Sip by Sip: Mastering the Art of Brewing Your Favourite Teas

1. Green Tea: The Gentle Awakener

Loose Leaf: Measure out a teaspoon of loose green tea, heat water to a gentle 175°F (80°C), pour over the leaves, and let them steep for a delicate 2-3 minutes before straining and sipping its fresh, grassy notes.

Teabag: Place your teabag in a cup, add water heated to 175°F (80°C), let it steep for 2-3 minutes, then remove the teabag and enjoy the light, rejuvenating flavors.

Cold Brew Option: Steep 1 teaspoon of loose leaves or a teabag in hot water and keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours; strain and serve over ice with lemon for a crisp, refreshing experience.

2. Black Tea: The Bold Companion

Loose Leaf: Take a teaspoon of loose black tea, bring water to a rolling boil at 212°F (100°C), pour over the leaves, and steep for a robust 3-5 minutes before straining to enjoy the deep, full-bodied flavor.

Teabag: Set the teabag in your cup, add boiling water (212°F or 100°C), let it steep for 3-5 minutes, then remove the teabag to savor the strength and richness.

Cold Brew Option: Let 1 teaspoon of loose leaves or a teabag steep in hot water then keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours; strain and serve over ice with a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.

3. Masala Milk Tea: The Spicy Comfort

Loose Leaf: Mix a teaspoon of black tea with a blend of spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger) in boiling water (212°F or 100°C), steep for 4-5 minutes, strain, then blend with warm milk and sweeten to taste for a rich, spiced delight.

Teabag: Place a black tea teabag in your cup, add a dash of ground spices, pour boiling water (212°F or 100°C), steep for 4-5 minutes, remove the teabag, then stir in warm milk and sweetener.

Cold Brew Option: Steep 1 teaspoon of loose tea or a teabag with spices in hot water then let it set in the fridge for 3-4 hours; strain, add cold milk, sugar and serve over ice for a chilled masala twist.

4. Oolong Tea: The Elegant Dancer

Loose Leaf: Measure 1-2 teaspoons of loose oolong tea, heat water to a luxurious 185°F-205°F (85°C-96°C), pour over the leaves, and let them steep for 4-7 minutes before straining to appreciate its complex, layered flavors.

Teabag: Place the teabag in your cup, add water heated to 185°F-205°F (85°C-96°C), steep for 4-7 minutes, then remove the teabag to enjoy oolong’s subtle elegance.

Cold Brew Option: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaves or a teabag in hot water then keep it in the fridge for 3-4 hours; strain and serve over ice for a delicate, refreshing brew.

5. Matcha Tea: The Vibrant Energizer

Loose Powder: Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl, whisk with a small amount of water at 175°F (80°C) to form a smooth paste, then gradually add more water while whisking vigorously until frothy, and pour into your cup for a vibrant, energizing drink.

Cold Brew Option: Blend 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder with cold water and ice, shake well, and serve for a refreshing, frothy green tea experience.

6. Herbal Tea: The Soothing Companion

Loose Leaf: Measure a teaspoon of loose herbal tea, pour boiling water (212°F or 100°C) over the leaves, and steep for a soothing 5-7 minutes before straining to enjoy its calming embrace.

Teabag: Set the teabag in your cup, add boiling water (212°F or 100°C), let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the teabag and bask in the herbal comfort.

Cold Brew Option: Steep 1 teaspoon of loose leaves or a teabag in hot water then keep it in the fridge for 1-2 hours; strain and serve over ice for a cool, relaxing treat.

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is a journey of discovery, where each type brings its own charm and warmth. Whether you’re savoring the subtlety of green tea, the boldness of black tea, the spice of masala milk tea, the elegance of oolong, the energy of matcha, or the calm of herbal blends, these tips will help you brew each cup to perfection. And for those hot days or moments when you crave a refreshing change, the cold brew options offer a delightful twist to your tea experience. So, embrace the art of tea, enjoy every sip, and let each cup bring a little more joy to your day.