Great Tea Starts Before the Kettle Boils
Brewing tea seems simple — add hot water, wait, drink. But small details make a big difference. The right water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio can transform a flat, bitter cup into something truly exceptional.
Here's everything you need to know to brew any tea perfectly, every time.
Step 1: Start With Good Water
Tea is mostly water, so water quality matters. Use filtered or fresh cold water whenever possible. Avoid distilled water — it strips the minerals that give tea its character. Never re-boil water that's already been heated, as it loses oxygen and makes tea taste flat.
Step 2: Use the Right Temperature for Your Tea
This is the most common mistake tea drinkers make. Boiling water (212°F / 100°C) is too hot for most teas and will scorch delicate leaves, causing bitterness.
| Tea Type | Water Temperature | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| White Tea | 160–170°F (71–77°C) | 2–3 minutes |
| Green Tea | 170–180°F (77–82°C) | 1–3 minutes |
| Oolong Tea | 185–205°F (85–96°C) | 2–4 minutes |
| Black Tea | 200–212°F (93–100°C) | 3–5 minutes |
| Herbal / Rooibos | 208–212°F (98–100°C) | 5–7 minutes |
| Matcha | 160–175°F (71–79°C) | Whisk, don't steep |
Tip: If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 1–2 minutes to cool slightly before pouring over green or white teas.
Step 3: Measure Your Tea
A good starting point is 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water (or one tea bag). For stronger tea, add more leaves rather than steeping longer — over-steeping is the main cause of bitterness.
Step 4: Steep — Then Stop
Set a timer. Steeping too long extracts tannins that make tea bitter and astringent. When the timer goes off, remove the tea bag or strain the leaves immediately. Don't squeeze the tea bag — it releases bitter compounds.
Step 5: Enjoy It Your Way
Some teas shine on their own. Others pair beautifully with a splash of milk (English Breakfast, Masala Chai), a drizzle of honey (Hibiscus, Jasmine), or a slice of lemon (Earl Grey, green teas). Experiment and find what you love.
Quick Tips by Tea Type
- Black Tea (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Masala Chai): Use near-boiling water. Great with milk and a little sweetener.
- Green Tea (Jasmine, Matcha, Hojicha): Use cooler water and shorter steep times to avoid bitterness. Jasmine green tea is especially delicate.
- Herbal Tea (Hibiscus Berry, Mint, Peach Paradise): Fully caffeine-free. Use boiling water and steep longer for full flavor. Great hot or iced.
Cold Brewing Tea
For a smooth, naturally sweet iced tea, try cold brewing. Add 1–2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea (or 1–2 bags) per 8 oz of cold water. Refrigerate for 6–12 hours. No heat, no bitterness — just clean, refreshing flavor. Works beautifully with green teas, herbal blends, and white teas.
Find Your Perfect Cup
The best cup of tea is the one you enjoy most. Use these guidelines as a starting point, then adjust to your taste. Whether you prefer a bold, malty black tea in the morning or a calming herbal blend at night, the right technique makes every sip better.
Explore our full Tea collection to find your next favorite.