Brewing tea is part art, part science, and a whole lot of personal preference. But no matter your style, one thing is certain—how you brew makes a difference. The right temperature, steep time, and technique can elevate your tea from just okay to absolutely unforgettable. So whether you're a fan of bold black teas, delicate greens, or earthy herbal blends, here’s how to get the most out of every cup.

Black Tea: Bold, Strong, Classic

• Water Temperature: 200-212°F (just off boiling)
• Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
• Best Brewing Method: Teapot or infuser for full leaf expansion

Black tea thrives in hot water, unlocking its rich, malty, or smoky flavors. A longer steep pulls out stronger, more tannic notes, while a shorter one keeps it smooth. Too long? You’ll end up with a bitter brew. Add milk, honey, or a slice of lemon to enhance different flavor notes.

Green Tea: Fresh, Bright, and a Little Picky

• Water Temperature: 160-180°F (steaming, not boiling!)
• Steep Time: 1-3 minutes
• Best Brewing Method: Gaiwan, glass teapot, or simple infuser

Green tea is sensitive—too hot, and you’ll scorch it, leaving you with a bitter, astringent cup. Stick to lower temperatures and shorter steeps to keep its grassy, floral, or nutty flavors intact. If it tastes too sharp, try cooling your water slightly or using fewer leaves.

Oolong Tea: The Best of Both Worlds

• Water Temperature: 180-200°F
• Steep Time: 3-5 minutes (or multiple short steeps for traditional gongfu style)
• Best Brewing Method: Gaiwan or a small teapot

Oolong sits between green and black tea, offering deep complexity with floral, fruity, or roasted notes. It shines in multiple infusions—steeping the same leaves multiple times brings out different layers of flavor.

White Tea: Subtle, Elegant, and Worth the Patience

• Water Temperature: 160-185°F
• Steep Time: 4-5 minutes
• Best Brewing Method: Open infuser or glass teapot

White tea is delicate and needs a gentle touch. Lower temperatures and longer steeps bring out its soft, sweet, and sometimes fruity flavors. Unlike other teas, white tea is more forgiving—steeping it a little longer won’t ruin it, but too hot of water will.

Herbal Tea: No Rules, Just Flavor

• Water Temperature: 200-212°F
• Steep Time: 5-7 minutes (or more, depending on ingredients)
• Best Brewing Method: Covered mug or teapot to trap aromas

Herbal blends, like chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus, don’t contain tea leaves, so they don’t get bitter from long steeps. The longer they brew, the stronger the flavors—perfect for extracting full-bodied, aromatic goodness.

Rooibos: Naturally Sweet & Caffeine-Free

• Water Temperature: 200°F
• Steep Time: 5-7 minutes
• Best Brewing Method: Open infuser or teapot

Rooibos is smooth, naturally sweet, and packed with antioxidants. It doesn’t get bitter, so feel free to let it steep a little longer to pull out more depth. Adding honey or a splash of milk makes it even cozier.

Final Brewing Tips for the Best Cup Every Time

• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste—bad water makes bad tea.
• Measure your tea: 1 teaspoon per cup for most teas, but adjust for large-leaf varieties.
• Don’t squeeze your tea bag or leaves—it can release unwanted bitterness.
• Experiment! Everyone’s taste is different, so tweak times and temperatures to find your perfect brew.

The beauty of tea is in the ritual—the pause, the process, the personal touch. Whether you like it strong and bold or light and floral, there’s no wrong way, just optimum ways. So grab your favorite blend, steep with intention, and enjoy the experience.