Hot Tea Recipe

Bring water to a boil

Pour 2 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Heat until it reaches a rolling boil (about 212°F / 100°C). If using green or white tea instead of black, heat until just below boiling (around 175–185°F / 80–85°C) to avoid bitterness.

Add tea and optional aromatics

Place 1 black tea bag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf black tea in an infuser) into a heatproof mug or teapot. If you want ginger or fresh mint, add the ginger slices and/or mint leaves to the mug or pot now so the flavor infuses with the hot water.

Pour and steep

Pour the boiling water over the tea bag/infuser and aromatics. Steep for 3–5 minutes for black tea (3 minutes for lighter flavor, up to 5 minutes for stronger). If using green tea, steep 1.5–3 minutes. Cover the mug or pot with a small saucer or lid while steeping to retain heat and volatile aromas.

Remove tea

After steeping, remove and discard the tea bag or lift out the infuser/loose leaves. Remove ginger slices and mint leaves if you prefer less intensity.

Sweeten and brighten: Stir in 1 tsp honey or sugar if desired. Squeeze the juice of about half a lemon (use less if adding milk) for a bright citrus note.

Add milk (optional): If you prefer milk tea, add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream and stir gently. Do not add lemon if using milk, as it can curdle.

Taste and adjust: Taste the tea and adjust sweetness, lemon, or milk to your preference. Add extra steeping time for stronger brew or a second tea bag for more caffeine/body.

Serve: Serve immediately while hot. If desired, garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint.