Hot Tea By Tea Source Recipe
northern lights | english breakfast | red berries earl grey jasmine
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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Hot Tea by Tea Source
Ingredients
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Tea options (choose one per cup)
Water & add-ins (per cup)
Method
General preparation
Boil water
Bring fresh filtered water to the appropriate temperature. For black teas (English Breakfast, Earl Grey) heat to a full rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C). For green tea (Jasmine) heat to about 175–185°F (80–85°C). For herbal and fruit blends (Northern Lights, Red Berries) heat to a full boil (212°F / 100°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a boil and let cool 1–2 minutes for green tea.
Pre-warm cup or teapot
Pour a little hot water into the cup or teapot, swirl, then discard. This stabilizes temperature for better extraction.
Steeping (per cup)
Pour water
Pour 8 fl oz (about 240 ml) of the heated water over the tea bag or leaves, ensuring the leaves are fully submerged and can expand.
Steep time
Steep for the recommended time based on the tea selected: - English Breakfast, Earl Grey: 3–5 minutes (3 for lighter, 5 for stronger). - Northern Lights (herbal/rooibos): 5–7 minutes (longer brewing releases more flavor, rooibos won’t get bitter). - Red Berries (fruit/herbal): 5–7 minutes (longer steeping extracts more fruit flavor and color). - Jasmine green tea: 2–3 minutes (oversteeping can produce bitterness). Use a timer for accuracy.
Remove leaves
After the appropriate steep time, remove the tea bag or strain out the leaves to avoid over-extraction.
Finishing & serving
Taste the tea and add optional sweetener (about 1 tsp honey/sugar or to taste) if desired. Add milk or plant-based milk (about 1 tablespoon) to black teas if you prefer a creamier cup—avoid milk with delicate greens or fruit/herbal teas. Add a lemon wedge to black or herbal teas (not recommended with milk) for brightness.
Serve immediately while hot. If using loose leaf in a teapot, gently swirl before pouring to evenly distribute flavor.
