Brewing Guide: Hot Tea & Iced Tea

Hot Tea

There are many ways to make tea—and none of them wrong—but here’s a good steeping chart to get you started!

How to Get That Perfect Cup of Tea

• To make a tea stronger, don’t steep it for longer, as that will usually make it bitter. Add more leaves instead!


• As a general rule, use one level teaspoon or 2 grams for every cup (8 oz) you’re making. Fluffier ingredients like mint and chamomile, or teas with larger leaves like green tea or oolong could use an extra teaspoon.


• Tea bag teas are usually one per cup (8 oz) of tea, though you can always double-up when you want it stronger!


• Spring water is ideal for brewing, but not necessary for making a good cup of tea.


• Many teas are good for a second (even third!) steeping. Multiple steepings can bring out more subtle flavors and notes. Commonly, oolong, green tea, white tea and pu-erh fall into this category. Give it a shot—you might end up liking the second infusion better than the first!

As always, experiment with steeping time, water temperature and tea amount! If a tea doesn’t taste quite right the first time around, play with your method until you find the flavor you enjoy.

Iced Tea

The Hot Method

1. Put in 2 teaspoons of loose tea or 2 tea bags for every cup (8 oz) of tea.
2. Fill your pitcher or glass halfway with hot water.
3. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on personal preference.
4. Fill the pitcher or glass up the rest of the way with cold water, then take out the tea leaves or bags.
5. Pour your tea over ice and serve.

The Cold Method

1. Put in 2 teaspoons of loose tea or 2 tea bags for every cup (8 oz) of tea.
2. Pour cold water over your leaves, filling up your pitcher or glass.
3. Leave the tea to steep in your fridge for 3 to 8 hours, depending on how strong you like it.
4. Pour your tea over ice and serve.