Hot Tea Recipe

Boil water

Pour 2 cups (480 ml) fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Preheat vessel

If using a teapot, pour a small amount of the boiled water into the teapot or mug, swirl to warm it, then discard that water. This keeps the brewed tea hotter and prevents chilling by a cold vessel.

Steep tea

Place 1 black tea bag (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea in an infuser/strainer) into the teapot or mug. Pour the freshly boiled water over the tea. Cover and steep: 3–4 minutes for a medium-strength black tea, 4–5 minutes for stronger flavor. For green or delicate teas, steep 2–3 minutes with water slightly cooled (~175–185°F / 80–85°C).

Remove tea

After steeping, remove the tea bag or strain out the loose leaves to prevent bitterness. Taste and adjust steep time in future brews if needed.

Sweeten

If you want sweet tea, add sugar (start with 1 teaspoon) or honey (1 teaspoon) while the tea is hot so it dissolves easily. Stir to combine. Adjust to taste.

Milk or Lemon

If adding milk, warm or have milk at room temperature and add about 2 tablespoons to the cup, stirring gently. If preferring lemon, add 1 slice of lemon instead of milk (do not add lemon and milk together; lemon can curdle milk).

Herbs and garnish

For a fresh herbal note, bruise 3 mint leaves slightly by clapping between your hands and add to the cup. Garnish with another mint leaf or a lemon wheel, if desired.

Serve the tea immediately while hot. Provide extra sweetener, milk, or lemon on the side so each person can adjust to taste.

Estimated storage: brewed tea is best consumed immediately. If you must store, keep covered in the refrigerator up to 24 hours and reheat gently; flavor will degrade.