Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSam Jones BBQTea Recipe

Tea Recipe

Inspired by Sam Jones BBQ
Time12m
Serves2

Make Tea Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Tea Base

Method

Tea Base

  1. 1

    Bring water to a boil

    Pour 4 cups of cold water into a kettle or medium saucepan. Heat over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Add flavorings

    If using fresh ginger, add the thinly sliced ginger to the boiling water and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 1 minute to release flavor.

  3. 3

    Steep tea

    Remove from direct heat. Add 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves (or 4 tea bags) and the optional 1 tablespoon green tea leaves. Cover and let steep: 3–5 minutes for black tea (4 minutes is typical); if you included green tea, aim for closer to 2–3 minutes total to avoid bitterness. Adjust steeping time to taste.

  4. 4

    Strain

    After steeping, strain the tea leaves and any ginger into a heatproof teapot or pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or remove the tea bags. Discard solids.

Sweetening & Finish

  1. 5

    Sweeten

    While the tea is hot, stir in 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar (or 1 teaspoon honey) until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference.

  2. 6

    Add milk or serve clear

    If you prefer milk tea, stir in 1 tablespoon milk or creamer per serving (adjust quantity for number of servings). For a clear tea with lemon, skip the milk and add a slice of lemon to each cup just before serving.

  3. 7

    Garnish and serve

    Ladle or pour the tea into cups. Garnish each cup with a lemon slice or fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot, or let cool and refrigerate for iced tea later.

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