Brewing tea from home is an excellent way to start your morning or end a long day. There are several methods of brewing teas, but keeping in mind the type of tea you are using is key. Each type of tea (black, green, white, tisane (herbal/fruit), oolong) has different requirements to produce the best tasting cup.
Follow the guide below for all brewing methods, and adjust ratios as necessary:
Note- All these teas come from the same plant- Camellia sinensis. The tea leaves are distinguished by oxidation time after being picked and withered. This process changes the flavor, caffeine content, and brewing requirements.
- Black Tea- most oxidized of all the teas
- Oolong Tea- partially oxidized
- Green Tea- unoxidized
- Darjeeling Tea- partially oxidized
- White Tea – small amount of oxidization
- Herbal, Rooibus and Fruit Teas- No tea leaves are actually present in these teas. Rather, they are made up of mixed herbs and dried fruits. Oxidation varies but does not effect the tea in the same way it effects the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
We always recommend using clean filtered water for both health safety and the best possible flavor. The flavor of impurities in your water will transfer into your tea. Tap water varies from place to place and can drastically change the flavor of your tea. This applies to all brewing methods.
Useful Tools: Click these links to shop brewing equipment on our site!
- Tea Brewer (16oz.)
- Tea Brewer (32oz.)
- Fold- over Tea Bags (multiple sizes available)
- Drawstring Tea Bags
Hot Tea- Basic Brewing
Tools
- 10 oz. of fresh filtered water
- Any loose tea of your choice
- Any kind of tea infuser, drawstring, or fold-over teabags
Notes
- Preheating the cup that will hold your tea will prevent the drink from cooling too quickly and creating excess bitterness. It can keep your tea tasting fresh longer if you drink slowly over long periods of time.
- Follow the tea portions and brewing temperatures as listed in the chart above.
Step 1: Measure out the tea leaves and heat the water based on the chart above. Pour the leaves into your tea bag or infuser, and place in a mug or teapot.
Step 2: Allow the tea to steep for the proper amount of time before removing the tea bag or infuser.
Iced Tea
Tools
- 10 oz. of fresh filtered water
- Any loose tea of your choice
- Any kind of tea infuser, drawstring, or fold-over teabags
Notes
- See our cold brewing guide (next up!) for an alternative approach
- Allow tea to cool after steeping and before pouring over ice to prevent the ice from melting
Step 1: Measure out the tea leaves and heat the water based on the chart above. Pour the leaves into your tea bag or infuser, and place in a mug or teapot.
Step 2: Allow the tea to steep in the water for the proper amount of time before removing the tea bag or infuser.
Step 3: Pour the brewed tea directly over ice. Dilute with water if necessary.
Cold Brew Tea
Tools
- 10oz. of fresh filtered water
- Any loose leaf tea of your choice
- A strainer or tea bags
- 3 liter (100oz) pitcher or container
Notes
- Best if used within 24-48 hours after brewing
- Drawstring or fold-over tea bags can be used as an alternative to straining the tea leaves after brewing. You are able to adjust the amount of tea you put in these bags, which make them a flexible option for all kinds of brewing. Shop fold over bags and drawstring bags at our online store.
Step 1: Place ΒΌ c of loose leaf tea in a 3 liter (100 oz) pitcher. Fill with cold, filtered water.
Step 2: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator overnight (6-8 hours).
Step 3: After the tea is finished brewing, strain out the tea leaves. If using tea bags, simply remove the tea bags from the pitcher, and it is ready to serve.
Tea Brewer
Tools
- 10 oz. of fresh filtered water
- Any loose tea of your choice
- Tea brewer of your choice
Notes
- Tea brewers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each one varies in specific usage instructions, so make sure to review before brewing.
- Explore the tea brewers we offer here.
- French presses can be used to brew tea as well! We do recommend thoroughly cleaning before using it to make sure coffee oils do not get in your tea.
- Preheating your cup or mug is recommended to avoid cooling. Alternatively, you can pour directly over ice for a refreshing iced tea!
Step 1: Following the “Hot Tea Brewing Method” chart (located at the top of this page), measure out tea leaves and water. Place tea leaves in the main compartment of the brewer.
Step 2: Fill with water and allow to steep for the appropriate amount of time.
Step 3: Serve directly from the tea brewer. Most brewers are designed to filter out the tea leaves as you pour.