How to Flavor Tea Leaves

Brewing tea is not as hard as you might think and flavoring tea at home has many benefits. When brewing at home, many variables can be controlled. These include the amount of sweetness, how much spice is added and just what flavor you are in the mood for. Flavoring tea is a real chance to make a beverage exactly to your liking.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• 4 tablespoons loose tea leaves or 8 tea bags
• 1 quart hot water
• Sugar, honey or fruit juice
• Spoon
• Desired fruits such as lemons, apples or limes
• Desired flavorings such as cinnamon sticks, ginger or cloves
• Heat proof mugs
• Strainer

Instructions

1. 

   Combine cloves, ginger root and cinnamon in a blender to smooth to a powdery finish. This step is optional but must be done first if you are choosing to include spices. Add spice mixture to a quart of room temperature water. Stir gently.

2. 

   Place plain water or water containing spice mixture in a large pot. Bring to a boil.

3. 

   Add tea bags or leaves. This will depend on how strong you like your tea. About 4 tablespoons to a quart is a good start, or about 8 bags of tea. Allow to steep for five to seven minutes over medium heat.

4. 

   Mix in desired sweeteners, fruit pieces or fruit juice. Allow to steep an additional three to four minutes on medium low heat.

5. 

   Remove pot from heat after the steeping time has been completed. Pour tea through a strainer to remove tea bags and leaves.

6. 

   Pour tea into heat proof mugs and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• The base tea you chose to steep with may affect steeping time. For the most accurate steeping time, check the package of the tea you buy. Generally, white tea has a longer brewing time than herbal tea.

• This same recipe can be followed to make iced tea. Instead of pouring into mugs, remove tea bags and refrigerate tea for at least two to four hours. Serve over ice.

• Pay careful attention to the timer, as steeping tea too long can often lead to a bitter, inedible beverage.

• Remember that each tea tastes differently and some sweeteners will match better with different flavors. With some experimenting, you can discover great combinations.

• Do not leave fruit pieces in tea for too long. Some fruits, like lemons and limes become bitter when they sit in liquid too long.

References

• Ina Garten: Herbal Iced Tea
• Empire Tea: Tea Facts
• English Tea Store: How To Make Tea
• NEholistic: Brewing Tea

Resources

• Learn About Tea