Hot Tea Recipe

Boil water

Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Add additional aromatics (optional)

If using ginger slices or a cinnamon stick, add them to the water just before it reaches a boil. Reduce heat slightly and let simmer 1–2 minutes to release flavor.

Combine tea and hot water

Place 1 tsp loose black tea (or 1 black tea bag; for a lighter cup use green tea bag) into a teapot or mug. Pour the boiling water over the tea, making sure the leaves or bag are fully submerged.

Steeping time

Let black tea steep 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for mild, 5 for robust). If using green tea, steep 2–3 minutes to avoid bitterness. If ginger/cinnamon were added to the water, steep with them.

Remove tea

Remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea and any ginger/cinnamon once steeping is complete to prevent over-extraction.

Sweeten and adjust

Stir in optional sweeteners: 1 tsp honey or 1 tsp sugar to taste. Add 1–2 tsp lemon juice for brightness if desired (do not add lemon with milk).

Add milk (optional)

If you prefer milk tea, add 2 tablespoons of milk (or more to taste). Warm milk can be added for a creamier cup.

Garnish and serve

Pour tea into a cup if brewed in a teapot. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately while hot.