Hot Tea Recipe

Heat water

Pour 2 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or saucepan. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat (about 2–4 minutes depending on stove and kettle).

While the water is heating, warm the teapot or mug by rinsing it with a little hot water, then discard that rinse. This helps the tea stay hot longer.

Steep tea

Place 2 tea bags (or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea in an infuser) into the warmed teapot or mug. When the water reaches a full boil, remove from heat and pour the hot water over the tea. Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength: 3 minutes for mild, 4 minutes for standard, 5 minutes for strong.

If using loose-leaf tea, remove the infuser or strain the tea leaves after steeping. If using tea bags, lift and gently squeeze the bag against the side of the cup (optional) and remove.

Add sweetener

Stir in 1 teaspoon honey or sugar while the tea is hot so it dissolves completely. Adjust to taste.

Add lemon or milk

If you prefer a citrus note, stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and optionally garnish with a lemon slice. If you prefer milk tea, add 1 tablespoon milk or dairy-free milk instead of lemon. Do not add lemon and milk together (they can curdle).

If using fresh mint, lightly bruise the mint leaves with your fingers to release aroma and add them to the cup. Let sit 30 seconds to 1 minute to infuse.

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

Discard used tea bags or leaves and rinse teaware for cleaning.