English Blend Recipe

Inspired by Da Claudio

Time8m

Serves1

Make English Blend Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Heat water
Fill the kettle with about 12 fl oz (350 ml) of fresh cold water and bring it to a rolling boil. Use fresh water (not previously boiled) for the best flavor.
2
Warm teapot or cup (optional)
Pour a little boiling water into the teapot or teacup, swirl briefly and discard. This helps keep the brewed tea hotter for longer.

3
Measure tea
Place 2 level teaspoons of English breakfast (or equivalent English blend) black tea leaves into a tea infuser or the teapot. If using tea bags, use one standard tea bag for 8–12 fl oz.
4
Steep
Pour the boiling water directly over the tea leaves in the infuser or teapot. Cover and steep for 3½ to 5 minutes depending on desired strength: 3½–4 minutes for medium strength, 4–5 minutes for a stronger cup. Avoid steeping longer than 5 minutes to reduce bitterness.
5
Remove leaves
When steeping time is reached, remove the infuser or strain the tea into the cup to stop extraction and prevent over-brewing.

6
Add milk (optional)
If you prefer milk, add 2 tablespoons of milk to the brewed tea. Taste and adjust — add up to 1 more tablespoon if desired. For a traditional English style, add milk to taste rather than pouring tea into milk.
7
Sweeten (optional)
If you like your tea sweetened, stir in 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, or honey to taste. Add a small amount, taste, and adjust incrementally.
8
Serve
Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your English Blend tea plain or with milk and sweetener as preferred.