Hot Tea Recipe

Boil water

Pour 2 cups (about 480 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Heat until steaming and just at a rolling boil for black tea. For green or white tea, heat until small bubbles form and steam rises (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C).

Pre-warm cup (optional)

Pour a little hot water into your teacup to warm it, swirl for 10 seconds, then discard the warming water. This helps keep the brewed tea hot longer.

Steep tea

Place 1 tea bag into the warmed teacup. Pour the hot water over the tea bag. Steep according to tea type: 3–5 minutes for black tea, 2–3 minutes for green tea, and 5–7 minutes for herbal tisanes. Adjust steep time to your preferred strength.

Remove tea bag

After steeping, remove the tea bag and gently squeeze it against the cup with a spoon if you want a slightly stronger flavor. Discard the used tea bag.

Sweeten and finish

Stir in 1 teaspoon honey or sugar if desired. If you prefer milk tea, add 2 tablespoons milk or cream and stir. Add a lemon wedge if using (do not add lemon if you added milk, to avoid curdling). Taste and adjust sweetener or milk to preference.

Serve

Let the tea cool for a minute to a safe drinking temperature (about 130–140°F / 55–60°C) and serve immediately.

Rinse the kettle or saucepan and teacup after use. If using a tea bag holder or spoon, wash and dry before storing.