Brew Guide

Better tea starts with better brewing.

Use these starting points, then adjust the amount of tea or steep time until the cup tastes right to you.

Quick reference

Hot tea basics

Green Tea

1 teaspoon per 8 oz

170–180°F

2–3 minutes

Black Tea

1 teaspoon per 8 oz

195–205°F

3–5 minutes

Herbal Tea

1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz

205–212°F

5–7 minutes

Step by step

How to make a cup

  1. Measure the tea into an infuser with enough room for the leaves to expand.
  2. Heat fresh water to the recommended temperature for the tea type.
  3. Pour the water over the leaves and start the timer immediately.
  4. Remove the infuser when the steep time ends. Longer is not always stronger; over-steeping can make tea bitter.
  5. Taste before adding sweetener, milk, or lemon.

Iced tea

Brew with twice the normal amount of tea, then pour over a full glass of ice. This prevents the finished drink from tasting watered down.

Re-steeping

Many whole-leaf teas can be steeped a second time. Add roughly 30–60 seconds to the next steep.

Water matters

Fresh filtered water generally gives a cleaner cup than heavily chlorinated or repeatedly boiled water.

Troubleshooting

Too weak, too strong, or bitter?

  • Too weak: use more tea before increasing the steep time.
  • Too strong: reduce the amount or shorten the steep.
  • Bitter green tea: lower the water temperature and remove the leaves sooner.
  • Flat flavor: use fresh water and confirm the pouch has been sealed between uses.