There is a particular pleasure in a well-brewed cup of black tea: warm, full-bodied and quietly aromatic, with enough depth to invite a slower moment. The secret is not complicated. Start with good leaves, fresh water and the right balance of heat and time.
What makes black tea different?
Black tea is fully oxidised, which gives it a deeper colour and a richer flavour than green or white tea. Depending on the leaves and their origin, you may notice notes of malt, caramel, fruit, spice or toasted wood. Browse the Sisan Botanicals Black Tea collection to find a blend for your next ritual.
What you’ll need
- Loose-leaf black tea
- Fresh, filtered water
- A kettle
- A teapot, infuser or fine tea strainer
- Your favourite cup
Black tea brewing guide
For a balanced everyday cup, use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea for every 250 ml of water. Heat the water to 95–100°C, just below or at boiling point.
- Warm your teapot or cup. Swirl in a little hot water, then discard it. This helps the brewing temperature stay steady.
- Add the tea. Measure 1 teaspoon of leaves per 250 ml of water. Give the leaves room to open if you are using an infuser.
- Pour over the hot water. Make sure all the leaves are covered.
- Steep for 3–5 minutes. Start at 3 minutes for a brighter cup and extend toward 5 minutes for a deeper, more robust brew.
- Remove the leaves and enjoy. Taste before adding milk or sweetener so you can appreciate the character of the tea on its own.
How long should black tea steep?
Three minutes is a good starting point for most black teas. Steep for up to five minutes when you want more body, or shorten the time if the cup tastes too strong. If bitterness appears, the water may be too hot for that particular blend, or the leaves may have been left in too long.
Common black tea brewing mistakes
- Using stale water: Freshly drawn water gives the tea a cleaner, more expressive flavour.
- Over-steeping: Extra time does not always mean more flavour. It can draw out astringency instead.
- Overfilling the infuser: Tea leaves need space to expand and circulate for an even brew.
- Adding milk too quickly: Taste the tea first, then add milk if it suits the blend and your preference.
Can black tea be steeped again?
Many loose-leaf black teas can be steeped a second time. Use freshly heated water and add a little more time to the second infusion. The flavour may be lighter and reveal different notes from the first cup.
A simple black tea ritual
Black tea is made for unhurried mornings, thoughtful afternoons and the gentle pause between one task and the next. Pair a malty cup with toast or a buttery biscuit, or enjoy a fruitier black tea alongside dark chocolate. For a considered tea setup, explore the Tea Essentials collection.
Ready to brew?
With fresh water, generous leaves and a little attention to time, a beautiful cup is well within reach. Explore the Black Tea collection and begin your next tea ritual with Sisan Botanicals.