Loose tea rewards a few simple habits: fresh water, the right heat, and a timer so the cup never turns bitter. This guide collects the steps we repeated daily when Rx Tea Time welcomed guests in Cheyenne. For closure dates, thanks to the community, and the story behind our name, start at the Rx Tea Time home page, then come back here when you are ready to brew.

 

Five steps that work on a kitchen counter

1. Draw fresh cold water. Oxygen helps aroma pop, so avoid water that has been boiling for a long time in an open kettle. Bring it to a full rolling boil for black and most herbal blends. For green or white tea, let the kettle cool about thirty seconds after boiling so the temperature sits near 175 to 185 F before it meets the leaves.

2. Warm your teapot or mug with a splash of hot water, swirl, and pour it out. A warm vessel keeps the steep even and helps the liquor stay hot through the last sip.

3. Measure loose leaf. A level teaspoon per six to eight ounces is a fair starting point for broken grades. Large twisted leaves or tight pearls need more room, so add leaf until the water just covers the pile without crowding. When in doubt, taste a short thirty-second wash, then adjust next time.

4. Pour, cover, and start the clock. Steep black tea three to five minutes, green tea two to three, delicate whites two to three, and herbals five to seven unless the blend contains hibiscus, which often needs a little less time to avoid sharp sour edges. Set a phone timer so you do not forget the pot on the counter.

5. Strain every leaf out before serving. A second steep is fine for many oolongs and some greens if you shorten the time on the second round. With strong Assam or breakfast blends, add milk by pouring tea into the cup first if you like the classic layered look and to reduce curdling.

 

Taste before you sweeten. Honey pairs with malty blacks, while a thin slice of lemon brightens Earl Grey. Keep notes on leaf weight, water temperature, and time so your next pot matches the one you liked.

Continue reading on our Teas page for categories we featured, review Tea Time Etiquette for cup and saucer habits at the table, and see About Us for how the Rx Tea Time name connects to Victorian tea culture.