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.
Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Hot Tea/ Coffee
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.
Hot Tea
Hot Coffee
Method
Hot Tea
Steep tea
Place 6 black tea bags (or 6 teaspoons loose leaf) into a heatproof large teapot or steeping container. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Steep for 4–5 minutes for robust black tea, 3 minutes for lighter flavor. If using cinnamon sticks or mint, add them to steep for a mild infused flavor.
Sweeten and finish
Remove tea bags or strain out leaves. Stir in sugar (up to 1/2 cup) or honey (1/4 cup) to taste while tea is hot so it dissolves. Add milk (up to 2 cups) for a milky tea option, or serve milk on the side for guests. Place lemon slices on the side for those who prefer lemon instead of milk.
Serve and refill
Keep tea hot in an insulated server or covered teapot. For free refills, reheat gently if needed (do not boil), and if flavor weakens after repeated refills, refresh by adding another tea bag or 1–2 teaspoons loose tea per extra 2 cups, steeping 2–3 minutes.
Hot Coffee
Heat water
Bring 12 cups of fresh cold water to near boiling (about 200°F / 93°C) in a kettle or on the stove.
Brew coffee
For drip: place 3/4 cup (about 6 oz) medium-coarse ground coffee into the coffee maker basket lined with filter. Pour the heated water into the machine and brew according to equipment instructions to yield ~12 cups. For manual pour-over or French press: use the same ratio (1:16), adjusting grind and steep time: French press steep 4 minutes then plunge.
Prepare quick refills
Keep brewed coffee hot in an insulated carafe. For quick top-ups if coffee gets low or cool, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons instant coffee into 6–8 oz of hot water per cup to refresh strength without rebrewing. Add sugar (to taste, portion from 1/2 cup provided) and milk/cream (from 2 cups provided) on the side along with optional syrups and garnishes.