Tea Brewing Guide: How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Brewing tea is both simple and personal. While every tea has general guidelines, the perfect cup ultimately comes down to taste, aroma, and experience.
This guide covers the basics of brewing tea so you can get the most out of every cup — whether you’re brewing herbal, green, black, or specialty teas.
Water Quality Matters
Great tea starts with great water.
Start with fresh, filtered water whenever possible. Clean water allows the true flavor of tea leaves and herbs to shine.
Tea is more than 98% water, so the quality of the water you use directly affects taste, aroma, and clarity. Even the best tea leaves can taste flat or bitter if brewed with poor-quality water.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh, Clean Water
- Avoid Distilled Water
- Filtered Water Is Best
- Mineral Balance Matters
Bottom line: if your water tastes good on its own, it will make better tea.
Water Temperature: Don’t Boil Everything
Different teas respond best to different water temperatures. Using water that’s too hot can scorch delicate leaves, while water that’s too cool may not fully extract flavor.
As a general rule:
- Herbal teas handle boiling water well
- Green and white teas prefer lower temperatures
- Black teas usually do best just under or at boiling
If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, letting boiled water cool for 30–60 seconds is often enough for more delicate teas.
How Long Should You Steep Tea?
Steeping time controls strength and balance. Too short, and tea tastes weak. Too long, and it can become bitter or overpowering.
Below is a quick-reference brewing table you can place mid-page or near the bottom of the guide.
Steeping Guide by Tea Type
| Tea Type | Water Temperature | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Herbal Tea | 212°F (Boiling) | 5–7 minutes |
| Black Tea | 200–212°F | 3–5 minutes |
| Green Tea | 160–180°F | 2–3 minutes |
| White Tea | 160–175°F | 2–4 minutes |
| Oolong Tea | 180–200°F | 3–5 minutes |
| Rooibos Tea | 212°F (Boiling) | 5–7 minutes |
| Matcha | 160–175°F | Whisked (not steeped) |
Tip: Start with the lower end of the range if you prefer a smoother cup, and increase time/temperature for a stronger brew.
Tea-to-Water Ratio
Using the right amount of tea ensures consistent results.
A good starting point:
- 1 tea bag or 1–1.5 teaspoons loose tea
- 8 oz (1 cup) of water
You can adjust strength by slightly increasing or decreasing steep time rather than adding more tea.
Covered vs. Uncovered Steeping
Covering your tea while it steeps helps retain heat and aromatic compounds — especially important for herbal and floral teas.
Leaving tea uncovered can allow delicate aromas to escape before they reach your cup.
Iced Tea Brewing Tips
Iced tea deserves just as much care as hot tea.
Two simple methods:
- Hot brew + chill: Brew slightly stronger, then pour over ice
- Cold brew: Steep tea in cold water for 8–12 hours in the refrigerator
Cold brewing creates a smoother, less bitter cup — especially great for herbal and green teas.
Common Brewing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boiling water for all teas
- Over-steeping “to make it stronger”
- Reheating brewed tea
- Using poor-quality water
Small adjustments make a big difference.
Brewing Is Personal
These guidelines are a starting point, not strict rules. Taste preferences vary, and experimenting is part of discovering what you enjoy most.
Once you find your sweet spot, brewing tea becomes second nature — and far more rewarding.