Hot Black Tea Recipe

Inspired by The Arms

Time12m

Serves4

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

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.

1
Bring water to a boil
Pour 4 cups cold water into a kettle or saucepan. Heat on high until it reaches a full rolling boil (about 5–7 minutes on a stovetop). If using whole spices, add them to the water as it heats to extract more flavor.
2
Steep the tea
Remove the boiling water from heat and let it sit for 10–15 seconds if your kettle produces an extremely vigorous boil. Add 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea (or 2 standard tea bags) to the hot water. Cover the pot or cup and steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes for mild, 5 minutes for strong).
3
Remove tea leaves or bags
After steeping, remove tea bags or strain out the loose leaves and any whole spices. If you used a fine mesh strainer, pour tea into a teapot or directly into cups.

4
Sweeten the tea (optional)
If you prefer sweet tea, stir in sugar or honey to taste while the tea is hot so it dissolves easily. Start with 2 teaspoons sugar or 1 tablespoon honey for the full 4 cups and adjust to preference.
5
Add milk or lemon (optional)
For milk tea: warm 1 cup milk or cream separately and add desired amount to each cup (commonly 1–2 tablespoons per cup) or pour into the whole pot for a creamy brew. For lemon: add a slice of lemon to individual cups (do not add milk and lemon together).
6
Serve
Ladle or pour the hot black tea into cups. Offer the additional sugar, honey, milk, and lemon on the side so each person can customize. Serve immediately.