A good cup of tea can make your whole day better. If you’re feeling sluggish, a good mint tea or strong black or yerba tea can give you a much needed boost in energy, and if you’re feeling stressed, taking a few minutes to brew and sip a cuppa can be exactly what you need. The right cup of tea can even be the perfect way to start your day, or unwind before bedtime.

No matter what kind you prefer, here’s how to make the perfect cup of tea every time.

You’ll Need:

• A Kettle
• Tea bags or loose leaf tea (1 tea bag or 1 tsp of loose leaf tea per cup)
• Tea infuser (if you’re using loose leaf)
• Sweetener like sugar, honey, agave, or stevia (optional)
• Milk (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Since a cup of tea is mostly water, the water you use makes a difference. Start with fresh, clean, cold water in a clean kettle for the best tasting tea.

Step 2: Bring your kettle to a rolling boil – unless you’re making green tea or white tea. Green and white teas have more delicate flavours, and green tea can become bitter if steeped too hot or for too long. Keep an eye on your kettle while it’s going and switch it off just before it starts to boil.

Step 3: Put your tea into your favourite mug or tea cup, and pour the hot water over the tea. Pouring the hot water over the tea (instead of placing your tea into the cup of hot water) will give you a way better cup of tea.

Step 4: Steep! See below for the ideal steeping times for each cup of tea. Be careful not to overstep your green or white tea!

White – 2 to 3 mins
Green – 2 to 3 mins
Black – 3 to 5 minutes (steep for a couple extra minutes or add another tea bag or tsp of tea for a stronger cup)
Oolong – 3 to 5 minutes
Mate – 4 to 6 minutes
Rooibos – 5 to 7 minutes
Herbal – 5 to 7 minutes

Step 5: Remove your tea bag or strainer, and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of tea!