How to Brew Tea: 7 Tips for a Perfect Cup + What to Serve With It

When the weather turns cold, one of the first things we do is put the kettle on. But why does our tea sometimes taste bitter, and sometimes weak and flat? The answer is usually in a few small details, not in the brand.

In this guide we cover 7 simple tips for brewing a good cup, suggest a few iced and fruit tea ideas, and talk about what to eat with tea. If you're looking for tea and treats, you're in the right place.

7 tips for brewing tea bags

1. Start with fresh water

Water that has been boiled before, or has sat in the kettle for hours, dulls the flavor. Boil fresh water every time.

2. Get the temperature right

Black tea is brewed with freshly boiled water. If you pour lukewarm water over the bag, the flavor won't open up fully. Hot water also suits most fruit teas; check the box for exact guidance.

3. Warm the cup first

Pour a little hot water into the cup, then empty it. The tea stays hot longer and tastes more consistent.

4. Watch the steeping time

About 3–4 minutes is usually right for black tea, slightly longer for fruit teas. Leave it too long and it turns bitter. Each product lists its own time on the box.

5. Cover the cup

Put a saucer or lid on top to keep the aroma and heat in.

6. Don't squeeze the bag

Squeezing usually releases extra bitterness. Lift it out gently.

7. Add lemon, milk or sugar last

Taste first, then decide. Add lemon or milk at the end so they don't mask the tea's color and flavor.

Which tea for which mood?

• Classic black tea: for mornings and long chats, like Lipton Yellow Label.
• Earl Grey: scented with bergamot and lovely with a splash of milk; Lipton Earl Grey.
• Fruit tea: for afternoons and iced tea; forest fruit or tropical fruit.
• Lemon or peach mango: lighter and fresher; Lipton Lemon and Peach Mango.

Homemade iced tea in 5 minutes

Steep two fruit tea bags for 5 minutes in a large glass of hot water, remove the bags, add a little honey or sugar, let it cool and pour over ice. A few mint leaves or a slice of lemon make it feel fancy.

What to eat with tea

• Dates: the classic pairing. Eyvan chocolate-covered dates with milk chocolate or dark chocolate are great next to tea; there's also a gift box for guests.
• Biscuits: Copa cream biscuits or Copa cocoa for a quick break.
• Waffles and croissants: vanilla waffles and cherry croissants for an afternoon snack.
• Jam: a spoonful of jam next to your tea has its own charm.

If you're not in the mood for tea

On days when tea doesn't appeal, instant coffee such as Copa cappuccino is a quick alternative.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I steep a tea bag?

In general 3–4 minutes for black tea and a little longer for fruit tea. It's best to follow the time on the box.

Can I use a tea bag twice?

You can, but the second cup will be weaker in flavor and color. A fresh bag tastes better.

Does fruit tea contain caffeine?

It depends on the product. Flavored black teas usually do contain caffeine. Check the ingredients on the box.

Buy tea and treats at GoShop

Get Lipton tea, dates, biscuits and sweets at GoShop. Also see the latest deals and available brands.