Restaurants›Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop›Hot Tea Recipe

Hot Tea Recipe

Inspired by Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop

Time10m

Serves2

Make Hot Tea Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Frequently paired with

The best thing to pair and share with Hot Tea

Selected to serve

Earl of the Andes

aromatic, creamy lavender infused pisco, giffard peach liqueur, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, earl grey vanilla foam

aromatic · creamy · floral

Open pairing →

Ingredients

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Tea Base

2 cups water2 tsp loose black tea or tea bags

Optional Add-ins

1/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)1 tsp sugar or sweetener1 tsp Honey1/2 tsp ReaLemon lemon juice3 slices fresh ginger, sliced1 each whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, cloves)

Method

Brew Tea

Boil water

Pour 2 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat (about 3–5 minutes depending on stove).

Add aromatics (optional)

If using fresh ginger or whole spices, add them to the water as it comes to a boil so they infuse. Simmer with the boiling water for 1 minute to release flavor.

Steep tea

Remove the pot from heat or reduce to a gentle simmer and add 2 teaspoons of loose tea (or 2 tea bags). Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength (3 minutes = light, 5 minutes = strong).

Strain or remove bags

If using loose tea or added spices, strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a cup. If using tea bags, lift and gently squeeze them against the side of the pot or cup, then discard.

Finish & Serve

Sweeten and season: Taste the brewed tea. Add sugar or honey (start with 1 teaspoon) and stir until dissolved. Add milk (1/4 cup) if making milk tea, or add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice for a bright finish (do not add lemon if milk is used).

Adjust and serve: Adjust sweetness and milk to taste. Pour the tea into a heatproof cup and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with a thin slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick.