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Brewing Methods

How to Brew the Perfect Cup 

At Celestial Seasonings, we consider making and drinking tea an art form that’s easy to master. Here are some tea-brewing basics to get you started.

Brewing Basics

While you’re heating the water for your next cup, be sure to think about the three basic principles of brewing tea. Have a plan before you pour.

  • Freshness. Try to use fresh, filtered water each time you brew. Repeatedly boiling and cooling water brings oxygen (the “O” in “H20”) out of solution – resulting in flat-tasting water and (eventually) tea. In addition, the taste and odor of chlorine in water masks many of tea’s subtler flavors, so filtered or spring water is the way to go if possible.
  • Temperature. Most types of tea call for a full, rolling boil to bring out the best aroma, flavor and benefits. The notable exceptions are green tea and white tea, which taste best when cooler water (around 190 F) is used.
  • Steeping time. The most common brewing mistake is over-steeping, which can bring out off flavors and increase bitterness. Keep a timer (or a timer app) handy to make sure you remove the tea bag at just the right moment.

Our Blendmaster Emeritus, Charlie Baden, recommends the following brewing instructions based oºn type of tea. Remember to check the box for specific instructions for the tea you’re making.

Herbal

HOT TEA*

Pour freshly boiled water over one tea bag (use two bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 4 to 6 minutes. Remove tea bags. Sweeten if desired.

ICED TEA*
Pour freshly boiled water over two tea bags (use four bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 4 to 6 minutes. Remove tea bags. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.

*Pour boiled water into heat resistant cup.

LEARN ABOUT HERBAL TEA

 

Black

HOT TEA*
Pour freshly boiled water over one tea bag (use two bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Sweeten if desired.

ICED TEA*
Pour freshly boiled water over two tea bags (use four bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.

*Pour boiled water into heat resistant cup.

LEARN ABOUT BLACK TEA

 

Green

HOT TEA*
Heat water to near boiling, 180-190 ºF. Pour 8 oz of water over one tea bag (use two bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 2 minutes. Do not over steep. Remove tea bag. Sweeten if desired and enjoy.

 

ICED TEA*
Pour freshly boiled water over two tea bags (use four bags for bolder flavor or larger mug). Steep 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice.

*Pour boiled water into heat resistant cup.


LEARN ABOUT GREEN TEA

Cold Brew 

  • Use 1 or 2 tea bags for each 8 ounces of water. 
  • Pour cold water over tea bag.
  • Steep for 5 minutes (or longer for bolder flavor).
  • Squeeze and remove tea tag.
  • Add ice and sweeten if desired. 
  • Refrigerate after brewing.