Tea is just tea, right? You throw the tea bag in a cup with boiling water and call it a day, right?

Nope. There are a lot of details that go into making a great cup of tea, from the water temp to the steeping time. All these details determine whether your cup of tea is smooth and delicious, or bitter and burned. So let’s get into it!

Start with Quality Tea

The first step to making the perfect cup of tea is to start with high-quality tea leaves. Look for loose-leaf tea that's fresh and fragrant, and avoid tea bags if possible. Loose-leaf tea allows the leaves to expand fully during brewing, resulting in a richer flavor.

Choose the Right Water Temperature

Tea leaves are delicate and can easily be over-brewed or scalded, so it's important to use the right water temperature. Different teas like different temperatures: green and white teas do well around 160-180°F (70-80°C), while oolong, black, and herbal teas can handle hotter water, closer to 200-212°F (95-100°C). When in doubt, check the packaging.

Water boils at around 212°F (100°C). For green or white tea, let it cool a bit before pouring. For black, oolong, or herbal teas, boiling water is generally fine. If you want to get exact about it, grab a thermometer.

Steep for the Right Amount of Time

Steep times vary by tea type. Green and white teas usually steep for 1-3 minutes. Black and oolong teas want 3-5 minutes. Herbal teas can go 5-7 minutes. If you're not sure, start at the shorter end and taste as you go.

The longer the tea steeps, the stronger the flavor but if you let it steep too long, you risk it getting bitter or astringent. NEVER leave tea sitting in the cup of water. Once it’s done steeping, take it out.

Don't Overfill Your Cup

When brewing tea, it's important not to overfill your cup or teapot. Tea leaves need room to expand, and overcrowding can result in a weaker flavor. As a general rule, use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.

Add Flavor and Enjoy

One of the great things about tea is that it's versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Brew a simple cup and enjoy as is, or add a touch of honey or lemon for a twist. Looking for a creamier experience? Add some milk or creamer, or get fancy and make a tea latte. Tea can be enjoyed in many of the same ways coffee can.

If you prefer iced tea, brew a double-strength batch and pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

In a hurry or on the go? Grab a chilled can of DRINK WEIRD and let us do the hard work for you. We’ve perfected the flavor + tea ratios.