Taking a dash of care when making tea brings great rewards of flavour. Follow our six point plan for a great tasting cuppa.
Tea is a drink of amazing versatile-ness. From a strong mug of robust “builder’s tea” served “NATO standard” (milk, two sugars) to refined china cups of delicate Earl Grey, there isn’t a situation where a cup of tea is out of place. The place where tea really hits the spot for Ed is in the middle of the night when he is sailing; there’s nothing like a large mug of piping hot, sweet, milky tea when surrounded by the sea and the stars. But it’s a common gripe that too few people know how to make a really good cup.
The English Tea Shop sell a full range of teas, from herbal to green, white and a choice of two black teas – Earl Grey, and English Breakfast. The English Breakfast is grown in Sri Lanka, with a full bodied flavour that’s not overly tannic. Perfect as the name says for breakfast, but good at any time of day with a dash of milk and something like a slice of lemon cake.
The Earl Grey is delicately flavoured, and not overpowered by bergamot; I can imagine enjoying a china cup, maybe with a slice of lemon. Their teas are both organic and free trade, so tick all those boxes, which is something I really appreciate. These come in individually wrapped sachets, so keep their freshness and are also perfect for taking on your travels.
Other teas in the range are loose and supplied in pretty tins.
For the perfect cup of either tea, follow these tips. Talking of which, I think it’s time to pop the kettle on.
Accompaniments for your afternoon tea could include
- Blackberry & apple jam
- Lemon Almond Polenta Cake
- Extra Fruity Jam Tarts
- Wholemeal Victoria Sandwich
- or 12 Flavours of cupcakes from one batch
Our top tips for the perfect cup, and pot of tea
- 1 English Tea Shop teabag
- Boiling water.
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Start with a kettle full of fresh water, preferably filtered.
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If you’re using a china teapot, before the kettle comes to the boil, pour some water from the kettle into the teapot to warm it; swirl it around a bit to get as much of the pot as warm as possible.
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Use two teabags for a pot, or one per mug
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When the kettle boils, pour the water straight away into the pot or mug.
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Let the tea brew for three to five minutes before pouring.
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Finally, if wanted add milk to tea, not tea to milk, or a slice of lemon and enjoy.
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Review commissioned by the English Tea Shop. All opinions are our own.
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lisa
I love an English breakfast tea too. Love a good cuppa, I also agree on the milk to tea advice!!
Helen
English breakfast tea is one of those reliable drinks that you just know is going to be right regardless of the time of day.
Kristine
I love a perfect cup of tea, especially mid afternoon when I’m feeling sleepy! Such a great post, thank you!
Helen
Mid afternoon tea, with a slice of cake is perfect.
Jacqueline Meldrum
I know this is super simple, but as someone who does not drink tea and who is nervous of making a bad cup of tea for others this is useful. Now I just need a teapot. Can a good cup of tea be made in a cup?
Helen
Absolutely fine to make in a cup. One bag per cup, and add the milk at the end. Voila!
Mahy
What an interesting post! I know plenty of tea enthusiasts but I never knew al those tips! I’ll impress my Mom and make her the perfect cup of tea next time!! Thank you!
Helen
You’ll be the offical tea maker if you can make a good cuppa. Everyone loves good tea, and appreciates a good tea maker.
Emma | The Cake Mistress
I know a few people who need to be forwarded this post about how to make a cup of tea, lol. I had a friend who used to count the number of teabag dunks to make her perfect tea.
Helen
I’m never quite sure how people can get it so wrong, but I know they do. And tea is just awful when wrong.
Lauren
Now that it is finally getting colder, I drink tea regularly. Great tips
Helen
Tea can be the perfect drink to warm you up, although I do enjoy on hot summer days too. Particularly Earl Grey.
Sarahjane Wood
I love a cup of Earl Grey or herbal tea although I am more of a coffee person however I am in America right now and really craving a good cup pf tea. I know a lot of people out here that could use these tips!
Helen
The number of people that offer hot milk with tea astonishes me!
Nayna Kanabar
I love tea , milky and piping hot. There are so many people who can’t make a decent cup of tea so your recipe will be really useful.
Helen
Making a good cup of tea is surprisingly difficult it seems.
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
During the house renovations the I offered the builders and decorators Earl Grey and they said it was too posh for them. They were very happy with bog standard tea though.
Helen
Nothing beats a good mug of English Breakfast!
Sam Jeffery
Overtime someone makes me a really naff cuppa I’m going to show them this post haha!
Helen
Absolutely, book mark it for future reference.
Thena
My hubby loves tea, I’ll have to share this with him. Great post!
Helen
Making it properly can make tea so much better
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
My husband’s grandparents were from England. I NEVER use a tea pot (yup)….and I know that is a total disgrace for the tea perfectionists. However, I do love Earl Grey tea. I use loose leaf tea and a diffuser….and it works well too.
Helen
I’ll let you off the teapot as you use loose leaf tea!