I didn’t realize I was particular about my tea until I started making it in front of other people. My roommate, who was the one who really got me into tea, and my boyfriend, who drinks tea over coffee any day, have been known to pass some judgment on my method.
But I pass it right back, this is how I make my tea:
- CHOOSE A TEA
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This step is arguably the most crucial to a good cup.
What’s on the agenda for the day? What time of day is it? Am I willing to over-caffinate myself? What flavor profile am I feeling? Am I also eating something? All of these factors, and more, contribute to the tea selection. I usually opt for an Earl Grey, decaf if it’s later in the day, or a lavender chamomile.
- HEAT THE KETTLE
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In our apartment, we have a kettle perfectly placed under our tea cabinet, ready to boil some water. This is the easiest step of them all, and can be completed only after step one, but at the same time as steps three through five.
- CHOOSE A MUG
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This step is meant to solidify the purpose of the tea. Are you cozy? Are you productive? Are you in a rush? The mug you use ultimately adds to the flavor of the tea, and how chic and focused on your health you feel while drinking it. I have a very cool mug with no handle, a favorite for coffee, but abysmal for tea. With no handle, where will I wrap my tea bag’s string around to anchor it?
- ADD HONEY
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This is where I start to get (apparently) controversial. I put my honey in the bottom of the mug before anything else is added. This way, when I pour the water later on, it dissolves without me having to stir. My logic is sound, I swear.
- ADD YOUR TEA BAG
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Now, add your tea bag. Be sure to wrap the string around the handle of the mug to hold it in place, ensuring it doesn’t slip when you pour the water. Hopefully, you’re so excited about the tea you originally chose that you don’t feel the urge to switch it. But if you do, now’s the time.
- POUR WATER INTO YOUR MUG
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Okay, we’re getting serious. At this point, your kettle should be boiling, and it’s time to add the water. Carefully add your water, trying to pour it directly into the bag to make the steeping a little more efficient. Leave a little room at the top, though, for some eventual milk.
- ADD MILK
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Remember that room we left? Fill the remainder with milk. I usually use 2% if I am at home, or whatever they have at the cafe I end up at.
I am proud to say I introduced this step to my boyfriend, and it’s now been incorporated into his ritual. If it seems weird, it’s because you’re American. This is how they do it in many other places in the world, so don’t knock it until you try it.
- STIR
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Here’s another step where I get some controversial looks. I only stir once, and I do so at the very end, after I add all the ingredients. Don’t worry, the honey and milk all combine, even when they don’t get their own special sitting time!
Additionally, I get rid of the spoon when I’m done. I am not a fan of getting hit in the face while I sip, so in the sink it goes.
- ENJOY IN PEACE!
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Peace being the keyword here, make sure to enjoy your tea away from the haters and naysayers. You worked hard to select, brew, and curate your cup of tea, so now work hard to make sure you enjoy it. If this means taking your cup of tea into your bedroom and closing the door to get away from your hateful roommate or judgmental boyfriend, then do it!
Enjoy your tea!
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