Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea Selection & Serving
Method
Tea Selection & Serving
Prepare water
Measure 4 cups (about 950 ml) filtered water and pour into a kettle or saucepan. Heat according to the tea you intend to brew: for black teas (Earl Grey, English Breakfast) bring to a rolling boil (about 100°C / 212°F). For green tea heat to just under boiling (about 175–185°F / 80–85°C). For chamomile and mint, bring to a near boil (about 95–100°C / 203–212°F).
Preheat teapot / cups
If using a teapot, pour a small amount of the hot water into the pot and swirl, then discard. This preheats the vessel and helps maintain steeping temperature.
Measure tea per cup
Use 2 tsp loose leaf (or one standard tea bag) per 8 oz (1 cup) serving. The ingredient amounts given are enough for approximately 4 cups total; choose one tea per brew or blend carefully (see note).
Brew single-variety teas (method)
Place the measured tea (loose leaf in an infuser or tea bag) into the pot or individual cup. Pour the hot water over the tea and steep according to type: - English Breakfast / Earl Grey (black tea): steep 3–5 minutes. - Green tea: steep 2–3 minutes at 175–185°F (80–85°C) to avoid bitterness. - Chamomile: steep 5–7 minutes for full floral flavor and calming properties. - Mint (fresh leaves): bruise 4–6 mint leaves slightly and steep 5–7 minutes in near-boiling water. Taste after the minimum steep time and extend if you prefer stronger tea.
Combine additions
After steeping, remove tea bags or strain leaves to avoid over-steeping. Sweeten as desired: stir in honey (use up to 2 tbs) or sugar (up to 2 tsp) while the tea is hot so it dissolves. For black teas you may add milk up to 1 cup (divide across servings) or serve milk on the side. For green or herbal teas, consider lemon slices (4 slices provided) but do not add milk with lemon.
Serve hot or iced
To serve hot: pour into warmed cups and garnish with a lemon slice or a fresh mint leaf. To make iced tea: brew double-strength (use same tea amount but only 2 cups hot water), let cool 10–15 minutes, then pour over 2 cups ice in a pitcher or glasses and top with additional cold water if needed. Stir and serve with lemon and optional sweetener.
Notes on blending
If you wish to blend (e.g., Earl Grey + mint), reduce each leaf amount by half to keep the total tea strength balanced (e.g., 1 tsp Earl Grey + 1 tsp mint per cup). Chamomile and green teas are best kept separate due to differing optimal temperatures and steep times.
