How to Brew Tea: Quick Guide for Great Flavor

Ever wonder why some cups taste flat while others sparkle? It usually comes down to three things – water temperature, steep time, and the tea you choose. Below you’ll find a no‑nonsense walk‑through that gets you a tasty brew in minutes.

Pick the Right Tea and Water

First, grab a tea that matches your mood. Black tea needs hot water (just off the boil), green tea likes a gentler 75‑80°C, and herbal blends can handle a full boil. If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a rolling boil, then let it sit for about 30 seconds for green tea. Use fresh, filtered water – tap water with chlorine can mute flavors.

Measure, Heat, Steep

Measure about one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup (about 250 ml). If you’re using a bag, one bag per cup works fine. Place the tea in a teapot, infuser, or directly in the mug. Pour the hot water over it, cover, and set a timer. Black tea: 3‑5 minutes. Green tea: 2‑3 minutes. Herbal: 5‑7 minutes. Longer steeping can make the brew bitter, so stick to the clock.

Once the timer dings, remove the leaves or bag. If you like a little chill, add ice now – the tea will stay bright. For a richer mouthfeel, consider a splash of milk or a slice of lemon, but add them after steeping so you can taste the tea first.

That’s the core of brewing. Want to level up? Here are a couple of quick tweaks:

• Pre‑warm your pot or mug. A warm vessel keeps the temperature steady, especially for green tea.
• Adjust the leaf quantity. If you like stronger tea, add a bit more leaf, but remember that too much can turn it astringent.
• Experiment with water sources. Spring or filtered water often extracts better flavor than hard tap water.

Now that you know the basics, check out some of the best‑tasting tea brands we tested in 2025. Brands like Twinings, Yorkshire Tea, and local organic blends all performed well, but the winner depended on the type – a strong black tea for mornings, a smooth green for afternoons.

Bottom line: the perfect cup is just water, tea, and timing. Follow the steps, play with a couple of tweaks, and you’ll have a reliable brew every time. No fancy gear, no mystery – just good tea in your hand.