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Ingredients
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Tea (per 1 serving)
Method
Hot Green Tea
Heat water
Bring 12 fl oz (about 355 ml) of fresh cold water to just below boiling — target 175–185°F (80–85°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a simmer and remove from heat for 30 seconds.
Warm vessel (optional)
Pour a small amount (about 2 fl oz) of the hot water into your teacup or teapot, swirl to warm, then discard the rinse water. This helps maintain steeping temperature.
Steep tea
Place 1 green tea bag (or the equivalent loose leaf measured for one serving) into the warmed cup or teapot. Pour the remaining hot water (about 10 fl oz after rinsing) over the tea. Steep for 2–3 minutes for a light, fresh flavor; up to 3.5 minutes if you prefer slightly stronger. Avoid steeping longer than 4 minutes to prevent bitterness.
Remove tea
Remove and discard the tea bag or strain out the leaves immediately to stop extraction.
Serve hot
Serve immediately. If desired, garnish with a lemon wedge and allow the guest to squeeze to taste. No sweetener is added (unsweetened).
Iced Green Tea
Brew concentrated tea
To allow for dilution by ice, brew a slightly stronger batch: bring 12 fl oz (355 ml) of fresh water to 175–185°F (80–85°C). Warm the vessel with 2 fl oz rinse water if desired, then discard. Place 1 green tea bag or equivalent loose leaves in a heatproof measuring cup or small teapot and pour the hot water over it. Steep 3 minutes (slightly longer than for hot) to produce a fuller flavor without bitterness.
Cool quickly
Remove the tea bag or strain leaves and allow brewed tea to cool at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. To speed cooling, transfer to a shallow metal container and stir gently or place container in an ice bath for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble iced drink
Fill a tall glass with about 1 cup of ice. Pour cooled tea over the ice. If the tea was brewed extra strong, taste and adjust by adding a splash of cold water if too intense. No sweetener is added (unsweetened). Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired.
Serve cold
Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon.