Hot Tea Recipe

Boil the water

Pour 2 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.

Warm the teapot or cup (optional)

If using a teapot or mug, pour a small amount of the hot water into it, swirl to warm, then discard that water. This keeps the tea hot longer.

Steep the tea

Place 2 tsp of loose black tea into an infuser or directly into the warmed teapot/mug. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Cover and steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 min = light, 5 min = strong).

Remove the tea leaves

Remove the infuser or strain the tea into a cup to separate the leaves. If leaves were loose in the pot, pour through a fine mesh strainer.

Sweeten the tea

If you want sweetened tea, stir in up to 1 tsp honey or sugar while the tea is hot so it dissolves completely. Adjust to taste.

Add milk or lemon

For a creamy tea, add 2 tbsp milk or cream and stir. For a bright, citrus flavor, add a lemon slice instead of milk (do not add lemon and milk together).

Add fresh herbs

If using fresh mint, bruise the 4 leaves lightly with your fingers to release aroma and drop into the cup. Let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute if you want a subtle mint note.

Taste and adjust: sample the tea and adjust sweetness, milk, or lemon as desired. Serve immediately while hot.