Your tea break, brewed better.

Five minutes with your feet up. A little lift before the afternoon gets going. Something cosy when you’re calling it a day.

Whatever you need from your cup, a few small brewing details help bring out the good stuff. No elaborate ceremony required. Unless you’ve bought the robe.

Here’s how to make a little more of your everyday cuppa.

1. Find your measure

The right amount of tea gives your brew its balance. Too little and you’re left wondering where the flavour went. Too much and your favourite blend can come on a bit strong.

Start with the brewing guide on your pack. A teaspoon is a handy starting point for many black teas, but leaves come in all shapes and sizes. Big, fluffy blends may need a more generous scoop.

Making a bigger mug? Give it a little more tea. Your favourite bucket with a handle still counts as more than one cup.

2. Give it a moment

Good flavour needs a little time to get comfortable. How much depends on what’s in your cup.

As a general guide:

• Black tea: 3–4 minutes

• Green tea: 2–3 minutes

• White tea: 4–5 minutes

• Fruit and herbal infusions: 5–7 minutes

Your pack gets the final say, especially with blends that bring different ingredients together.

Set a timer, then lift out your tea bag or infuser when it’s ready. If you like a stronger brew, try a little more tea next time instead of leaving the leaves in indefinitely. They’ve done their shift.

3. Turn down the heat, when needed

Some teas love freshly boiled water. Others prefer a gentler introduction.

• Most black teas: freshly boiled water

• Green and many white teas: cooler water, often around 75–85°C

• Fruit and herbal infusions: freshly boiled water, following the pack instructions

Water that’s too hot can bring out more bitterness in delicate teas. Too cool, and you might miss some of the flavour.

A variable-temperature kettle makes this easy. Without one, let boiled water cool before brewing delicate leaves. The exact wait depends on your kettle and how much water is in it, so a thermometer is useful if you want to be precise.

A little extra: warm your pot or mug with hot water first, then empty it before brewing. Lovely for keeping a slow, cosy cuppa warmer for longer.

4. Give your leaves some room

Choose whatever makes good tea fit your day.

• Tea bags: an easy everyday favourite. Follow the brewing guide and you’re away.

• Teapots: made for second cups, good company and taking your time.

• Basket infusers: plenty of room for loose leaves to open up, with a satisfying lift-and-empty finish.

• Tea balls: handy for smaller servings. Fill loosely so the leaves have space to expand.

5. Keep the good stuff tasting good

Fresh cup, fresh start. Wash pots, mugs and infusers regularly so yesterday’s brew doesn’t join today’s.

Put a lid on it. Store tea in an airtight container, away from heat, light, moisture and strong smells. Earl Grey shouldn’t come with a surprise side of cumin.

Consider your water. If your tea tastes dull or develops a film, particularly in a hard-water area, try filtered water and see whether you prefer the result.

Your next cup, sorted

✓ Check the brewing guide
✓ Measure for your mug
✓ Use the right water temperature
✓ Set a timer
✓ Remove the leaves when it’s ready

Then find your favourite spot and enjoy it.

A little care. A lot more flavour. A moment that’s yours.