Tea Recipe

Boil water

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

Pre-warm teapot or mug

If using a teapot, pour a small amount of the boiling water into the teapot or mug, swirl to warm the vessel, then discard that water.

Steep tea

Place 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags) into the teapot or directly into the mug. Pour the just-boiled water over the tea. Cover and steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for mild, 5 minutes for strong).

Strain

If you used loose leaves, pour the tea through a tea strainer into the serving mug to remove leaves. If you used tea bags, remove and discard the bags after steeping.

Sweeten: Stir in sugar or honey to taste (start with 1 teaspoon).

Milk: Add 1 tablespoon of milk (or more to taste) if you prefer milk tea. Pour milk into the cup and gently stir to combine.

Lemon: If using lemon, squeeze a wedge into the tea after removing bags/strainer. Do not add milk if you use lemon (it may curdle).

Mint: Clap 3 fresh mint leaves between your palms to release aroma, then add to the cup or teapot for a subtle mint note.

Taste and adjust: Taste the tea and adjust sweetener, milk, or lemon as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Clean up: Rinse the kettle, teapot, strainer, and mug after use. Discard used tea leaves or bags in compost or waste.