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🍵 The Brewer's Companion
Brewing Guide
Last Updated: June 2026
"Every memorable cup begins with a little patience."
Whether you're new to loose-leaf tea or you've been brewing for years, there isn't just one "right" way to make tea. These guidelines are simply a place to begin. Adjust, experiment, and discover the cup that feels just right for you.
🌿 Start With Fresh Water
Great tea begins with great water.
Whenever possible, use fresh, cold water rather than water that's already been boiled. Filtered water allows the natural flavors of the tea to shine without competing with minerals or chlorine.
Fresh water.
Fresh leaves.
A fresh start.
🥄 Measure Your Tea
A good starting point is:
1 teaspoon loose-leaf tea per 8-ounce cup
1 tablespoon for larger mugs (12–16 ounces)
Remember that loose leaves need room to expand. A spacious infuser basket or teapot allows the leaves to fully unfurl, giving you a richer, more flavorful cup.
🔥 Water Temperature
Not every tea enjoys boiling water.
Tea TypeWater Temperature
Black Tea - 200–212°F (93–100°C)
Herbal Tea - 212°F (100°C)
Green Tea170 - 185°F (77–85°C)
White Tea175 - 185°F (80–85°C)
Oolong Tea185 - 205°F (85–96°C)
Water that's too hot can make delicate teas taste bitter, while water that's too cool may leave stronger teas tasting flat.
⏳ Steeping Time
Every tea has its sweet spot.
Tea Type Steep Time
Black Tea - 3–5 minutes
Herbal Tea - 5–7 minutes
Green Tea - 2–3 minutes
White Tea - 3–5 minutes
Oolong Tea - 3–5 minutes
If your tea tastes bitter, try shortening the steep time before using less tea.
♻️ A Second Cup?
Many loose-leaf teas can be steeped more than once.
In fact, some blends reveal entirely new flavors on a second infusion. Simply add fresh hot water and steep a little longer than the first cup.
Your favorite blend may still have another story to tell.
❄️ Cold Brewing
Loose-leaf tea also makes wonderful cold brew.
Add your tea to cold, filtered water.
Refrigerate for 6–12 hours.
Strain.
Serve over ice.
Cold brewing creates a naturally smooth, mellow cup with very little bitterness.
🫙 Storing Your Tea
Tea is happiest when stored:
☀️Away from sunlight
💧Away from moisture
🔥Away from heat
🫙In an airtight container
☕Away from strong odors like coffee or spices
Proper storage helps preserve aroma and flavor for months.
🍯 Customize Your Cup
Tea is wonderfully personal.
Enjoy it plain, or make it your own with:
Honey
Lemon
Milk (for many black teas)
Cinnamon sticks
Fresh herbs
A splash of vanilla
There are no rules—only preferences.
🌿 Common Brewing Questions
Why is my tea bitter?
Usually, the water was too hot or the tea steeped too long.
Why does loose-leaf tea taste better?
Whole leaves contain more essential oils and natural flavor than finely broken tea found in many tea bags.
Can I reuse my leaves?
Often, yes! Many loose-leaf teas produce two or even three enjoyable infusions.
Does every cup have to be exactly the same?
Not at all.
Think of these recommendations as gentle guidelines rather than strict rules.
Your favorite cup is the right cup.
☕ From My Kitchen to Yours
One of my favorite things about tea is that it naturally asks us to slow down.
The few quiet minutes spent waiting for water to heat and leaves to steep often become the most peaceful part of the day.
Whether you're brewing your very first cup or your thousandth, I hope your kettle brings warmth, your table welcomes conversation, and your home always has room for one more.
With warmth, Crystal