Hot Tea Recipe

Boil water

Bring 2 cups of fresh cold water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan over high heat. For green tea, heat water until it steams but is not rolling (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C) if you prefer lower temperature.

Steep tea

Place the equivalent of 2 teaspoons loose-leaf tea (or 1–2 tea bags) into a teapot or infuser inside a mug. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Cover or place a saucer over the mug/teapot to keep heat in.

Timing

Steep for the appropriate time: 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for white or oolong, 4–5 minutes for black tea, and 5–7 minutes for herbal tisanes. Adjust steep time for strength preference.

Remove tea

Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose leaves to stop steeping and avoid bitterness.

Taste the brewed tea and add 1 teaspoon sweetener (sugar, honey, or syrup) if desired. Stir until dissolved.

If using milk or cream, add 2 tablespoons and stir. For lemon-flavored tea, add a slice of lemon (do not add lemon and milk together — choose one).

Optional aromatics: if you want ginger, add 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh ginger to the steeping water before adding tea and strain out with the leaves, or add fresh mint leaves to the mug and gently bruise them to release aroma.

Serve immediately in a warmed cup. Adjust additions to taste and enjoy.