WHITE TEA Recipe
Make White Tea Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea
Optional additions
Method
Prepare water and tea
Measure and heat water
Measure 12 oz (about 360 ml) of fresh, filtered water. Heat the water until it reaches 175°F (80°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a gentle simmer and remove from heat immediately; let sit 1–2 minutes to cool slightly.
Warm teapot/cup
Pour a small amount of the hot water into your teapot or cup, swirl to warm the vessel, then discard the rinse water. This helps preserve temperature while steeping.
Steep
Pour the 175°F (80°C) water over the tea leaves. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes for delicate flavor. For a lighter cup, steep 2–3 minutes; for slightly fuller body, up to 5 minutes. Do not exceed 6 minutes to avoid bitter or overly astringent notes.
Strain and serve
Remove the infuser or strain the leaves into a cup to stop extraction. Taste the tea and adjust with optional additions if desired.
Optional finishing
If you prefer a touch of sweetness, stir in 1 tsp honey while the tea is warm so it dissolves evenly.
Add a thin slice or wedge of lemon for brightness, or gently bruise 3 fresh mint leaves and drop them into the cup for a fragrant lift.
White tea can be enjoyed hot or cooled to room temperature and poured over ice for an iced white tea. If iced, pour over a glass filled with ice and serve immediately.