Brew a Tea - 6 Easy Steps!
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Many Ways to Brew a Tea
There are several different brewing methods you can employ to brew your perfect cup of tea. The most fundamental part of this is the form your tea comes in: tea bags or loose leaf. Tea bags are a popular way to brew, especially as an introductory step into the world of tea. Loose leaf tea, however, is more popular with tea fanatics, as you get more control over your brew.
Whichever type you have, we'll teach you to make a delicious beverage!
The Two-Cup Brewing Method
For this brewing method, you will need two mugs and some sort of strainer to catch the leaves after brewing. A small, fine mesh colander (like the kind used to strain cooking oil) is perfect. But even if you don't have one of those, you can use all kinds of things to brew your tea!
Our muslin bags are a great make-shift tea strainer! Or you can try using some cheese cloth, a (clean) scrap of t-shirt material, or anything else that will catch the leaves. Get creative! Just make sure the strainer you use is clean.
- Scoop 1 teaspoon of loose leaf into a mug
- Cover the leaves with 8 ounces (1 cup) of hot water*
- Steep for the time specified on the packaging
- While it steeps, stir frequently to ensure full immersion of the leaves. This will result in stronger flavor
- When time is up, carefully pour the tea through a strainer into another mug so that the strainer catches the leaves
- Mix in sweetener, milk, or other add-in if desired. Enjoy your hot tea!
*Hot Water - be sure to check the recommended water temperature for the tea you are brewing!
Learn More About Tea
Every Tea is Different
Using the instructions for black tea to make a green tea can result in a burnt and overly bitter brew. There is no ‘one size fits all’ instruction for brewing tea! Each type of tea is unique, so always be sure to check the water temperature and brewing time for every new tea you brew.
Learn about the many different types of tea in this quick breakdown on Greatist!
Brew Times & Temperature
If the tea leaves are not steeped long enough or the brewing water is too cold, you can end up with weaker tea. If the tea is steeped for too long or the water is too hot, you can end up with bitter or burnt tea. This is why it's always important to follow the instructions for the tea blend you want to drink. Be sure to check the packaging before you start brewing!
Water temperature is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of tea brewing. As a general guide, most Black Teas can brew in freshly boiled water (212°F)! But some teas are more sensitive to temperature and will taste bitter if brewed too hot! Green and Oolong Teas in particular are sensitive, so these types are typically brewed at 160-180°F.
