Cold Brew and iced tea are different
Use cold water only for a product explicitly labelled for cold preparation, following its directions. An ordinary fruit or herbal infusion may require boiling water; do not assume it is suitable for cold steeping. For iced tea made from a hot infusion, follow the hot preparation instructions first, then cool and store as directed. Clean the bottle before each preparation.
A repeatable way to brew
Read the pack for the amount of tea, water temperature and steeping time. Measure the water and use a timer the first time. Remove the leaves or filter when the stated time is reached. If the taste is too strong, adjust one variable on your next cup within the instructions, rather than changing everything at once. Record the combination you prefer.
Keep flavour and equipment in good condition
Close the tea pack after use and follow its storage instructions. Keep dry leaves away from moisture and strong kitchen smells. Empty and clean the infuser after preparation, including the lid seal when the manufacturer allows removal. Let each part dry before reassembly. Do not use a damaged bottle or worn seal for travel.
Compare one detail at a time
Create a small note with four columns: blend, preparation, taste and next adjustment. Brew according to the label, taste before sweetening and describe what you notice without scoring it as a health benefit. Keep the same cup size when comparing two flavours. This makes the next purchase a choice based on your preferences, rather than a claim on a promotional image.