Specialty Tea Recipe

Time15m

Serves2

Make Specialty Tea Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Bring water to temperature
Pour 16 oz (about 475 ml) filtered water into a kettle or saucepan. Heat to just under a full rolling boil (about 205–210°F / 96–99°C). If you do not have a thermometer, bring to a vigorous simmer and remove from heat immediately.
2
Add tea
Place 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea (or 2 standard tea bags) into a teapot or heatproof infuser. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves to ensure even extraction.
3
Steep
Allow the tea to steep for 3–4 minutes for a bright but not overly bitter cup. For a stronger cup, steep up to 5 minutes — be careful not to over-steep to avoid excessive bitterness.

4
Simmer flavorings
While the tea steeps, place 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon orange peel, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon stick into a small saucepan with about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the hot water (or add directly to the teapot). Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to extract aromatics, then remove from heat.
5
Combine flavor infusion with tea
Strain the ginger/orange/cinnamon infusion and add it to the steeped tea. If you simmered them directly in the teapot, simply remove solids with a strainer or spoon.
6
Sweeten
Stir in 1 tsp honey while the tea is still hot so it dissolves fully. Taste and adjust: add up to another 1/2 tsp if you prefer a sweeter beverage.

7
Brighten and enrich
Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. If you prefer a creamier tea, add 2 tbsp milk or milk alternative and stir until integrated.
8
Strain and pour
Strain the tea into a cup through a fine mesh strainer to remove tea leaves and any remaining spices or peel.
9
Garnish and serve
Garnish with 2 fresh mint leaves if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy hot, or allow to cool and serve over ice for an iced specialty tea.