There is no denying that chai has always been the favourite morning ritual of every Indian household. It not only strengthens the bond of people over a cup of chai but also gives a sense of calm to the mind. However, as summer climbs past 40°C, this traditional hot drink is losing its significance during the afternoon hours. People want something light, refreshing, and cooling to tackle this heatwave, and the same chai that comforts in winter feels too heavy when the sun beats down mercilessly. This concern is evident across the beverage industry, and experts are also highlighting the shift happening in consumer behaviour.
Parimal Shah, CEO and Founder, Cherise India Pvt. Ltd., noted, “With temperatures rising across India, beverage preferences are clearly shifting toward options that feel lighter, more refreshing, and naturally hydrating. Consumers are increasingly moving away from sugary soft drinks and heavily packaged beverages, choosing drinks that offer both taste and balance. Among these, cold brew tea is steadily emerging as a preferred summer beverage.”
Why Tea-Loving India Is Embracing Cold Brew?
India’s relationship with tea runs deeper than most countries. The morning chai ritual is sacred for millions. Farmers, IT workers, housewives, students, everyone has their cup. But that loyalty to hot tea doesn’t mean people won’t switch when the weather demands it. Modern drinkers today are inspired by a wellness-focused lifestyle, which is why they’re choosing drinks that offer more than just taste. They want something that makes them feel good internally, not just satisfy a craving.
Cold brew teas are the epitome of this lifestyle, as they deliver flavour and health benefits while keeping the body cool and refreshed during this heatwave. Chef Pooja Sachdev, Co-Founder & Creative Head, Gourmetly Yours, agrees with this shift, “Indian consumers are becoming so much more intentional about what they put into their bodies. They want hydration that feels premium, clean, and genuinely refreshing. To me, cold brew tea isn’t just a passing summer trend; it’s a lifestyle evolution. It is about taking a moment to cool down, stay conscious, and truly savour the season,” she said.
What Makes Cold Brew Different From Regular Iced Tea?
Most people assume cold brew tea is just iced tea with a fancier name. That’s where the confusion starts. Traditional iced tea is brewed hot, then cooled down with ice. The problem is that hot brewing releases bitter tannins, which is why commercial iced teas are loaded with sugar to mask that bitterness. Whereas, cold brew tea develops a naturally smooth and mellow flavour with minimal bitterness, “Made by steeping tea leaves in cold water over several hours, cold brew tea develops a naturally smooth and mellow flavour with minimal bitterness. Because of this gentle brewing process, it feels easy on the palate and enjoyable even without added sugar or sweeteners. Its clean taste makes it especially appealing during hot weather, when people often look for beverages that feel cooling and effortless to drink,” Shah added.
The Flavour Game Without Excessive Sugar
Cold brew’s biggest advantage isn’t just the smooth taste; it’s how well it works with different ingredients. “Cold brew tea also offers variety through ingredients such as green tea, hibiscus, mint, citrus peels, and floral infusions, making it both flavourful and versatile. This combination of taste and refreshment aligns with the broader shift toward wellness-led consumption,” Shah explained.
On top of that, the slow brewing process allows delicate notes, whether floral, fruity, citrusy, or earthy, to come through naturally without needing excessive sugar or syrups. As a result, “In India, where temperatures are becoming increasingly extreme, people are naturally gravitating toward beverages that hydrate and refresh without feeling overwhelming,” says Raayyaana Arora, Founder of La Tarte.
Not Just Another Summer Trend
What sets this fusion-style tea apart from other beverages is that it’s not asking consumers to compromise their health. Rather, it offers a smarter way to enjoy tea when the heat gets brutal. “As consumers become more conscious about what they drink, cold brew tea fits naturally into modern summer routines, offering hydration, flavour, and a simple, mindful way to stay refreshed through the season,” Shah concluded. This summer, when the heat makes regular chai feel too heavy, more Indians are reaching for cold brew tea. Not because it’s trendy, but because it simply works better.
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