How to Make (and Enjoy) the Perfect Cup of Tea

There are few things I love more in this world than a fresh, hot cup of tea. I have a few favorite teas, as well as teas that I like to drink at specific times of the day. But honestly, I’ll take any cup of tea, any day, any time – no questions asked!

As an avid tea drinker, allow me to share with you my step-by-step guide to making and, of course, enjoying a perfect cup of tea.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Boil water.

Be sure to actually boil water, as opposed to heating up water in the microwave. Use a tea kettle or a hot pot to bring water to a boil, or you can even use a Keurig, if you have one (although boiling is still preferable). Getting hot water the good-old-fashioned way will make for a much better cup of tea.

I used this hot pot to boil water for tea throughout college. It’s perfect for your dorm room or office – no stove needed! Now, at home, I love using this adorable Kate Spade tea kettle. It comes in so many cute colors and patterns (mine is royal blue)!

2. Steep for the right amount of time.

Brew time varies for different types of tea. Check the instructions on the tea’s bag or box, then steep the teabag in your freshly boiled water for the recommended amount of time. Avoid over-steeping your tea or not steeping it long enough – you want to get the maximum, optimal flavor.

Pro-tip: set a timer so that you get exactly the right length of steeping time (and don’t accidentally forget it on the kitchen counter!).

3. Add sweetener, if necessary.

For most types of tea, I honestly recommend drinking it straight, without any added sweetener. Just enjoy the tea’s natural flavor! But for certain teas (especially black teas), or if you generally find the taste of tea bitter, you might need a little sweetener.

In those cases, I recommend using honey. It’s a healthier, more natural sweetener than sugar or Splenda – not to mention it’s delicious!

4. Drink it while it’s hot.

Let it cool off enough that you won’t burn your tongue, of course, but don’t wait too long – as soon as it reaches a comfortable drinking temperature, bottoms up! If your tea ends up getting too cold, you can reheat it in the microwave, or alternatively, you can turn it into iced tea by adding some ice cubes or chilling it in the fridge for a while.

If you’re like me and tend to let your tea cool off too much, I have amazing news for you: mug warmers exist.

5. Find a cozy spot.

A cup of tea isn’t complete without a lovely setting to consume it in! Curl up in a cozy chair with a book in one hand and your teacup in the other. If you’re studying, bring your books and your tea to a table by a window. Share tea and conversation with a friend on the living room couch. Drink a cup of morning tea at the kitchen table with spiritual reading or prayer time to go with it.

Bottom line: wherever or however you drink your tea, enjoy it!