Anna pressed her face close to the mason jar and watched the kiwi slices slowly turn the water a soft gold-green. "It looks like a potion," she said. I smiled and tucked a few mint sprigs down along the inside of the glass so the leaves fanned out against the kiwi like something from a garden. We slid the jar into the refrigerator and left it overnight. The next morning, Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea was the first thing she asked about before breakfast.
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Why You Will Love This Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
This drink asks almost nothing of you and gives back a jar of something genuinely refreshing that looks beautiful on a countertop or in a glass. The cold brew method keeps the tea smooth and never bitter, and the kiwi releases its flavor slowly overnight so the finished drink tastes layered rather than flat or artificially sweet. Anna loves looking through the glass at the slices and mint leaves floating in the pale green liquid. It works as a morning drink, an afternoon refresher, or something cool to bring to the table on a warm evening when everyone needs a quiet moment.
How To Make Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
The first time I made this, I used boiling water and dropped the kiwi and mint directly into it the way you would make a regular fruit infusion. The tea came out bitter and the kiwi turned mushy and a dull brownish-green within minutes. Anna wrinkled her nose and pushed the glass away. The second attempt I switched to cold water and let everything steep slowly overnight in the refrigerator, and the difference was immediate. The kiwi stayed bright green and firm, the mint leaves held their color, and the tea tasted clean and light in a way the hot version never managed. Cold brewing is the only method that works for this particular combination, and the overnight wait is what makes it worth making.
Main Ingredients
- 2 green tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose leaf green tea (the base of the cold brew; use a mild variety like jasmine green tea for a more floral result or a plain sencha for a cleaner, grassier finish)
- 3 to 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced into rounds (choose kiwis that give slightly under gentle pressure; underripe kiwis are too tart and release almost no sweetness during the steep)
- 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs for visual presentation (pressed gently between your fingers before adding to release the essential oils without bruising the leaves into bitterness)
- 4 cups cold filtered water (cold water is essential for the cold brew method; tap water with a strong chlorine taste will affect the flavor of the finished tea)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or agave, optional (added after steeping if sweetness is desired; stir in slowly since cold liquids dissolve sweeteners more slowly than warm ones)
- Ice cubes for serving (fill the glass fully so the cold brew stays cold from first sip to last)
- Extra kiwi slices and mint sprigs for garnish (arranged inside the glass before pouring so they sit visibly against the glass wall the same way they appear in the jar)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jar and Ingredients
- Choose a clean mason jar or pitcher with at least 32 oz capacity so the kiwi slices, mint, and tea bags have room to float freely in the water without being compacted against each other.
- Peel and slice the kiwis into rounds approximately 5 mm thick so each piece has enough surface area to release flavor into the water during the long steep without disintegrating.
- Press the mint leaves gently between your palms two or three times until you can smell the aroma lift clearly before adding them to the jar; this releases the essential oils and significantly increases the mint flavor in the finished drink.
- Add the tea bags or loose leaf tea in an infuser to the jar first, then layer the kiwi slices and pressed mint leaves on top so all three elements are in contact with the water from the start of the steep.
Step 2: Add the Cold Water and Begin the Steep
- Pour the cold filtered water slowly into the jar over the back of a large spoon so the flow is gentle and does not dislodge the tea bags or displace the kiwi slices toward the top before steeping begins.
- Confirm that the tea bags are fully submerged and the kiwi slices are distributed throughout the jar rather than all floating at the surface, where they would steep unevenly and leave the bottom of the jar with less fruit flavor.
- Seal the jar with a lid or cover the top tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it down so no air circulates inside the jar during the refrigerator rest, which keeps the mint from oxidizing and the kiwi from browning at the surface.
- Slide the jar into the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is typically the back of the middle shelf, rather than the door where the temperature fluctuates every time the refrigerator opens.
Step 3: Steep Overnight and Check the Ratio
- Allow the tea to steep for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours; at 8 hours the flavor is light and clean, and at 12 hours it becomes noticeably more concentrated with a stronger kiwi and mint presence throughout.
- At the 8-hour mark, open the jar and taste a small spoonful directly from the jar to check the balance of ingredients; the tea should taste smooth with no bitterness, and the kiwi flavor should be clearly present without tasting fermented or overripe.
- If the green tea flavor feels too faint at 8 hours, leave the jar in the refrigerator for an additional 2 hours and taste again; the tea bags continue to release flavor slowly as long as they remain in the cold water, so adjusting the steep time is the most effective way to control intensity.
- If you prefer a sweeter cold brew, stir the honey or agave into the jar now while it is still cold and let it dissolve for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, before removing the tea bags.
Step 4: Strain, Garnish, and Serve
- Remove the tea bags from the jar by lifting them gently and allowing them to drain for a few seconds before discarding; do not squeeze the bags because pressing them releases tannins that make the finished tea taste sharp and slightly metallic.
- Leave the kiwi slices and mint leaves inside the jar for serving directly from the jar as shown in the image, or strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pitcher if you prefer a clear drink without floating fruit pieces.
- Fill serving glasses generously with ice cubes, tuck a fresh kiwi slice and a sprig of mint down against the inside wall of each glass so they are visible through the glass before you pour, then pour the cold brew slowly over the ice so the garnish stays in place.
- Serve immediately with the extra kiwi and mint visible through the glass, and offer a straw so the garnish is not disturbed when drinking.
Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea Variations
Kiwi Strawberry Flavored Cold Brew Tea
- Add 6 to 8 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, to the jar alongside the kiwi slices before pouring in the cold water, which creates a pink-tinged cold brew with a sweeter, more rounded fruit flavor.
- Reduce the mint to 6 leaves since the strawberry introduces its own floral sweetness and too much mint competes rather than complements when two strong flavors are already present in the jar.
- The finished color shifts from pale gold-green to a soft rose-green depending on the ripeness of the strawberries, and the visual contrast of the two fruits through the glass is one of the things Anna likes most about this version.
- Use jasmine green tea bags for this variation because the floral note in jasmine tea bridges the kiwi and strawberry more naturally than a plain green tea would.
Cold Brew Mint Tea With Kiwi and Cucumber
- Add 6 to 8 thin rounds of English cucumber to the jar alongside the kiwi, which contributes a cool, watery freshness that makes the finished cold brew taste noticeably lighter and more spa-like in character.
- Increase the mint to 12 leaves for this version because the cucumber is a mild flavor that benefits from a stronger herb presence to give the cold brew enough character over the 8 to 12 hour steep.
- This variation works well as a refreshing kiwi drink recipe during warmer months when you want something cold and hydrating without any added sweetener at all.
- Serve over crushed ice in a tall glass with a cucumber ribbon draped over the rim and a mint sprig tucked alongside the kiwi for a presentation that looks finished and intentional.
Kiwi Lemonade Cold Brew Green Tea
- After straining the finished cold brew, stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey until both are fully dissolved, which turns the cold brew into something closer to a kiwi lemonade with a green tea base.
- The lemon juice brightens the color of the finished drink and adds a clean tartness that balances the natural sweetness the kiwi releases during the long steep.
- Serve over ice with a thin lemon wheel and a kiwi slice on the rim of the glass, and add a small pinch of flaky sea salt if the lemonade version tastes flat; the salt lifts the fruit flavors immediately.
- Anna calls this one her summer drink and asks for it specifically on afternoons when we come inside from the garden and need something cold immediately.
Substitutions
- Green tea bags can be replaced with jasmine green tea bags, white tea bags, or a mild herbal tea like chamomile if caffeine is a concern; avoid strongly flavored herbal teas like peppermint or hibiscus because they overpower the delicate kiwi flavor during the long cold steep.
- Fresh kiwi can be replaced with frozen kiwi slices thawed overnight in the refrigerator before adding to the jar; the texture softens slightly during the steep regardless, so the visual difference between fresh and thawed is minimal in the finished drink, though fresh kiwi holds its color slightly better.
- Fresh mint leaves can be replaced with 2 drops of food-grade peppermint extract added directly to the cold water, or with a few sprigs of fresh lemon balm for a softer, more citrus-forward herb note that pairs gently with the kiwi without the sharpness that strong mint can introduce.
- Honey or agave can be replaced with a tablespoon of simple syrup, a few drops of liquid stevia for a no-sugar option, or left out entirely if the kiwi is ripe enough to sweeten the cold brew on its own during the overnight steep.
Equipment
- 32 oz mason jar or glass pitcher with a lid
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for a clear finished drink)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Large spoon for stirring sweetener
- Tall serving glasses
Emma Tip: If you do not have a mason jar, any glass pitcher or large glass bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap works just as well. The most important thing is that the container seals well enough to prevent the mint from oxidizing overnight, so whatever you use, make sure the top is covered firmly before the jar goes into the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
Make Ahead Strategy
- The cold brew can be prepared up to 12 hours in advance of when you plan to serve it, making it easy to start the night before a gathering or a busy morning so the drink is ready the moment you need it.
- Remove the tea bags at the 8 to 12 hour mark even if you are not ready to serve yet; leaving the bags in beyond 12 hours makes the tea progressively more bitter and the kiwi flavor begins to taste fermented rather than fresh.
- The kiwi slices and mint leaves can stay in the jar after the tea bags are removed because they continue to add mild flavor and look beautiful when the jar is brought to the table for serving.
Refrigeration
- Strained cold brew without the fruit keeps well in a sealed jar or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavor stays clean and mild for the first 2 days and begins to taste slightly flat by day 3, which a small squeeze of fresh lime or lemon corrects immediately.
- Cold brew stored with the kiwi slices still inside keeps for up to 2 days before the kiwi begins to break down and turn the liquid slightly cloudy; the flavor remains good but the visual presentation becomes less appealing after the second day.
- Always keep the jar sealed in the refrigerator because open cold brew absorbs other refrigerator odors quickly and the mint flavor fades noticeably when exposed to circulating air.
Freezing
- Pour strained cold brew into ice cube trays and freeze solid, then transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months; drop the frozen cubes into a glass and allow them to melt slowly into a concentrated cold brew that dilutes itself as it warms.
- Do not freeze the cold brew with the kiwi slices or mint still inside because both break down completely during freezing and the thawed liquid has an unpleasant grainy texture from the disintegrated fruit flesh.
- Frozen cold brew cubes also work well dropped into sparkling water or a light lemonade for a flavored drink that needs no additional preparation beyond pulling the cubes from the freezer.
My Grandma's Secret Worth Sharing
Emma's grandmother made cold fruit water every summer in a wide-mouth glass jar she kept on the second shelf of the refrigerator, always visible, always changing. She never measured anything. She said the secret was to use fruit that was one day past when you would eat it fresh, because that fruit had softened just enough to give everything it had to the water without holding anything back. When I told Anna this while we were slicing the kiwi, she immediately reached for the softest one in the bowl and held it up with both hands. I told her that was exactly right. My grandmother would have recognized that instinct immediately.
FAQs
How do I make Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea without it turning bitter?
Bitterness almost always comes from steeping at too high a temperature or leaving the tea bags in too long. Cold brewing works precisely because cold water extracts the smooth, sweet compounds from the tea leaves slowly without pulling the harsh tannins that hot water releases almost immediately. Use cold water from the start, steep for no more than 12 hours, and never squeeze the tea bags when removing them.
What is the best ratio of ingredients for this cold brew?
For 4 cups of water, 2 tea bags and 3 to 4 medium kiwis gives the clearest balance of flavors where neither the tea nor the fruit dominates. At 8 hours of steeping, the drink tastes light and clean. At 12 hours it tastes more concentrated and the kiwi flavor becomes stronger. Adjust the steep time rather than changing the ingredient amounts for the best control over the final result.
How long should Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea steep?
The minimum is 8 hours and the maximum is 12 hours. Below 8 hours the tea and fruit flavors are too faint and the drink tastes mostly like cold water with a hint of kiwi. Beyond 12 hours the tea becomes slightly bitter and the kiwi begins to taste overripe rather than fresh. The 10-hour mark is where most people land as their preferred steep time after trying the recipe a few times.
A Jar on the Second Shelf
Anna checked the refrigerator twice before bed and once more first thing in the morning before I was even fully awake. She carried the jar to the table herself, holding it at eye level on the way so she could look through the glass at the kiwi slices and mint leaves suspended in the pale green liquid. We poured it over ice in tall glasses and drank it slowly without saying much, which is usually how you know something is good. If this drink finds its way into your regular warm-weather rotation, you might also love our Orange Creamsicle Shake for something richer and creamier on the same kind of afternoon, our Keto Lemonade when a tangy citrus option suits the moment better, or our Sparkling Purple Lemonade for something festive and effervescent that Anna requests every time we have people over. Make a jar of this the night before and let the refrigerator do the rest.
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Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Choose a clean mason jar or pitcher with at least 32 oz capacity and add the tea bags or loose leaf infuser first, then peel and slice the kiwis into 5 mm rounds and press the mint leaves gently between your palms until the aroma lifts clearly before adding both to the jar.
- Pour the cold filtered water slowly into the jar over the back of a large spoon so the flow is gentle and does not dislodge the tea bags or push all the kiwi slices to the surface before steeping begins.
- Confirm the tea bags are fully submerged and the kiwi slices are distributed throughout the jar, then seal the jar tightly with a lid or press plastic wrap firmly over the top so no air circulates inside during the refrigerator rest.
- Place the sealed jar in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back of the middle shelf, and steep for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours; at 8 hours the flavor is light and clean, and at 12 hours it becomes more concentrated.
- At the 8-hour mark, open the jar and taste a small spoonful to check the balance; the tea should taste smooth with no bitterness and the kiwi flavor should be clearly present without tasting fermented, and if you want more intensity, return the jar for up to 2 more hours before tasting again.
- Lift the tea bags gently from the jar and allow them to drain for a few seconds before discarding without squeezing, because pressing the bags releases tannins that make the finished tea taste sharp and slightly metallic.
- If sweetness is desired, stir in the honey or agave now while the cold brew is still cold, stirring slowly for about a minute until it is fully dissolved, then taste once more and adjust.
- Fill serving glasses generously with ice, tuck a fresh kiwi slice and a mint sprig against the inside wall of each glass so they sit visibly through the glass before pouring, then pour the cold brew slowly over the ice and serve immediately with a straw.
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