Hot Teas Recipe

Heat water

Bring fresh filtered water to the appropriate temperature for the tea you choose: 212°F (100°C) for black tea; 175–185°F (80–85°C) for green tea; 160–175°F (70–80°C) for white tea; 212°F (100°C) for most herbal teas.

Add tea

Place one tea bag or the correct amount of loose tea (roughly 1 tsp for each 8 oz/1 cup; adjust for stronger brew) into your cup or infuser.

Pour water and steep

Pour one cup of the heated water over the tea. Steep for the recommended time: black tea 3–5 minutes; green tea 2–3 minutes; white tea 4–5 minutes; herbal tea 5–7 minutes. For a stronger cup, increase steep time slightly but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Remove tea

Remove the tea bag or strain out loose leaves once the desired steep time is reached to stop extraction and prevent bitterness.

Sweeten: stir in 1 tsp sugar, honey, or agave nectar while the tea is hot so it dissolves evenly. Taste and add more if desired.

Citrus: add a lemon wedge or orange slice to the cup for brightness. Squeeze before dropping in if you want extra juice.

Milk: add 1–2 tablespoons warmed or steamed milk for a creamier cup (commonly added to black teas). Warm milk slightly before adding so it doesn't cool the tea excessively.

Spices: add a cinnamon stick or a piece of star anise to the cup while steeping for a subtle spiced note, or sprinkle a pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or ginger on top before serving. Remove whole spices before drinking.

Taste the tea and adjust sweetness, citrus, milk, or spices as desired. Serve hot with a saucer or small plate for any used tea bag or spices.

If offering multiple flavors, label or announce flavors to guests and offer sweeteners, milk, and citrus on the side so each guest can customize their cup.