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

Quality in. Quality out. As they say. 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 and more health benefits. You’ll need some sort of steeper for your loose leaf but it’s worth the extra effort.

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. The ideal temperature for brewing tea is between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (70 to 80 degrees Celsius). If the water is too hot, it can cause the tea to taste bitter or astringent.

Water boils at around 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) so don’t take boiling water right off the stove and pour it over your tea. Either pull the water off the stove BEFORE it starts to boil or let it cool down after it’s reached a boil. If you want to get exact with it, grab a thermometer. 

Steep for the Right Amount of Time

The length of time you steep your tea will also affect the flavor. Generally, you should steep tea for 1-4 minutes, depending on the specific type of tea and your personal preference. If you're not sure how long to steep your tea, start with 1 minute and adjust from there.

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 incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Enjoy a simple cup of tea - simply brew 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. Want to get bulletproof? Add some coconut oil or MCT oil. 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 and healthy beverage.

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.