A cup of fine amber nectar
Ok, this must be a fairly basic requirement for any person brought up in the UK, but this guide is both for novices and experts who like to have a good brew.
It always amazes me how many brits, having lived in the UK all their lives don’t know how to make a good cup of tea or brew, as we Brits call it. A common mistake is to put a teabag in a mug or cup and then add milk and sugar before the hot water – that is so wrong.
There are only a few variables involved in the making of a good cuppa, but the finished article can be quite diverse to say the least.
Obviously, everyone likes to make a cup of tea to suit their own taste and this is my way of making the perfect cuppa.
Start by emptying out any water from the kettle and filling with fresh water.
The next step is to bring the water to the boil, not nearly to the boil, but to the boil. As soon as the water reaches boiling point, we should add this water to a tea bag or leaves of tea and give the water a quick stir.
A good tip here is that once the kettle has switched off on an automatic kettle, turn the kettle back on and wait for the boiling sound – then add the boiling water to the tea bag or loose tea. That way you ensure that the water is boiling.
My personal preference is to use a good quality tea bag like Yorkshire tea. The tea can be brewed in a cup, mug or tea pot. The best tea pots are made of pottery not metal. Warming the tea pot or mug with hot water prior to filling the cup is often advised, but not necessary in my opinion. Personally, I use a mug.
Of vital importance to my good cuppa, it is necessary to leave the tea bag to steep in the freshly boiled water for two minutes minimum before adding any milk or sugar. Once the tea bag has been steeped, milk and sugar may be added to taste. Leave the teabag in longer if you prefer a strong cuppa.
That’s it. Simple but refreshing – enjoy.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I was surprised you didn’t mention the use of a colour chart to help beginners/wives etc. to make a good brew to the same standard day in day out?
Even so-your providing a vital resource here wag-keep up the good work….
Thanks Tony. A colour chart is a good idea and I have found wives / girlfriends to be the worst offenders when it comes to making a good cuppa – perhaps a good gift to present them on their birthdays lol
Sound advice Wag but I recommend 3 mins for brewing. I have recently taken up the teapot again and the tea leaf (Yorkshire) for that all important first brew in the morning with most efficacious results.
Thanks Blakes, referring to the article, I did say a “minimum of two minutes” – my personal preference is approximately 2.5 minutes, but have been known to leave it up to 4 minutes for an entirely different beverage.
Interesting to hear you’ve gone back to the loose tea leaf though – how are you finding it? I personally use the bag, but mainly for convenience.