How to Brew Tea

Instructions for Iced Tea

1. Put in 2 teaspoons of loose tea or 2 tea bags for every cup (8 oz) of tea.
2. Fill your pitcher or glass halfway with hot water.
3. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on personal preference.
4. Fill the pitcher or glass up the rest of the way with cold water, then take out the tea leaves or bags.
5. Pour your tea over ice and serve.

How to Get That Perfect Cup of Tea

• To make a tea stronger, don’t steep it for longer. Unless it’s an herbal, steeping a tea for too long will make it bitter rather than strong. Instead, add more tea leaves or bags!
• As a general rule, use one level teaspoon or 2 grams for every cup (8 oz) you’re making. Fluffier ingredients like mint and chamomile, or teas with larger leaves like green tea or oolong could use an extra teaspoon.
• Tea bag teas are usually one per cup (8 oz) of tea, though you can always double-up when you want it stronger!
• Spring water is ideal for brewing, but not necessary for making a good cup of tea. If possible, use fresh cold water. Never use water from the hot water tap. Let the tap water run for a few seconds until it is quite cold; this ensures that the water is aerated (full of oxygen) to release the full flavor of the tea leaves.
• Try not to let your water reach a rolling boil, as that will release oxygen and result in a flat-tasting cup of tea.
• If brewing with loose leaf tea, there are several different types of infusers available; sometimes you’ll need to experiment a little until you find the perfect one for you.
• Many teas are good for a second (even third!) steeping. Multiple steepings can bring out more subtle flavors and notes. Commonly, oolong, green tea, white tea and pu-erh fall into this category. Give it a shot—you might end up liking the second infusion better than the first!

If a tea doesn’t taste quite right the first time around, experiment with changing the steeping time, water temperature, and tea amount until you find the flavor you enjoy.