Brewing tea is part art, part science. The right water, temperature, ratio, and time can transform any cup—from bold black tea to delicate white tea and caffeine-free herbal infusions. Use this hub to master the essentials and dive into detailed guides for each tea type.
Brewing Basics for Every Tea
- Use good water: Spring or filtered water brings brighter flavor. Avoid distilled/RO water—lack of minerals can make tea taste flat.
- Mind the temperature: Too hot can turn green tea bitter; too cool leaves black tea weak. Each tea has a “sweet spot” below.
- Measure, don’t guess: Weigh leaves where possible for consistency. Fluffy teas pack differently than dense ones.
- Time it right: Shorter = lighter; longer = stronger (and sometimes more bitter). Adjust to taste.
Want a deeper dive on water, temps, and ratios? Read Improve Your Brew.
Black Tea Brewing Guide
Bold, malty, and classic. Fully oxidized black teas (Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, English Breakfast, Earl Grey) shine when brewed hot and strong.
- Ratio: 1–2 tsp (2–3 g) per 1 cup (250 ml)
- Water: 212°F / 100°C (rolling boil)
- Time: 3–5 minutes (shorter = lighter, longer = stronger)
- Serve: Plain, or with milk/lemon and honey
Green Tea Brewing Guide
Light, grassy, sometimes nutty. Keep the temperature lower to avoid extracting excess chlorophyll (bitterness).
- Ratio: 1 tsp (~2 g) per 1 cup (250 ml)
- Water: 175°F / 80°C
- Time: 1–3 minutes (start tasting at 60–90 seconds)
- Serve: Best plain; great iced with citrus or mint
Herbal / Tisane Brewing Guide
Caffeine-free blends of herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices—think chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, ginger. Comforting hot and vibrant iced.
- Ratio: 1–2 tsp (2–3 g) per 1 cup (250 ml)
- Water: 203–212°F / 95–100°C
- Time: 5–7 minutes (longer = bolder)
- Serve: Plain or with honey; cover while steeping to trap aromatics
Rooibos Brewing Guide
South African “Red Bush” (Rooibos, Rooibosch) is naturally caffeine-free, smooth, and gently sweet—great day or night.
- Ratio: 2 tsp (2–3 g) per 1 cup (250 ml)
- Water: 203°F / 95°C
- Time: 3–6 minutes (won’t go bitter; low tannins)
- Serve: Plain, with milk, or as a frothed “lattea”
White Tea Brewing Guide
Delicate, lightly oxidized, and nuanced. Carefully picked and sun-withered, then gently withered indoors—some of the world’s finest teas.
- Ratio: 2–3 tsp (4–5 g) per 1 cup (250 ml)
- Water: 200°F / 93°C
- Time: 5–7 minutes (single infusion); 1–2 minutes for multiple infusions
- Serve: Neat; a touch of honey if desired
Ready to Brew Your Best Cup?
Explore Java Momma’s tea collection and find your next favorite blend. Then use the guides above to steep it perfectly—every time.
