Hot Tea (regular Or Decaf) Recipe

Heat water

Pour 2 cups (about 475 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle or small pot and bring to a near boil. For black tea bring to a full rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C). If using green or white tea instead of black, heat to just below boiling (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C).

Pre-warm cup (optional)

Pour a small amount of the hot water into your cup, swirl and discard. This helps keep the brewed tea hot longer.

Steep the tea

Place 1 black tea bag (regular or decaf) in the warmed cup. Pour the remaining hot water over the tea bag. Let the tea steep: 3–5 minutes for a standard-strength black tea. Use 3 minutes for a lighter cup, 4 minutes for medium, 5 minutes for stronger. If using green or white tea, steep 1.5–3 minutes to avoid bitterness.

Remove the tea bag after steeping. Gently press the bag once against the cup edge with a spoon if you want a slightly stronger extraction, but avoid squeezing too hard to prevent bitterness.

Taste and add optional add-ins as desired: stir in 1 tsp honey or 1 tsp sugar for sweetness, or 2 tbsp milk/cream for a creamier cup. Add a lemon slice or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. Stir until combined.

Serve immediately while hot. Estimated safe drinking temperature is below 140°F (60°C); let cool a minute or two if too hot.