How to Brew Black Tea
Good black tea relies on the interaction between temperature and time. If the water is too cool, the flavor stays muted; if you let it sit too long, you lose the balance that makes the drink satisfying.
Fresh water is non-negotiable.
Oxygenated water is essential for tea to bloom. Always draw cold water from the tap rather than using water that has been sitting in a kettle or heated multiple times.
- Kettle
- Mug or teapot
- Infuser or strainer
- Timer
What goes in.
- 1 tsploose-leaf black tea (or one standard tea bag)
- 8 ozfresh cold water
Full Boil
Black tea requires high heat to extract its strength. Ensure the kettle is at a vigorous, rolling boil before pouring, as anything less will result in a thin, watery infusion.
The method.
Boil the water
Fill your kettle with fresh cold water. Heat until it reaches a full, rolling boil.
Warm the vessel
Pour a splash of boiling water into your mug or teapot, swirl it, and discard. This prevents the cold ceramic from dropping the temperature of your brew immediately.
Steep
Place the tea in your infuser or mug. Pour the boiling water directly over the tea. Start your timer for four minutes.
Remove the leaves
Once the timer hits four minutes, remove the leaves or bag immediately. Do not squeeze the bag, as this releases extra astringency.
Other turns to take.
Tea with Milk
If adding milk, pour it into the mug first before adding the brewed tea to ensure the proteins integrate smoothly without curdling.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Keep your tea in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve the oils in the leaf.
If you find the tea too astringent, try reducing the steeping time to three minutes rather than changing the water temperature.
High-quality loose leaf can often be steeped a second time; just increase the steeping duration by 60 seconds.
The ones that keep coming up.
Should I cover the tea while it steeps?
Yes. Covering the mug or teapot keeps the water temperature consistent, which ensures the tea steeps evenly.
Why does my tea taste metallic?
This is often a result of using water that has been boiled multiple times. Empty the kettle completely and start with fresh, cold water every time.
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