Aug 31 2026
Restaurants›Keys Cafe›Organic Hot Tea Recipe

Organic Hot Tea Recipe

Inspired by Keys Cafe
Time20m
Serves8

Regular and herbal

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Ingredients

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Black/Traditional Hot Tea (Regular)

Herbal Hot Tea (Caffeine-free)

Method

Black/Traditional Hot Tea (Regular)

  1. 1

    Heat water

    Pour 12 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or large pot. Heat to a rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C).

  2. 2

    Brew tea

    Place 4 black tea bags (or equivalent loose-leaf measured at 2 tsp per cup) into a large teapot or heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the tea and cover immediately to trap heat. Steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for lighter, 5 minutes for strong).

  3. 3

    Sweeten and finish

    Remove tea bags or strain leaves. Stir in 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar until dissolved. Add milk or plant-based milk (1 cup) to taste, or serve milk on the side. Offer lemon slices and optional honey (2 tsp) for guests who prefer lemon or extra sweetness.

  4. 4

    Serve

    Pour hot tea into cups, garnish with a lemon slice if desired, and serve immediately. Keep leftovers warm in a covered pot for up to 1 hour; refrigerate if longer.

Herbal Hot Tea (Caffeine-free)

  1. 5

    Prepare water and ginger

    Pour 12 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or pot. Add the thinly sliced 1 inch of fresh ginger to the water. Heat to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to extract ginger flavor.

  2. 6

    Brew herbal tea

    Turn off heat and add 4 chamomile tea bags and 4 peppermint tea bags (or loose-leaf equivalents: 1.5 tsp per cup each) to the hot water. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes for a balanced herbal infusion.

  3. 7

    Sweeten and finish

    Remove tea bags or strain out loose herbs and ginger slices. Stir in 3 teaspoons organic honey and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, adjusting honey and lemon to taste.

  4. 8

    Serve

    Ladle the herbal tea into cups and serve hot. Offer extra honey or lemon at the table. Store leftover herbal tea covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours and reheat gently before serving.

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