Brewing Guide

Tea Brewing Guide

Note: These are general guidelines. The strength and flavor of tea is a personal experience. For best results, start with a small amount and less steep time. Some teas can be steeped multiple times.

  • Black Tea

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 212°F (100°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over tea, steep 3–5 min

  • Green Tea

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 175°F (80°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over tea, steep 2–3 min

  • Oolong Tea

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 185–205°F (85–96°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over tea, steep 2–4 min (multiple infusions possible)

  • Chai

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 212°F (100°C)

    Method: Boil tea + spices in water (or water-milk mix), simmer 3–5 min

  • White Tea

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 160–185°F (71–85°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over tea, steep 1–3 min

  • Mate

    Amount: 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 150–180°F (65–82°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over mate, steep 3–5 min

  • Tisane / Herbal

    Amount: 1–2 tsp (2.5–5g) per 8 oz

    Temperature: 212°F (100°C)

    Method: Pour hot water over herbs, steep 5–10 min

Black Tea

Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a robust flavor and dark color. Pouring hot water over the leaves and steeping for the recommended time extracts its bold, rich taste. Common varieties include Darjeeling and Earl Grey.

Green Tea

Green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving its fresh, grassy notes. Hot water is poured over the leaves, followed by a shorter steeping time to avoid bitterness. Examples include Sencha and Matcha.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is partially oxidized (10–70 %), bridging black and green teas in flavor and color. Oxidation level determines profile: lighter oolongs are floral and vegetal; darker ones are roasty and fruity. Use near-boiling water and short, repeatable steeps to explore evolving layers. Classic examples: Tie Guan Yin (light) and Da Hong Pao (dark).

Chai

Chai is black tea (usually CTC Assam) blended with warming spices: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper. Traditional Indian preparation requires decoction—boiling the mix in water or a water-milk blend extracts both tea tannins and spice oils. Ratio ~1:1 water:milk common; sugar added to taste. Result: bold, aromatic, creamy brew.

White Tea

White tea is delicately processed with minimal oxidation, yielding a light, floral flavor. Hot water is poured over the leaves and steeped briefly to maintain its subtle character.

Mate

Yerba mate, a South American herb, offers a stimulating, earthy brew. Hot (not boiling) water is poured over the leaves, and steeping brings out its unique, slightly bitter taste. It’s often enjoyed in a gourd with a bombilla.

Tisane / Herbal

Tisanes, or herbal infusions, include ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos. Hot water is poured over the herbs, and a longer steeping time draws out their flavors and aromas. They’re naturally caffeine-free.