How to Make English Tea

Tin of English Breakfast Tea

English tea, sometimes called English breakfast tea, is full-bodied black tea sweetened with sugar and milk. It is more oxidized than other forms of tea, giving it what some claim is a superior flavor. Use this easy method to make the perfect pot of English tea for breakfast, brunch or anytime.

Things You'll Need

• Kettle
• Teapot
• English breakfast teabags
• Tea cozy (optional)
• Skim milk
• Sugar
• Teacup
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Fill the kettle with cold water. Boil the water on the stove, then pour a small amount of boiling water into the teapot. Swirl it around for one minute to warm the pot, then pour the water out.

2. Place the teabags in the teapot. One bag of tea should be used for each person. Add an additional bag of tea to enhance the flavor, if desired.

3. Pour the boiling water directly onto the teabags. Use 10 ounces of water for each person drinking the tea.

4. Cover the teapot and allow it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. If available, a tea cozy can be fitted onto the pot to keep the tea hot during brewing.

5. Pour 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar, more or less to taste, into each teacup. Always use skim milk and white sugar. Fill each teacup with English tea and stir well with a spoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Loose tea can also be used. Replace the teabags with 1 teaspoon of loose tea in this recipe. For the best taste, filtered or spring water should be used. Chlorinated water, tap water and previously boiled water are all detrimental to the taste of the tea.

• Never use powdered milk or cream in English tea, as it will ruin the flavor. Brown sugar and honey should not be used in place of white sugar. The flavor will be spoiled if they are used.