: ice) can be used. For example, 1 part tea leaves, 35 parts water, and 5 parts ice. This method is particularly suitable for lightly fermented teas and oolong tea, as the ice helps cool the tea quickly, maintaining its refreshing taste.
  2. For example, 100g of tea leaves requires 3500ml of water and 500g of ice to quickly cool the tea.

• Brewing Tips:
  1. First, brew the tea leaves in hot water (85°C).
  2. Then immediately add ice to rapidly cool the tea.
  3. Stir well to ensure the ice melts quickly and the tea reaches a drinkable temperature, preserving the tea’s fresh flavor. This method is ideal for making large quantities of iced drinks.

• Application: This method is suitable for iced tea drinks, such as green tea and oolong tea, that require a refreshing flavor. It is a commonly used technique in bubble tea shops.

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3. Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea is a method where tea leaves are slowly steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, allowing the natural aroma of the tea to be gradually extracted. This technique doesn’t require heat, making it ideal for green tea and lightly fermented oolong tea.

• Tea-to-Water Ratio:
  1. The typical ratio for cold brew tea is 1:80-100. Since the steeping process takes longer in cold water, a larger water volume is required to prevent the tea from becoming too strong or bitter.
  2. For example, 10g of tea leaves requires 800-1000ml of water for cold brewing.

• Brewing Tips:
  1. Use cold or room temperature water to steep the tea leaves directly.
  2. Refrigerate for 6-12 hours, allowing the tea’s flavor to slowly release, then strain the tea.
  3. Cold brew tea yields a smooth, non-bitter taste, making it an ideal refreshing drink in hot weather.

• Application: This method is perfect for making cold brew green tea, cold brew oolong tea, and other chilled beverages, especially during the summer. It highlights the tea’s fresh and delicate flavors.

Extend Reading: Beginner's Guide to Cold Brew Tea: How to Easily Brew Fragrant and Sweet Tea

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Summary:

• Hot Brew Tea(Warm Brewing Method): Uses high-temperature water to quickly extract the flavor of the tea leaves, suitable for black tea and oolong tea. Commonly used for milk tea, lemon tea, etc. Tea-to-water ratio: 1:40.

• Iced Tea(Cold Brewing Method): Starts with hot brewing, then ice is added to rapidly cool the tea. Ideal for green tea and light oolong tea. Tea-to-water-ice ratio: 1:35:5.

• Cold Brew Tea: Involves steeping tea leaves in cold or room-temperature water for a long time, perfect for green tea and lightly fermented oolong tea. Tea-to-water ratio: 1:80-100, offering a naturally refreshing taste.

These three brewing methods cater to different tea and beverage characteristics. Beverage shops can flexibly choose based on customer preferences to ensure each drink presents its best flavor.