How to Brew Taiwanese Oolong Tea: Hot, Cold & Multiple Infusions

Taiwanese Oolong tea is known for its smooth texture, layered aroma, and tightly rolled leaves that gradually unfurl as they brew. This makes it wonderfully versatile—you can enjoy it hot, cold, or through multiple infusions.

Start with the Right Tea-to-Water Ratio

A simple rule for brewing Taiwanese Oolong is:

• Hot brew: 1 g tea : 50 g water
• Cold brew: 1 g tea : 10 g water
• Multiple infusions: adjust according to brewing style and preference

You can adjust this ratio depending on how strong you like your tea, but it’s a good starting point for both hot and cold brewing.

Hot Brew: Perfect for Cold Winter Days

When winter arrives in Switzerland, a warm cup of Taiwanese Oolong makes the perfect comforting ritual. Hot water brings out its aroma, body, and complexity.

Loose Leaf

• Tea: 8 g
• Water: 400 ml
• Temperature: 95–100°C
• Steep: 1 minute

Tea Bag

• Tea: 1 tea bag
• Water: 300 ml
• Temperature: 95–100°C
• Steep: 2–3 minutes

The shorter steeping time for loose leaf and longer time for tea bags reflect the different tea-to-water ratios and brewing formats.

Best for: cold winter mornings, quiet afternoons, and a fragrant, full-bodied cup.

Cold Brew: Made for Summer Heat Waves

During a summer heat wave in Switzerland, cold-brewed Taiwanese Oolong is an easy way to stay refreshed without losing the tea’s natural character.

Cold water extracts the tea slowly, creating a smoother, softer, and naturally sweet flavor.

Our Cold Brew Method

Tea-to-water ratio: 1 g tea : 10 g water

• For an overnight cold brew:
  Add the tea and water and refrigerate for 6–8 hours. Prepare it the night before and you'll have chilled Taiwanese Oolong ready the next day.
• For a faster cold brew:
  Start with room-temperature water and let the tea infuse for about 1 hour. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to continue chilling and infusing.

Best for: hot summer days, outdoor moments, and a refreshing afternoon drink.

How Many Times Can You Re-Brew Taiwanese Oolong?

One of the best things about Taiwanese Oolong is that the same leaves can often be brewed several times.

Because the leaves are tightly rolled, they gradually open with each infusion. The flavor can evolve from one brew to the next, revealing different layers of aroma, sweetness, and texture.

There is no fixed number of infusions. Simply re-steep the leaves until the flavor becomes too light for your taste.

Tip: Later infusions may benefit from a slightly longer steep.

How to Adjust Your Brew

If your tea isn't quite right, make a small adjustment:

• Too weak? Use more tea or steep longer.
• Too strong? Use less tea or steep for less time.
• Want more aroma? Try hot brewing.
• Want a smoother, refreshing cup? Try cold brewing.
• Want to discover changing flavors? Re-steep the same leaves.

Tea Bag or Loose Leaf?

Loose leaf is ideal if you want to watch the leaves unfurl and enjoy multiple infusions.

Tea bags are perfect for convenience—whether you're at work, traveling, or simply want an easy cup without extra equipment.

Ready to Brew?

There’s no single best way to brew Taiwanese Oolong. Choose hot for warmth and aroma, cold for a smooth summer refreshment, or multiple infusions to explore how the tea evolves.

Explore our Taiwanese Oolong collection