Tea has always been an important part of Indonesian culinary culture, from traditional hot tea to sweet iced tea. And now, a new trend is being loved by tea lovers in Indonesia: cold brew tea.
Check out the cold brew tea trend below and learn how to enjoy it at home!
Why Cold Brew Tea is Gaining Popularity
This tea is brewed in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smoother taste without the bitterness that can sometimes occur when tea is brewed with hot water. The output is lighter, slightly naturally sweet, and refreshing! Perfect for the hot tropical weather we’re having in Indonesia.
In addition, cold brew tea is also very flexible; it can be made from green, jasmine, and even black tea. Many Indonesians are starting to enjoy cold brew tea as a healthy, low-sugar alternative to soda or packaged drinks. Several cafes in big cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali now offer variations of cold brew tea with added natural sweeteners, fruits, or spices.
Make Your Cold Brew Tea at Home
Making cold brew tea at home is easy and does not require a lot of equipment. Follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons of tea leaves (or two tea bags)
- 500 ml of cold or room temperature water
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
- Fresh fruit or spices for additional flavour (optional)
Steps:
- Put the tea leaves or tea bags into a container or bottle.
- Pour cold water over the tea, then cover the container.
- Store in the refrigerator and let the tea brew for 6 to 12 hours. The longer it brews, the stronger the flavour.
- Strain the tea to remove the tea leaves or tea bags.
- For a unique flavour, serve with ice cubes and add sweetener or fresh fruit such as lemon slices, mint leaves, or berries.
Cold brew tea can last in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can make a lot and enjoy it throughout the week. This drink is also perfect for serving guests as a fresh, quick, and practical option.
Modern Innovation of Cold Brew Tea and Obeng Tea
Although cold brew tea is increasingly popular, it is similar to the classic favourite drink of Indonesians, Obeng Tea.
This typical drink from the Riau Islands is sweet black tea served cold with ice cubes. Obeng Tea has become a favourite in many stalls and homes, especially when the weather is hot.
Interestingly, one of the local tea brands, Prendjak, also preserves this tradition by presenting Obeng Tea as part of its flagship product. Obeng Tea, popular in Sumatra, is now popularized by Prendjak in Java so that more Indonesians can enjoy it.
Ready to enjoy the rising star cold brew tea, too?
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