Tea Recipe

Boil water

Pour 2 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or saucepan. Heat over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil (about 3–5 minutes, depending on stove). If using delicate green or white tea, bring to just below boiling (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C) and proceed.

Warm the teapot/cup (optional)

If desired, pour a small amount of the hot water into the teapot or cup to warm it, swirl briefly, and discard the warming water. This helps maintain infusion temperature.

Add tea

Place 1 tablespoon loose tea or 1 standard tea bag into the teapot or into a cup. If using loose-leaf, use an infuser or strainer.

Steep

Pour the hot water over the tea. Steep for the appropriate time: black tea 3–5 minutes, oolong 3–5 minutes, green tea 2–3 minutes, white tea 2–4 minutes, herbal 5–7 minutes. For stronger tea, steep toward the longer end; for lighter, shorten the time.

Remove leaves or bag

When steeping time is complete, remove the tea bag or strain out the loose leaves to stop brewing and avoid bitterness.

Add milk and sweetener (optional)

If desired, add 1/4 cup fresh milk and 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey) to the brewed tea. Stir gently until combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or milk quantity to preference.

Add lemon or herbs (optional)

If you prefer lemon instead of milk, add a slice or a squeeze of lemon (do not combine lemon with milk to avoid curdling). For a minty note, bruise 1–2 fresh mint leaves and add to the cup or pot while steeping or as a garnish.

Serve

Pour the tea into cups and serve immediately while hot. Offer additional milk, sweetener, lemon, or honey at the table for customization.