If you've ever asked, "Why doesn't my tea taste as good as it should?" you're not alone. Making a great cup of tea isn’t just about tossing a bag in hot water. It’s about precision, patience and knowing the right method for the type of tea you're brewing. Whether you’re sipping oolong, black, green or herbal, this guide will show you how to brew tea like a pro.
Why the Brewing Process Matters
Tea leaves are delicate. Too much heat can scorch them, too little and you miss out on flavour. Brewing tea the right way extracts the best flavour, aroma and benefits — especially from loose leaf tea, which contains higher-quality leaves than most tea bags.
Read more: Why the brewing process matters
Step-by-Step: How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea
1. Choose Your Tea Type
Different teas require different brewing techniques. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time |
| Green Tea | 70–80°C | 1–3 minutes |
| Black Tea | 90–100°C | 3–5 minutes |
| Oolong Tea | 85–95°C | 3–5 minutes |
| White Tea | 75–85°C | 4–5 minutes |
| Herbal Tea | 95–100°C | 5-7 minutes |
| Matcha | 75–80°C | Whisked (no steeping) |
Use our handy guide below to keep a check on water temperatures and steep times.
2. Use Good Water
The quality of your water can make or break your tea. Avoid distilled or heavily chlorinated water. Filtered tap water or spring water is best.
3. Measure Your Tea Properly
- Loose leaf tea: Use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz (1 cup) of water.
- Tea bags: One bag per 8 oz cup.
For stronger tea, add more leaves, not more time. Oversteeping leads to bitterness.
4. Heat Your Water to the Right Temperature
Use a temperature-controlled kettle or let your boiling water cool for a minute or two if you're brewing delicate teas like green or white.
Pro tip: Never pour boiling water directly on green tea. It ruins the taste.
5. Steep with Care
Use a teapot, infuser, or mug with a lid to retain heat. Set a timer — guessing leads to over- or under-steeping.
- For green tea, too long = bitter
- For black tea, too short = weak
- For herbal tea, too short = no benefits
Brewing Techniques: Tea Bags vs Loose Leaf
Tea Bags
- Convenient but often contain lower-grade tea (dust and fannings).
- Best for speed, not flavour.
Loose Leaf Tea
- Offers fuller flavour and better aroma
- Requires an infuser, teapot or French press
If you're serious about tea, upgrading to loose leaf is one of the easiest ways to elevate your brew.
Read more: Best techniques for tea bags and loose leaf tea
Specialty Techniques for Different Teas
Matcha (Powdered Green Tea)
- Sift 1–2 tsp of matcha into a bowl
- Add hot water (~75°C)
- Whisk briskly in an “M” motion with a bamboo whisk until frothy
Cold Brew Tea
- Add loose leaf tea or bags to cold water
- Let it steep in the fridge for 6–12 hours
- Strain and serve over ice
Best for: Green tea, herbal blends and fruity teas.
Gong Fu Cha (Chinese Method for Oolong/Black Tea)
- Use a small teapot (gaiwan)
- Rinse leaves with hot water
- Steep leaves multiple times for short intervals (15–60 seconds)
- Each steep reveals new flavours
Bonus Tips for a Better Cup
- Pre-warm your teapot or cup to maintain temperature
- Use fresh tea, old leaves lose flavour fast
- Try adding lemon, honey, mint or spices (but only after tasting the tea plain first).
- Avoid using milk in green or white teas, it can clash with the flavour profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using boiling water for green or white tea
- Oversteeping your tea
- Reusing low-quality tea bags
- Using stale or improperly stored tea
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make a good cup of tea is simple once you understand the basics: use the right temperature, quality tea and correct steeping time. Whether you're sipping oolong, matcha, or peppermint tea, brewing it properly makes all the difference.
If you're still using boiling water and oversteeping tea bags, it's time to step up. Your perfect cup is waiting, and now, you know exactly how to brew it.