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Two glass mason jars filled with golden cold brew green tea, packed with ice, sliced kiwi rounds, and fresh mint leaves, with the foreground jar garnished with a vibrant mint sprig on top, surrounded by fresh kiwi slices and halved kiwis on a wooden board, with a green striped linen napkin on a white marble surface.

Kiwi Mint Cold Brew Green Tea

Cold-brewed green tea steeped overnight with fresh kiwi slices and mint leaves for a smooth, naturally sweet drink with no bitterness. Five ingredients, no heat required, and ready to pour straight from the jar the next morning.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Steep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 green tea bags (or 2 teaspoon loose leaf green tea in an infuser) Jasmine green tea gives a more floral result; plain sencha gives a cleaner finish
  • 3-4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced into rounds Choose kiwis that give slightly under gentle pressure for best flavor release
  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish Press gently between palms before adding to release essential oils
  • 4 cups cold filtered water Cold water is essential; warm or hot water makes the tea bitter
  • 1-2 teaspoon honey or agave, optional Add after steeping; stir slowly as cold liquid dissolves sweetener more slowly
  • ice cubes for serving Fill glass fully so the cold brew stays cold from first sip to last
  • extra kiwi slices and mint sprigs for garnish Tuck against the inside wall of the glass before pouring for visual presentation

Equipment

  • 1 32 oz mason jar or glass pitcher with lid Must seal tightly to prevent mint oxidizing overnight
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer Optional; use if a clear finished drink is preferred
  • 1 each Sharp knife and cutting board For slicing kiwi into even rounds
  • 1 set Measuring cups For the water and optional sweetener
  • 1 Large spoon For pouring water gently and stirring in sweetener
  • 4 tall serving glasses Wide enough to fit a kiwi slice against the inside wall for presentation

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Notes

Use cold water only; warm water makes the tea bitter. Steep for 8 to 12 hours and remove the tea bags at the end of that window even if not serving yet. Do not squeeze the bags when removing. Kiwi that gives slightly under pressure releases the most flavor during the overnight steep. Add sweetener after steeping, not before.