Without a doubt, tea is one of the most popular drinks in the UK. Whether we’re taking a break from work or having a chat with friends, everyone enjoys a good cuppa. But how can you get the most from this much-loved drink? Here’s our quick guide to making the perfect cup of tea.

Choose your tea

One of the best things about tea is that there are so many different types to choose from. First, you need to select your perfect blend. Then, you can choose between loose tea leaves, tea bags, or even a tea bloom. Whilst tea bags are convenient, loose tea can help create a more ‘ceremonial’ experience. For a single cup of tea, pour two teaspoons of your chosen blend into an infuser. If you’re planning on making a few cups, pour your loose tea into a teapot instead.

Use your favourite mug

Have you ever noticed how tea tastes so much better when you drink it from your favourite mug? Maybe you like novelty designs or giant, bucket-like mugs, or perhaps you prefer something more modest. You may even find your tea tastes best in a dainty china cup, complete with a saucer. There’s no right or wrong here, it’s all down to preference. So whatever your vessel of choice – make sure it’s on hand before you start brewing.

Filter your water

Aside from the tea itself, water is the main ingredient for a great cuppa. Depending where you live, your water may be hard, soft, or contain different impurities. A water filter will help you remove these, resulting in a purer base for your tea. There are lots of different types available on the market, so make sure you choose the best filter for you. ‘Carbon’ filters are great for removing things like sediment and chlorine from your water. Alternatively, traces of heavy metals can be removed with a ‘scale removal’ or ‘scale inhibition’ filter. Each will produce different tasting water. So whatever your preference, there’s a filter out there to suit you.

Be patient

The perfect cup of tea takes time to prepare, so don’t rush the experience. Let the flavours of the tea fully infuse into the water. As well as a great taste, there are lots of health benefits associated with tea, so make sure you give it time to steep. If you’re pressed for time but don’t want to rush your brew, a hot water tap can save you precious minutes. It will give you instant access to hot water, without having to wait for a kettle to boil. You can then use that extra time to get the maximum flavour from your blend.

Get personal

Do you like your tea milky, strong, or do you prefer it without milk? For a quintessentially English approach, you might like to offer milk as an option, in a separate jug. Everyone has their own unique way of accessorising their tea. Some like to add sugar or a sweetener, while others enjoy it without. Some will serve tea with a slice of lemon, while others favour the biscuit tin. However you decide to present your tea, make sure you give it a few minutes to cool. Then when your cup is ready, take a sip and judge for yourself. Have you achieved perfection?

[Photos by jill111 and GLady]