Hot Teas Recipe

Heat water

Bring 8 oz (about 240 ml) of fresh water to a rolling boil (212°F / 100°C). Use filtered water if possible for best flavor.

Steep tea

Place 1 tsp loose black tea (or 1 black tea bag) in a teapot or cup. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Steep for 3–5 minutes depending on your strength preference (3 min = mild, 5 min = robust).

Finish and serve

Remove the tea leaves or bag. Add 1 tsp honey or sugar and 1 tbsp milk or cream if desired. Stir and serve immediately.

Heat water to proper temperature

Bring water to a near-boil and let it cool slightly to about 175–185°F (80–85°C). For an 8 oz cup, heat water then rest 1–2 minutes to drop temperature.

Steep green tea

Place 1 tsp loose green tea (or 1 bag) in a cup. Pour the 175–185°F water over the tea and steep 2–3 minutes. Steep longer will increase bitterness.

Finish and serve

Remove the leaves or bag. Add a lemon slice and 1 tsp honey if desired. Stir gently and drink while warm.

Bring water to a boil

Heat 8 oz of water to a rolling boil (212°F / 100°C). Herbal teas extract best with boiling water.

Steep herbal ingredients

In a cup or infuser, combine 1 tsp dried chamomile (or 1 chamomile bag) with 3 fresh mint leaves if using. Pour the boiling water over them and steep, covered, for 5–7 minutes to capture volatile aromatics.

Finish and serve

Remove herbs/bag and add 1 tsp honey if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness. Serve hot.

Crush spices

Lightly crush 2 cardamom pods and 2 cloves using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release oils.

Simmer spices and ginger

In a small saucepan, combine 4 oz water, crushed cardamom, cloves, 4 slices fresh ginger and 1 cinnamon stick (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer 3–4 minutes to infuse.

Add tea and milk

Add 1 tsp loose black tea (or 1 black tea bag) and 4 oz whole milk to the saucepan. Return to a gentle simmer, watching closely so it doesn't boil over. Simmer 2–3 minutes until tea color and spice aroma develop.

Sweeten and strain

Add 1 tsp sugar (or to taste). Remove from heat and strain into a cup to remove solids. Serve immediately hot.

Boil water with ginger

Bring 8 oz water to a boil. Add 4 thin slices of fresh ginger and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer 5–8 minutes to concentrate ginger flavor.

Add lemon and sweeten

Remove from heat and pour the hot ginger water through a strainer into a cup. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp honey if desired. Taste and adjust lemon or honey to preference.

Serve

Garnish with an extra lemon slice if desired and serve hot.