Hot Tea Recipe

Heat water

Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of fresh cold water into a kettle or small saucepan. Place on medium-high heat and bring to a near boil. For black tea, heat until a rolling boil; for green or white tea (if substituted), heat until small bubbles form (just below boiling).

Add aromatics (optional)

If using ginger or whole spices, add them to the water once it heats. For ginger, simmer 2–3 minutes to soften and infuse. For a cinnamon stick or crushed cardamom pod, simmer 1–2 minutes. Remove aromatics before steeping delicate teas (green/white).

Place tea in teapot or mug

Put 2 tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf tea in an infuser) into a teapot or directly into your mug.

Pour hot water

Pour the hot water over the tea bags or infuser, covering them completely. Ensure water temperature is appropriate for the tea type (boiling for black; ~175–185°F / 80–85°C for green).

Steeping time

Allow tea to steep: 3–5 minutes for black tea (3 for milder, 5 for stronger), 2–3 minutes for green, and 4–6 minutes for herbal tisanes. Do not over-steep to avoid bitterness.

Remove tea

After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves to stop infusion.

Sweeten and add lemon or milk (optional)

Stir in honey or sugar to taste (start with 1 tsp). If adding lemon, add 1 slice now. If you prefer milk, add about 2 tablespoons and stir. Note: do not add lemon and milk together (lemon can curdle milk).

Taste and adjust

Taste the tea and adjust sweetness, milk, or lemon as desired. If too strong, add a splash of hot water; if too weak, steep another bag for 1 minute.

Serve

Pour the tea into a cup if brewed in a teapot, or enjoy directly from your mug. Use a saucer or coaster and enjoy while hot.