Tea Brewing GuidePerfect TeaEvery Time
Master the art of tea brewing with comprehensive guides on temperature, timing, water quality, and techniques for every type of tea.
QUICK ANSWER
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is both an art and a science. Get it right, and you'll unlock the full flavor potential of your tea leaves. Get it wrong, and even the finest tea can taste bitter or bland.
Temperature & Time Reference
01| Tea Type | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | 160-180°F | 1-3 minutes | Delicate, avoid bitterness |
| White Tea | 175-185°F | 4-6 minutes | Gentle, subtle flavors |
| Oolong Tea | 185-205°F | 2-5 minutes | Complex, multiple infusions |
| Black Tea | 200-212°F | 3-5 minutes | Bold, robust, milk-friendly |
| Pu-erh Tea | 195-212°F | 3-5 minutes | Earthy, improves with age |
| Herbal Tea | 212°F | 5-7 minutes | Caffeine-free, longer steeps |
Temperature is the single most important factor in brewing. Too hot, and you extract bitter tannins that mask delicate flavors. Too cool, and the leaves won't release their essential oils. Every degree matters.
The ancient tea masters didn't have thermometers. They watched for "fish eyes" in the water — those small bubbles that appear at 170°F, perfect for green tea. At 185°F, "crab eyes" form. By 212°F, the rolling boil they called "dragon eyes" was ready for black tea.
The Golden Rules
02Start with Quality Water
Use filtered or spring water for best results. Hard water can make tea taste flat, while distilled water lacks minerals that bring out tea flavors.
Ideal specifications:
- TDS: 50-150ppm
- pH: 6.5-7.5
Mind the Temperature
Different teas require different temperatures. Delicate green and white teas need cooler water, while black and herbal teas can handle boiling water.
Pro tip: Invest in a variable temperature kettle for precision
Time It Right
Over-steeping leads to bitterness, while under-steeping results in weak flavor. Use a timer for consistency.
When in doubt, steep less and re-infuse
Measure Properly
Generally use 1 teaspoon (2-3g) of loose tea per 8oz cup. Adjust to taste, using more tea for stronger flavor rather than longer steeping.
Brewing ratios:
- Western: 2-3g per cup
- Gongfu: 5-8g per 100ml
Advanced Brewing Methods
03Gongfu Style
Traditional Chinese method using small teapots, more tea, and multiple short infusions. Perfect for oolong and pu-erh teas. Each infusion reveals new layers of flavor.
Specifications: 5-8g • 100ml • 10-30 seconds
Grandpa Style
Add tea leaves directly to your cup and refill with water as you drink. Simple, traditional Chinese method — no equipment needed.
Specifications: 2g • Large cup • Continuous
Cold Brewing
Steep tea in cold water for 6-12 hours for a smooth, naturally sweet result. Perfect for summer and never gets bitter.
Specifications: 5g • 1L • 6-12 hours
Western Style
The familiar teapot or infuser method. Lower leaf-to-water ratio with longer steeping times. Most common brewing method in Europe and America.
Specifications: 2-3g • 250ml • 2-5 minutes
"The way of tea is not merely about drinking. It's about creating a moment of peace in your day, a ritual that grounds you in the present. Whether you follow ancient ceremony or create your own, the important thing is intention."
From the elaborate Japanese tea ceremony to the simple British afternoon tea, every culture has developed its own relationship with brewing. What they share is an understanding that tea is more than a beverage — it's a practice that connects us to tradition, nature, and each other.
Essential Equipment
04The Basics
- Kettle: Variable temperature preferred
- Teapot or Gaiwan: 300-500ml for Western style
- Timer: Essential for consistency
For Loose Leaf
- Infuser Basket: Allows leaves to expand
- Scale: For precise measurements
- Storage Tins: Keep tea fresh
Advanced Tools
- Gaiwan: For gongfu brewing
- Tea Table: Traditional brewing surface
- Fairness Pitcher: For even distribution
Common Brewing Mistakes
05| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using Boiling Water for All Teas | Burns delicate leaves, creates bitterness | Match water temperature to tea type |
| Steeping Too Long | Over-extraction of tannins | Use a timer, re-steep for stronger flavor |
| Storing Tea Improperly | Loss of flavor, absorption of odors | Airtight containers, away from light and heat |
| Not Preheating the Teapot | Temperature drop affects extraction | Rinse with hot water before brewing |
Master Your Brewing
Ready to perfect your technique? Explore our detailed guides for specific tea types and advanced methods.