Universal Tea Brewing Guide

Tea, with its rich history and vast variety, can be brewed in numerous ways to highlight its complex flavors and aromas. Whether you're looking for a quick cup or a slow, meditative experience, the method and water temperature you choose can greatly influence your tea's taste. Here’s a look at four distinct methods to brew tea: the standard approach, traditional Gong Fu style, cold brew, and the all-day steep.

Tea Brewing Matrix

		+		+		+		=
Standard ?⃝ for a single, robust cup of tea	2 grams (1 TSP)		Tea infuser		240ml (8 fl oz)		4-5 mins		1 cup
Traditional ?⃝ vibrant, layered, evolving infusions	6 grams (3 TSP)		Gaiwan or small teapot		120ml (4 fl oz)		5-10 seconds		many infusions
Cold brew ?⃝ Refreshing, less astringency	4 grams (2 TSP)		Cold brew pitcher		240ml (8 fl oz)		Refrigerate 7-9 hours		1 cup
All-day steep ?⃝ convenient, dynamic infusions on the go or at work	4 grams (2 TSP)		Tea tumbler or glass		480ml (16 fl oz)		indefinite		2 cups

Standard Brewing: A Simple and Reliable Method

The standard brewing method is the most common way to prepare tea, ideal for those looking for a quick and straightforward experience. This method uses 2 grams of tea leaves per cup of water (approximately 8 ounces), with an infusion time of 4-5 minutes. It works well for most teas, from green to black, and is a great introduction for beginners or those in a hurry.

How to Brew:

• Boil your water (adjust temperature based on tea type).
• Add the measured tea leaves into your tea infuser, teapot or french press.
• Pour the water over the leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes.
• Strain and enjoy.

Why It Works: This method strikes a balance between convenience and flavor extraction, ensuring that the tea leaves have enough time to release their aromatic compounds while remaining easy to follow. While it doesn't necessarily extract the maximum depth of flavor, it's perfect for daily tea drinking when simplicity is key.

Traditional Brewing: Gong Fu Style for Depth and Complexity

For tea connoisseurs looking to experience the full complexity of their leaves, the Gong Fu brewing method is the way to go. This traditional Chinese method involves using 6 grams of tea leaves or more per 100ml of water (about 1/3 cup), and the tea is brewed with quick infusions, typically lasting between 5-30 seconds. This style is ideal for high-quality teas like oolong, pu’er, or fine green teas, as it allows for multiple infusions, each revealing a different layer of flavor.

How to Brew:

• Use a Gaiwan (small Chinese lidded bowl) or a Yixing clay teapot to allow for even heat distribution.
• Add 6 grams of tea leaves to the vessel.
• Heat the water to the appropriate temperature for the tea type (typically 175-190°F for oolong and green teas, 200-210°F for black teas). Refer to the temperature table below for specific recommendations.
• Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for 5-30 seconds.
• After the infusion, pour the tea into a decanter or serve directly from the brewing vessel.
• Repeat the process for multiple infusions, gradually increasing the steeping time by a few seconds each time.

Why It Works: The quick infusions prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness, and allow the leaves to unfurl fully over several rounds of brewing. This method is especially effective for teas with complex flavors, as it brings out different notes in each infusion, giving you a richer, more nuanced experience. It's a great way to enjoy tea all day long or with company.

Cold Brew: Refreshing and Smooth

Cold brew tea offers a smooth, refreshing way to enjoy your favorite tea, especially in the warmer months. The cold brew method involves steeping tea leaves in cold water for several hours, typically between 6-12 hours. The result is a tea that is less astringent and smoother than traditional hot brewing, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter, gentler flavor profile.

How to Brew:

• Measure about 8 grams of tea leaves for every 2 cups (480ml) of cold, filtered water.
• Place the tea leaves and water into a pitcher or jar.
• Refrigerate for 6-12 hours, depending on how strong you want the tea.
• Strain the leaves and serve over ice, if desired.

Why It Works: Cold brewing extracts the tea’s flavors slowly and evenly, resulting in a smooth and mellow beverage with little bitterness. This method is ideal for green teas, white teas, and lightly oxidized oolongs, as these tend to retain a delicate taste without the risk of over-extraction. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a more relaxed tea experience with minimal effort.

All-Day Steep (Grandpa Style): The Simple and Extended Method

If you're looking for a no-fuss, laid-back tea experience, Grandpa style brewing might be for you. This method involves placing loose tea leaves directly into your cup or mug and filling it with hot water. You simply refill the cup with hot water throughout the day, allowing the tea to steep continuously and adding more tea leaves if desired. It’s the perfect method for those who like to sip on tea slowly or are working from home and want tea available throughout the day.

How to Brew:

• Place 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves into your mug or cup.
• Fill the cup with hot water (again, the water temperature depends on the type of tea).
• Sip as desired, refilling with hot water when the tea becomes weaker. Add more tea leaves if desired.
• The leaves will continue to release their flavor as long as they are steeped.

Why It Works: This method offers a continuous, ever-evolving flavor profile throughout the day. While it doesn’t require much effort, it’s important to choose tea leaves that can withstand prolonged steeping without becoming overly bitter. Stronger teas, like black or puerh, work especially well with Grandpa style brewing. This method is also highly customizable, as you can adjust the strength of each cup depending on how much water you add.

Water Temperature

To help you achieve the best flavor for each type of tea, it's important to pay attention to water temperature. Different teas release their flavors optimally at different temperatures, and using the right one can make all the difference in your brewing experience. Below is a temperature guide to ensure you're brewing your tea to perfection, whether you're making it hot, cold, or using a traditional method.

 Each of these methods offers a unique way to experience tea, from the simplicity of standard brewing to the depth of Gong Fu style, the refreshing smoothness of cold brew, and the all-day enjoyment of Grandpa style. Whether you’re looking for a quick cup or a more immersive tea experience, there’s a brewing method that suits your needs and brings out the best in your tea leaves. Explore them all and discover the perfect way to enjoy your tea!