How to Make a Proper Cup of Black Tea

A perfect English cup of tea is an art form. It's a slightly more involved process than most people are used to, but it's well-worth the effort. These instructions come from an old Englishman with a strong sense of tradition. It's quite good.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• tea kettle
• tea pot
• black tea of your preference (my personal favorite is an orange pekoe black tea--such as Red Rose brand)
• sugar
• cream
• tea cozy (or kitchen towel)

1. Boil water in tea kettle. While the water is boiling, warm the teapot by putting a splash of hot water into the pot and swishing it around. Toss out that water.

2. Put the tea in the teapot(1 bag per cup plus one extra for the pot). Pour about a cup of boiling water into the pot. The water must be really boiling!

3. After four stirs, put lid on pot and let the tea brew for 5 minutes.

4. Add the rest of your desired amount of water. (the more water, the weaker the brew). Cover pot with tea cozy or wrap with kitchen towel.
   Let it brew for a couple more minutes. Remove tea bags. Four stirs.

5. Serve in tea cup with sugar and milk (whole milk or cream is tastiest!). You can also add lemon instead of milk, but not both!! (the milk will curdle)

Tips & Warnings

• See also How to Make a Quick Cup of Black Tea for a more on-the-go preparation.

[afranks]

on 10/29/2007 best cuppa tea I ever drank! it reminds me of England- The best tea makers in the universe. Thank you sooo much!