Tea Brewing Temperature Guide

The tea brewing temperature guide refers to the recommended temperature for steeping different types of tea in order to achieve the best flavor and aroma.

Here are the general guidelines:

1. Black Tea: 195-205°F (90-96°C) Black tea is a robust tea that can withstand higher temperatures. Steep for 3-5 minutes.

2. Green Tea: 160-180°F (71-82°C) Green tea is more delicate and requires a lower temperature to avoid bitterness. Steep for 1-3 minutes.

3. White Tea: 175-185°F (79-85°C) White tea is even more delicate than green tea, and requires a lower temperature and shorter steeping time. Steep for 1-2 minutes.

4. Oolong Tea: 190-200°F (88-93°C) Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea that requires a higher temperature than green or white tea, but lower than black tea. Steep for 3-5 minutes.

5. Herbal Tea: 208°F (98°C) Herbal teas can vary widely in temperature and steeping time, but in general, they can be brewed at the boiling point of water. Steep for 5-10 minutes.

These temperatures are just general guidelines, and the optimal temperature and steeping time can vary depending on the specific type and quality of tea, as well as personal preference. It's always a good idea to check the specific brewing instructions provided by the tea manufacturer or seller for the best results.

What temperature for herbal tea is right?

Many herbal teas can be made iced "cold brew" or hot "hot brewed". Use filtered water for your teas to maximise taste and quality of drink.

Hot Brew

Use water that has reached a full boil (212 degrees) let it sit for a minute then pour over dried herbs / tea bag. Steep for 3-6 minutes, some harder herbs like lemongrass or ginger may require an additional 2-3 minutes. 

• Green Tea 150-180 F 
• White Tea 160 F 
• Black Tea 180-212 F
• Oolong Tea 190-200 F
• Herbal Tea 212 F

Cold Brew Tea

Add herbal tea to your water bottle and pour filtered water over it. Put into the fridge overnight. Strain in the morning. Serve as is, or pour over ice.

A cold brewed iced tea will take at least 6-12 hours to fully steep. 

Sunshine Brew Tea

You can also do what's called sun steeping, making the tea and leaving it out in the sunshine for the day, then chilling and serving over ice. Pour filtered water over herbal tea, leave in clear glass container or jar, cover and put into the sun for 6+ hours warmth. Then refrigerate.

How to Make Herbal Tea for Gin & Tonic or Tea Cocktails

If you are creating an alcoholic beverage without water, steep the herbal tea without water directly into the alcohol for at least 2-3 days in the fridge. This will provide you with a delicious, botanical flavoured tea for your cocktails and drinks. Filter before serving into glasses for consumption. To get the most out of your botanicals, pour mixes through sieve with botanicals in it.

If you are making a cocktail with water, e.g. Long Island Iced Tea. Make your tea as normal with water, chill it then add the alcohol ingredients. 

Check out a range of tea inspired recipes here at the Tea Cartel 

www.theteacartel.com/recipes