With more than 2 billion people starting their day with this hot refreshing beverage, there is no doubt that the world is consuming almost six billion tonnes of tea produced every year (1).
There are thousands of different types of tea from various regions and countries, each with its own unique flavour and brewing methods. The right tea leaves, ingredients, water temperature, steeping time, and method make all the difference between a bland brew and a rich, flavorful cup. Here’s a simple, foolproof way to make the perfect cup of tea—whether it's black, green, or masala chai.
1. Choose Your Tea Base
- Black Tea – Bold, strong, pairs well with milk or lemon.
- Green Tea – Light, grassy, delicate; best without milk.
- Herbal Tea – Caffeine-free, soothing, with various health benefits.
- Masala Chai – Spiced black tea with milk for a rich, aromatic experience.
- Wet Chai – A pre-sweetened, sticky chai blend soaked in honey or syrup for extra-rich flavor (more on this later!).
2. Heat Water to the Right Temperature
Water temperature affects the taste of your tea. Follow these guidelines:
- Black Tea – 90–98°C (194–208°F) – Boiling is fine.
- Green Tea – 80–85°C (176–185°F) – Too hot, and it turns bitter.
- White Tea – 75–80°C (167–176°F) – Delicate flavors need lower heat.
- Herbal Tea – 98°C (208°F) – Needs boiling water to fully infuse.
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Wet Chai – Steep in warm or hot milk for a rich, thick consistency.
🔹 Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before using it for green or white tea.
Not just that, it's best to avoid reboiled water, since it loses oxygen, it makes your tea flat. So to extract the best out of your tea, use cold, fresh water to heat up.
3. Pre-Warm Your Teapot or Cup (Optional but Recommended)
Swirl hot water in your cup or teapot before adding tea to maintain temperature. By this way, it maintains the optimal brewing temperature.
5. Steep at the Right Time
Different teas need different steeping times:
- Black Tea – 3-5 minutes (longer for a stronger taste).
- Green Tea – 2-3 minutes (steep too long, and it turns bitter).
- Herbal Tea – 5-7 minutes (longer steeping enhances flavours).
- Wet Chai (Chai Concentrate) – 2-3 tablespoons per cup (diluted with water or milk).
Please note that wet chai is a pre-mixed chai blend soaked in honey or syrup, making it stronger, naturally sweetened, and quicker to brew. Unlike dry chai, the spices are already infused, meaning you get a more intense flavor with less steeping time.
How to brew wet chai:
1️⃣ Add 2-3 tablespoons of wet chai to your pot.
2️⃣ Pour in hot milk (dairy or plant-based) instead of water.
3️⃣ Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then strain and serve.
Tip: Over-steeping leads to bitterness, while under-steeping makes weak tea.
6. Add Extras (Optional, but Flavorful!)
Milk – Pairs well with black tea and chai.
Honey or Sugar – It helps enhance sweetness naturally with any tea that you have
Lemon – Works great with black or green tea.
Spices – Add cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger for warmth.
🔹 And if you're making chai tea from wet chai, try adding a pinch of saffron or extra crushed cardamom for a next-level chai experience.
7. Enjoy the Perfect Cup!
Sip slowly and savour the flavours.
Pair with biscuits, scones, or snacks for an extra treat.
Experiment with different brewing times, tea blends, and add-ins to find your personal favorite.
Explore more: The Ultimate Guide to Chai Snacks & Drinks Pairings