HOW TO BREW BLACK TEA

The classic British cuppa is made with black tea, milk and maybe even sugar. Read on for our handy guide to how to brew black tea. 

HOW TO PREPARE BLACK TEA AT HOME

Black tea is one of the simplest teas to make. Here’s what you’ll need. 

THE TEA

There’s a huge variety of black tea types. Try a few and pick your favorite.

Lipton® Daring English Breakfast  English Breakfast is one of the most famous teas in the world. Our blend is robust and punchy – perfect when drunk with milk and maybe a little sugar. 

Lipton® Amazingly Grey  Our take on a classic Earl Grey. Enjoy the enticing aroma of this delicate black tea with citrus notes.

Lipton® Enticing Chai  An expert blend of black tea with sweet and savory spices. Drink it hot, iced or added to milk in a rich and warming chai latte. 

THE WATER

If you’re using tap water, let it run cold briefly before filling the kettle. Tea needs oxygen to infuse properly, and tap water loses oxygen if it sits in the pipes for too long.

THE TEAPOT

Generally the best teapots are ceramic, as you can use them to brew any type of tea and they retain heat well. Cast iron is an option too. 

1. Boil water : Black tea needs hotter water, so let it reach a rolling boil. For other types, like green tea, you’ll only need little bubbles.

2. Add Tea : Pour your water on top of the tea to help ‘agitate’ the leaves. This helps the infusion.

3. Steep : Leave the tea to infuse. Try singing the national anthem while you wait!

4. Remove the Tea If : Lift loose tea leaves out in their infuser or pour the tea over a strainer. If using a teabag, lift it out with a teaspoon.

5. Serve : Enjoy your tea and feel recharged, ready to seize the day. 

ADDING MILK OR LEMON

You can just drink your black tea solo, or pair it with milk or lemon. Lemon is commonly used with Earl Grey as it brings out the citrus flavors.Milk in black tea is a classic British trait. Whether you add it first or second is up to you.

BLACK TEA BREWING TIMES

How long you brew your black tea for depends on what type of tea you’re using. 

• Darjeeling brew time: three minutes

• Earl Grey brew time: five minutes

• English Breakfast brew time: four minutes

 Now you have it, the perfect way to brew black tea. Time to recharge!