Teas Recipe

Boil water

Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or small saucepan.

Steep tea

Place 2 tsp loose black tea (or 2 tea bags) in a teapot or heatproof pitcher. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Cover and steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for lighter, 5 for strong).

Sweeten and finish

Remove tea leaves or tea bags. Stir in 1 tsp sugar or honey until dissolved. Add 1/4 cup milk if desired, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust sweetener or milk.

Divide between two cups and serve hot.

Simmer ginger

In a small saucepan, add 2 cups water and 1 tbsp thinly sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes to extract flavor.

Strain and add lemon

Remove from heat and strain the liquid into a teapot or two cups to remove ginger slices. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp honey (adjust to taste).

Garnish with lemon slices if desired and serve hot.

Brew concentrated green tea

Bring 4 cups water to just under a boil (about 175°F/80°C) — if you don't have a thermometer, bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and add 3 tsp green tea (or 3 tea bags) and 6 fresh mint leaves. Steep for 2–3 minutes to avoid bitterness.

Sweeten and cool

Remove the tea bags or strain out tea leaves and mint. While warm, stir in 2 tsp agave or sugar if using until dissolved. Let tea cool to room temperature (15–20 minutes).

Assemble iced tea

Pour concentrated tea into a pitcher, add 2 cups cold water to dilute, and add ice cubes. Add remaining mint leaves for fresh aroma. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution.

Serve in glasses over ice, garnish with additional mint if desired.

Crush spices and combine

Lightly crush cardamom pods and break the cinnamon stick. In a small saucepan combine 1 cup water with crushed cardamom (3 pods), 2 cloves, 1/2 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp thinly sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes to bloom the spices.

Add tea and milk

Add 2 tsp loose black tea (or 2 tea bags) to the spiced water. Pour in 1 cup whole milk and 2 tsp sugar. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, watching carefully so it doesn't boil over. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tea is rich and fragrant.

Strain and serve

Remove from heat and strain the chai into cups to remove spices and tea leaves. Taste and adjust sweetness. Serve hot.