Hot Tea By Tea Source Recipe

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.

Measure tea

Place one tea bag or approximately 2 g (about 1 teaspoon) loose leaf into an infuser, teapot, or directly into the 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.

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.