There can be quite a difference between one cup of tea and another.
It's not just the leaves. It's not just the water. It's how the two meet.
Tea is grown with care, shaped by climate, soil and time. Each leaf is shaped in the nurturing hands of nature, so it is important we respect that process in the way we brew it too.
At Dilmah, tea isn't just something we sell. It's something we live. From the garden to the cup, our team tastes and evaluates thousands of teas every week, refining what makes a cup balanced, expressive, and true to its origin.
This guide brings that experience together, breaking down exactly how to brew tea properly, with precision, clarity and a few details most people overlook.
How to Brew Tea Properly
Whether you're using tea bags or loose leaf, the same core principles apply:
- Use fresh water (never reboiled)
- Match the water temperature to the tea type
- Use the right tea-to-water ratio
- Time your steep property
Ignore any one of these and even a great tea will fall flat.
Best Tea Brewing Temperature Guide
Temperature is the biggest unlock and the most common mistake.
| Tea Type | Temp | Why It Matters |
| Green Tea | 75-80 °C | Prevents bitterness |
| White Tea | 70-80°C | Protects delicate notes |
| Oolong Tea | 80-95°C | Balances flavour |
| Black Tea | 90-95°C | Full extraction |
Boiling water isn't better... It's just hotter. And for green or white tea and that's exactly the problem.
Tea Steeping Time Guide
Timing is what turns flavour into balance.
- Green tea - 2 minutes
- Oolong tea - 2-3 minutes
- Black tea - 3 minutes (up to 5 if stronger)
Longer doesn't mean better; it usually just means more bitter.
Water to Tea Ratio (Tea Bags vs Loose Leaf)
This is where consistency comes from.
- Tea bafs: 1bag per 200ml water
- Loose leaf: 2.5g per 200ml
Too weak? = Too much water
Too strong? = Too much tea or too long steep
Simple adjustments make a big difference.
Why Does My Green Tea Taste Bitter?
This is one of the most searched tea questions - and usually it comes down to two things:
- Water too hot
- Steeping too long
Green tea needs to be treated gently. 2 minutes with a water temperature of 75-80°C is all it needs.
How long Should You Let Boiling Water Cool for Green Tea?
After boiling, let your water sit for:
5-7 Minutes, or
Until it reaches 75-80°C
No thermometer? No problem. Just set a timer on your phone and take a moment to yourself!
Is Tap Water or Filtered Water Better for Tea?
Tea is almost entirely water, so quality matters more than most people realise.
Best option:
- Filtered or spring water
Avoid:
- Hard water (too many minerals)
- Chlorinated water
- Reboiled water (loses oxygen and freshness)
This is one of the easiest ways to improve your tea instantly.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Earl Grey with Milk
For classic black teas like Early Grey:
- Brew at 90-95°C
- Steep for 3 minutes
- Add a dash of warm milk
Cold milk cools the tea too quickly and dulls the flavour.
How Many Times Can You Steep Oolong Tea?
Oolong is designed for multiple infusions:
- Usually 2-4 brews
- Each steep reveals something new
Pay close attention to the changing notes of each brew.
Tea Brewing For Beginners (Keep It Simple)
If you're just starting:
- Use fresh water
- Don't over-boil or re-boil
- Stick to 2-3 minute steeps
- Adjust based on taste
That's it!
Everything else is refinement.
The Water Detail Most People Miss
Here's where things get more precise and where better tea really starts:
- Reboiled water = less oxygen
- Less oxygen = flatter flavour
- High minerals = muted brightness
Two cups using the same tea can taste completely different just because of the water.
Mindful Tea Ritual (Why It Matters in 2026)
- You wait for the kettle.
- You watch the leaves unfurl.
- You give it time.
In a day that moves quickly, tea doesn't. And that's the point.
Did You Know?
Tea has been prepared in almost the same way for over 5,000 years.
In a world obsessed with speed and optimisation, tea humbly refused to change. Somehow that's what makes it feel modern again.
Even now, the smallest details still shape the cup.
Water, for example, isn't the same everywhere - it can vary in mineral conetnet and softness depending on where you are.
Most people don't think about it, but it's worth understanding the water you are working with.
Final thought
The perfect cup isn't complicated. It's considered.
Water. Temperature. Time.
Get those right - whether it's a tea bag or loose leaf - and you're already most of the way there.
Get started here.
