The Cultured Cup, Assam Margherita Estate, Black Tea Recipe

Inspired by MIRADOR

Time8m

Serves1

Make The Cultured Cup, Assam Margherita Estate, Black Tea Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Bring water to temperature
Pour fresh, filtered water into the kettle and heat to a rolling boil (about 100°C / 212°F). Assam black teas are robust and extract best with fully boiling water.
2
Pre-warm teapot or mug
Pour a small splash of the boiling water into your teapot or mug, swirl to warm the vessel, then discard the rinse water. This helps maintain steeping temperature.
3
Measure tea
Place 2 tsp (approximately 2 g per tsp, total ~4 g) of Assam Margherita Estate loose-leaf tea into the teapot or infuser for an 8 oz cup. Adjust to taste if you prefer stronger or lighter tea.
4
Steep
Pour the freshly boiled water (8 oz / 240 ml) directly over the tea leaves. Cover the teapot or place a lid on the mug and steep for 4 minutes for a balanced cup. For a stronger, maltier profile steep 4.5–5 minutes; for a lighter cup steep 3–3.5 minutes.
5
Strain and serve
At the end of the steep time, remove the infuser or strain the leaves to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Pour the brewed tea into your cup.

6
Add milk (optional)
If you prefer milk tea, gently warm 2 oz (60 ml) of milk and add it to the brewed tea. Whole milk will enhance body and mouthfeel; plant milks like oat blend well with Assam's maltiness.
7
Sweeten (optional)
Stir in 1 tsp of sweetener (or to taste) while the tea is hot so it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust.
8
Lemon (optional, not with milk)
If skipping milk and preferring an accent, squeeze a lemon wedge into the hot tea for brightness. Do not add lemon if you added milk, as it may curdle.
9
Final tasting and adjustments
Taste your tea and adjust strength, milk, or sweetener to your liking. If the tea is too strong, add a splash of hot water; if too weak, use more leaves or steep slightly longer next time.

10
Clean and dry all equipment before use to avoid off-flavors. Use a teapot or mug with an infuser for easy removal of leaves. If using a teapot, pour the brewed tea into a cup through a strainer to catch any loose leaves.