For the emerging tea connoisseur, finding a variety of ways to prepare specialty teas that often peak interest can pose a challenge. Being bombarded with aspects such as flavor profiles, aromatic notes, and pesky instructions can take the fun out of purchasing tea. Let’s discover five ways to drink tea that will ignite your taste buds and never leave you bored with the same old cup again.

Steeped 

Host a splendid afternoon tea social with specialty steeped teas accompanied by delectable finger foods, sandwiches, and scones. The various teas and delicacies set the scene for a charming way to embrace elegance and leisure. Along with selecting a premium grade of tea and focusing on water quality, steeping time is an important factor to be aware of. Tannins, compounds found in tea, produce a bitter flavor the longer the tea steeps. Follow the times and temperatures below to steep the perfect cup of tea: 

Green and white tea: steep for 1-3 minutes at 160°F to 180°F (70°C to 80°C)

Black tea: steep for 3-5 minutes at 200°F to 212°F (93°C to 100°C)

Oolong tea: steep for 3-7 minutes at 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C) 

Herbal tea: steep for 5-7 minutes at 200°F to 212°F (93°C to 100°C)

Mastering the art of steeping tea will allow the unique flavors and aromas to develop into a richer and more complex tasting experience.

Iced 

Demand for refreshing drinks is at an all-time high in the hotter months. Iced tea can help keep you hydrated while simultaneously keeping perspiration at bay. Homemade iced tea is a healthy alternative to store-bought iced teas that are packed with sugar, sodium, and preservatives. Iced tea has plenty of wellness benefits as it’s a low-calorie drink packed with antioxidants that you can feel good about. Simply steep your favorite tea at the appropriate time and temperature and pour it over ice along with your favorite sweetener. Adding citrus and summer fruits such as berries, peaches, and melon can intensify the flavors of your tea. 

Lattes 

Bring the experience of a sophisticated cafe to your home with tea lattes. Tea lattes have the same creamy taste as traditional lattes. Create an earthy and aromatic flavored drink by crafting a latte with matcha tea. Another popular choice is the fragrant London Fog latte made with Earl Grey, a black tea infused with the citrus bergamot, that’s popular in the UK. Lattes work best with green, black, and oolong teas due to the lactic flavor profile that is present because of the addition of milk, even if the milk of choice is plant-based. Tea lattes can be enjoyed hot or cold alongside a pastry or some freshly baked bread. To make the most out of your latte’s flavor be sure to steep the tea properly before adding your milk of choice.

Cold Brew 

Due to the absence of heat in the brewing process, cold brew tea is less bitter than iced tea despite being brewed for hours. This provides your beverage with a crisp and refreshing taste that is often craved in the summer months. For a fun, show-stopping cold brew tea, use butterfly pea flowers. Add 4 teaspoons (16.8 grams) of loose-leaf butterfly pea to 1 quart (946 ml) of water in a pitcher and brew in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Once brewed, strain the liquid to remove the flowers. You should be left with a bright sky-blue tea. Sweeten your tea to taste and serve over ice. Add the juice of some sliced lemons to your drink and watch the blue liquid transform into a beautiful lavender color. It’s a fun party trick that your guests will find magical.

Mocktails 

Create non-alcoholic beverages that are pleasing to the palate by incorporating tea. Tea mocktails combine modern mixology with artisanal teas to create trendy and refreshing drinks that are perfect for hosting parties or relaxing at the end of a long day. There are a plethora of teas to choose from, so the possibilities for mocktail combinations are endless. The distinctive flavor profile of tea will allow you to craft a wide range of mocktails that appeal to diverse tastes. To create the most delicious tea mocktail follow this recipe:

4-6 oz of tea

2-3 oz of a mixer, it can be juice, sparkling water, soda, or a non-alcoholic drink mix

1-2 tsp of a sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup

0.5-1 tsp of citrus juice of your choice

Garnishes of fruit slices, herbs, or edible flowers

Place the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Pour in your favorite glass. If using sparkling water or soda as the mixer, add it in the final step by topping off the drink for an effervescent feel. Mocktails are best served with light snacks or appetizers to enhance the tasting experience.

Master the art of preparing tea to add culinary bliss to your beverages. Get inspired to create delicious and sensational tea variations today!