Many wonder how to make a pot of tea. We will show you the best tips to make the perfect pot of tea using loose-leaf tea. You can also get more of my Afternoon Tea Recipes and tips.
How to make the perfect pot of tea
Fill a tea kettle with bottled water or filtered water for the best results. Set it on the stove burner just until it boils. You can also use an electric tea kettle which many have their own tea-type temperature. While you wait, you can take a pretty ceramic teapot and run it under hot water so it will be warm when you put the hot water from the tea kettle after the water boils.
I also recommend using a tea cozy over your teapot. Pick your favorite loose-leaf tea, using 1 teaspoon per cup, and add it to a tea ball or tea filter and place it in the water in your teapot. You may have to adjust the amount depending on your taste. Wait for about 3 – 5 minutes and take out the tea. If you leave the tea leaves in longer it can make your tea bitter. You can find out more about loose-leaf tea from this post.
When making larger pots of tea for large groups, purchase or rent a large coffee maker just make sure you only use it for tea. Fill with distilled water and heat. Then add water to the teapots and bring them to the tables.
For Black Tea, it is suggested to use 1 teaspoon for a cup of tea and 1 Large Tablespoon for a pot of tea. Make sure your tea ball or tea envelope is larger than the amount of tea you use to give room for the leaves to expand in the water.
Tea Brewing Ideas
You can use the bags or tea ball a second time and you will reduce the strength a little bit in the second pot. Many teas suggest you can brew two times. I also suggest having a small tea strainer, just in case some little tea rascals escape when you pour your tea.
Once your tea is ready, get out a pretty teacup and teaspoon and any sugar you may want, light a candle, get a good book, and have a nice cuppa tea. Here are some items you should have on hand to have a tea party. You can also invite a friend over and have a small private tea party.
Visit my Afternoon Tea Store on Amazon for some of my favorite things.
If you like what you read here, please leave me some comments and share on Facebook or pin it. I hope you have learned a few tips on how to make a pot of tea, and leave a tip that you like when making your tea.
jillinamillion says
There's nothing quite like a good pot of tea. So important to warm the pot and use a tea cosy, I agree! On a cold winter's day, to be able to top up your cup with more of that hot goodness is great!
Candi says
I have some cute cozys, I am going to do a post just on that. Thanks for the thought. It's over 100 here, I can't wait for the cooler weather.
Becca says
I just pinned this because, believe it or not, I somehow made it to my mid 30s without knowing how to brew a pot of tea. I've never tried the loose tea leaves, so I'll have to check those out. Thanks for sharing!
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@candilandblogs says
Thanks Becca, I am glad you stopped by and hope you get a chance to make a great pot of tea and share with some friends.
Leila says
I have to admit, I brewed my first cup of tea about a month ago when I was sick – loose leaf tea too! I was so impressed with myself! 🙂 I am just coming around to liking tea, but still haven't found a hot tea that has really struck my fancy. What is your favorite?
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Candi says
I got this great tea once from Washington, it was a lavender spearmint, it was so good. I like blended teas but I also like just a good black tea. there are so many choices you can never get board. Ialso also them down.
Jeryl M. says
I am not much of a tea drinker myself, but I will share this information with my husband who alternates between drinking tea all the time to drinking coffee all the time and vice versa.
Candi says
Yes, my husband is the crazy coffee drinker and I am the tea drinker, it would be funny if that switched up.
divadivine2011 says
I alternate between drinking tea and drinking coffee. Now I know how to brew a good cup of tea-so I will try it out later. Thanks for sharing this with us.
callherhappy says
Tea season is upon us! And, believe it or not, I have never made a pot of tea like this before. I usually just boil some water, dip in a bag, and call it a cup. This is fancy and quaint 😉
Bethany says
Loose tea definitely makes for a better cup of tea. I have found that some teas take more or less than five minutes to brew. Maybe I'll go have some tea now!
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Candi says
Wow, Bethany, I'll have to look into that tea timer. Thanks for the great tip.
becca says
I adore a good cup of tea! I tend to use my Keurig to get the hot water now…but there is something about sitting down with a cup, a tea bag, and a hot kettle of water that will never grow old for me.
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Candi says
I always wondered about the Keurig, it seams to be a little spendy for a cup of tea, but I am sure its a time saver, which is always helpful.
jennifer schreiner says
I am a BIG tea drinker. I just love the taste of freshly brewed tea over instant or store bought ready. Plus, it brings back wonderful childhood memories.
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Candi says
I love having something remind me of my childhood. As long as it was good. This is really a great time to taste lots of flavors at the holidays.
rachel lavern says
Alas, I am not a tea drinker although I heard much advice about the benefits of drinking green and black teas. One day perhaps…
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Candi says
Yes, read my post on health benefits, it really does have many benefits.
Ali Gilbert says
My husband is a huge tea drinker!! And I have always laughed at him about it…but this totally makes me want to have a cup with him next time he makes it- thanks for sharing.
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Candi says
He might be surprised, it could be a new bonding experience. Try it.
Michelle says
Thanks so much! I haven't owned a tea kettle in years, but you have inspired me to possibly buy one again. Great post!
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Candi says
I have had mine for years and probably need a new one. But they have lots of different ones, but the tea pot is the most fun with different designs.
alocalwander says
I had a raspberry tea I drank everyday when I was pregnant. So yummy. Good explanation.
Linsey says
I love a good cup of tea. I’m now desperate to get my hands on a pretty tea pot. Great post.
Linsey xx
flexines says
I only recently started drinking tea again and have only ever either microwaved water to drop a tea bag in or drop random herbs/spices in it to experiment. This was definitely fulfilled some of my curiosities about using a tea kettle! I was wondering though, are tea kettles standard sized?
I have never owned one so I was wondering if filling it with water results in the same volume across all tea kettles or if this needs to be adjusted for size? Also, I love the tip to use a tea strainer to catch any loose tea leave pieces from tea bags 🙂
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Candi says
The tea kettle will have more water than the tea pot. So you will just keep adding water to the tea pot with the loose tea or bags in the pot and it will just reduce the caffeine in it, You can use the bags two or three times.
Renee says
I love this post 🙂 I just bought some loose tea from an herbalist & I have no idea what to do with it – lol! I have never been a tea drinker, but I'm excited to see if this really works for what she says it will. Thanks for the tips! ~ Renee
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Candi says
hmmm. Now you got me thinking. Just kidding. Hope it works for whatever you want it too.
adelien says
You remind me of of 2 boxes of green and black tea that I bought from the tea plantation I went last month with my family. I will try your tips. Thanks a lot for sharing
Jesi of MinivanMaverick.com says
It’s almost midnight and you got me wanting some tea really bad! I’ve become a pretty devoted tea drinker in last few years as I’ve gotten more and more interested in herbs and health. Thanks for the tips!
Libby's Library says
I'm not a tea drinker, but I enjoyed this post. I think that taking a little extra time with any food or beverage, makes it just a little bit more special. I will certainly use this info, when we have tea drinking guests.
Michelle says
I'm a tea drinker too! Great post, very cute blog!
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Trista says
Awesome points, I'm a tea drinker and do not like coffee, I only like to smell it! Thanx for the tips!
Ginger P. Arboleda says
Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Sarah B. @ Gut Food says
Thanks for the tips! I've never been much of a tea drinker myself (much to the dismay of my flatmates when I lived in Scotland), but I do enjoy a nice cup of peppermint tea every once in awhile.
Jen says
Your post has inspired me to fix a nice cuppa tea tonight and snuggle up with a good book. Thanks for the tips! 😉
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Candi says
It's really nice when its quiet at home and you can read while having a cup.
williscrisi says
I will have to try this out. In the past I have had no luck in making a pot of tea but never had good instructions either. Seem like an easy enough process. Thank you.
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Candi says
Oh its so easy. Thanks for your visit.
Megan says
I love the smell of tea. Wonderful post. Thanks for the tips.
Jacky says
I love this! I'm obsessed with all things British, especially afternoon tea…. now I can make a decent pot!
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thiswestcoastmommy says
We're big tea drinkers here. Good tip about warming up the teapot! I'll admit I'm guilty of making tea in a mug when I only want one cup. 😛
Candi says
Thats ok, when youre only making one cup its fine. Thanks for your visits.
sila says
I am obsessed with tea. I need to stop myself from drinking too much (I drink at least 4 cups a day). I love your tea set by the way!
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Candi says
Wow, Im glad to hear your a fellow tea drinker. I read your post and was really intrigued with your bread.
Missy says
This sounds like a great idea for cooler temperatures. Fall is just around the corner so we will need things like this to cozy up to. Look forward to more days in Candiland 🙂
Candi says
Thanks for stopping by, cooler weather is great for tea.
Becky @ Eliorah says
I really enjoyed reading this post. I'm just starting to drink tea – never liked it before! I pinned this so I can remember this great tips!
Thanks for sharing!
Candi says
Thanks for pinning. I hope you really enjoy learning more about tea.
Carly says
Perfect timing, I JUST bought tea today!
Candi says
I am glad to hear it, hope you come back soon and see all my other tea posts.
Lisa says
Love how to's, thanks for sharing.
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Candi says
Thanks for stopping by.
stuffedsuitcase says
I love brewing a nice pot of tea. My husband bought me one of the nice cast-iron teapots for Christmas. Loose tea is so fun and tastes so much better than tea bags. I once read that tea bags are actually the "dust" leftover from processing the tea leaves. Not sure if that's correct, but kind of makes sense.
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Jennifer says
I am not a tea drinker (or coffee drinker). I know, what's wrong with me? My husband, on the other hand, loves coffee and actually just made a tea tonight that sounded really good. Between that and your talk about pretty tea cups and good books, it is starting to sound pretty appealing…
Candi says
My husband is the coffee drinker, I am thinking of making some tea now. I am needing some relaxation from a long day.
dnyelmrie says
I don't drink tea, but a candle and good book are an awesome way to spend a few hours!
Mary says
This idea is great when family members are sick. Love this idea, now have a easier way to tea for every one. Thanks for sharing.
Candi says
Unfortunately I think we are going into cold and flu season, so it will be good to have some tea on hand to relax us.
Tim says
Hot tea. Yum! I enjoy a nice cup of hot tea during late fall or winter. Nothing makes you feel better inside than some cookies and tea. Nice post!
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Candi says
Ooh cookies and Tea, sounds really nice, I wish it wasnt 108 degrees today.
Elle says
I have a cup of tea each evening—very relaxing!
Elle
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Candi says
Yes, it can be. I think I will make me one now.
livingoffloveandcoffee says
This makes me miss my tea pot so much! I really need a new one for Christmas and now I know how to properly make a pot of tea. Thank you.
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Candi says
Put it on the Christmas list, I bet you will get one.
meekoli says
I could go for a cup of tea right about now 🙂 I like flavored teas and some with a teaspoon of honey in it! I haven't ever tried loose tea before, Thanks for these great tips!
Candi says
I do too, my friend gave me some great honey as a gift.
jewell5022 says
To tell you the truth, I've never brewed a pot of tea…we have an iced tea maker and that's all my husband drinks. If I have hot tea I generally order it when we're out not make it at home.
Candi says
I love those iced tea makers, I had one and I don't know what happened to it over the years.
Imperfect Supermom says
I like drinking tea in the evening in the winter, so I will have to bookmark this. I've usually pop a cup of water in the microwave and then drop a tea bag in it…I'm looking forward to trying some better tea! 🙂
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Candi says
For one cup what you are doing is fine. This is a way to have a larger pot for friends, or you can have it and drink it all day.
themomcafe says
Lovely – just lovely!! I love little dainty tea cups and the idea of "afternoon tea"… 🙂
Candi says
I know, I go crazy, when I see so many cute little things. But having 3 men in the household is a little tough. Lends for many broken things.
Jen says
Would you believe I often brew my tea in the coffee pot? 😉 Thanks for the great tips. Sounds delightful!
Candi says
Oh, I have done that also. When you want some tea, you will do anything.
Julie says
I’m a 6 – 7 mugs of tea a day kind of girl but sadly most are just a tea bag in the mug, quick stir and a dash of milk. I love the idea of the ritual of using a tea pot, especially a pretty one. I do remember learning when I was little how important it is to warm the pot!