How to Brew Black Teas

Below are our step-by-step instructions on how to brew black tea so that you can enjoy a fresh cup. Once you finish, you can browse our black tea selection to find the blend or varietal that will fill your next cup at home.

LOOSE LEAF

GETTING THE WATER RIGHT

If you’re using tap water, let it run cold briefly before filling the kettle. Tea needs oxygen to infuse properly, and tap water loses oxygen if it sits in the pipes for too long.

THE ALL-IMPORTANT TEAPOT Generally, the best teapots are ceramic, as you can use them to brew any type of tea and they retain heat well. Cast iron is an option, too.

For best flavor, bring spring or freshly drawn filtered water to a boil (212℉).

MEASURE YOUR TEA LEAVES

We recommend using 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea for every 220 ml (6-8 Oz) of water.

Allow the leaves to steep for 4 minutes.After 4 minutes, place a basket strainer over your cup and pour the tea so that any leaves will be caught by the strainer.Serve the contents of the teapot.

Take a moment to enjoy your tea. You’re now ready for anything!

Note: do not allow the tea leaves in your teapot to continue to steep.*

ADDING MILK OR LEMON You can drink your black tea solo, or you can pair it with milk or lemon if you prefer. Lemon is often used with Earl Grey as it brings out the citrus flavors. Milk in black tea is a classic Indian thing. And, whether you add it first or second, is purely a matter of taste.

HOW LONG TO BREW?

Brewing times vary depending on what type of tea you’re using. Approx 4 minutes is good.

Darjeeling brew time: 3 minutes

Earl Grey brew time: 5 minutes

Assam brew time: 4 minutes

BLACK TEA SACHET

For best flavor, bring spring or freshly drawn filtered water to a boil (212℉)

Preheat your cup with boiling water, then discard the water.

Place the sachet in your chosen vessel, whether it is a teapot or teacup.

Pour about 220ml (6-8 ounces) of hot water over the sachet.

Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes.After 5 minutes, remove the sachet and enjoy.