How to Make Strong Tea, the Right Way

There are a few reasons for wanting to make a strong cup of tea but it’s not always easy to get it right. So let’s learn how to make the perfect cup of strong tea, the right way!

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There are several reasons you might want to make a strong cup of tea. For many of us, we just love a bold flavorful cup. Others might want to add milk and sugar to their morning cup to which a bold brew is necessary. Don’t want your iced tea to taste watered down? Then starting off with a strong tea is a must!

 So if you’re looking for a cup of tea that is bold and holds up to added flavors or won’t taste watered down, then making strong tea is the way to go. Whether it’s an early morning pick-me-up or an afternoon boost, here is how to properly make to make a bold and flavorful cup of strong tea.

From selecting the right type of tea leaves to using proper brewing techniques, this guide will show you how to make your own strong tea at home. With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can enjoy your own delicious cup of brewed strong tea anytime!

How to Make Strong Tea

Whether you’re making a true tea such as black or green tea or if you want to make herbal tea such as chamomile or mint, use these simple tips to make your tea flavor strong.

How to Make Strong Tea with True Teas 

(Such as black tea, green tea, white tea, or yellow tea)

To make a strong tea using any true tea (tea from the plant Camellia sinensis) use more tea than recommended. For example, 1 teaspoon of leaves is optimal for 8 ounces of water. To make a strong cup of tea instead use 1.5- 2 teaspoons of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water. This can be doubled to make larger quantities of tea. Pro Tip: Steep tea for the same amount of time. Do not add extra time for steeping as that will just cause your tea to taste bitter.

Start by adding tea leaves to your teapot. 

Pour water over the tea and fit on the lid.

Steep tea for the proper amount of time.

Strain out brewed tea leaves using a strainer.

Enjoy hot with milk and sugar, or allow the tea to cool and refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice and sweeten with liquid sugar if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Making Strong Tea

• A common mistake is to steep tea longer than the recommended time for that type of tea. Over-steeping tea, however, will only result in bitter tea. This is because one of the components that make up tea is tannins. Tannins are part of what gives the tea its flavor, but releasing too many tannins into your tea by steeping too long will just cause the tea to taste bitter.
• Some teas are more delicate than others. Using a mild water temperature will ensure a wonderful-tasting tea.
• Pro Tip – Use an electric kettle to ensure the proper water temperature. 
• True teas all contain caffeine. 
• If you are wanting to sweeten your tea with sugar, add the sugar while the tea is still hot.
• Try sweetening cold tea with simple syrup. 
• Looking for iced tea? Try cold brewing.

How to Make Strong Tea with Herbal Tea

1. Start by adding tea to your teapot. 
2. Pour water over the tea and fit on the lid.
3. Steep tea for the proper amount of time, typically 5-10 minutes is perfect)
4. Strain out brewed tea using a strainer.
5. Enjoy hot with milk and sugar, or allow the tea to cool and refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice and sweeten with liquid sugar if desired.

Tips for Making Strong Herbal Tea

• Unlike true teas from the plant Camellia sinensis, herbal teas are not really tea at all but rather tisanes or sometimes called herbal infusions. This definition typically covers everything including flowers, leaves, and roots that are steeped in hot water (or sometimes cold!) and enjoyed as a herbal drink.
• Also, unlike true teas, most herbal teas (there is only 1 exception that I am aware of) are caffeine-free. 
• Herbal teas are also different from true teas as in they are more forgiving when steeped too long. Some are only enhanced by longer steeping.
• As with true teas though, the best practice for making delicious cups of strong herbal tea is to simply add more tea than the recipe initially calls for.

How to Make Strong Tea with Milk

To make this type of tea, start by heating the water. Then, add 1.5 -2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea or two tea bags for every 8 ounces of water. Let it steep for three to five minutes. After the tea has had enough time to steep remove the tea leaves. Finally, add milk to the brewed tea and stir until incorporated.

How to Make Strong Tea with Tea Bags

Making strong tea with tea bags is a quick and easy way to make a bold cup of tea. The same principle applies to tea bags as it does to loose-leaf tea. To make strong tea, simply add an extra tea bag to your cup. All you need are some tea bags, water, and a mug. You can add a sweetener (if desired) after your tea has finished steeping. Begin by bringing water to the proper temperature. Once your water is ready, add tea bags to your steeping vessel and pour the water over the teabags. Let the tea steep for up to five minutes, then remove the tea bags. Sweet to taste and add milk if desired.

How to Make Strong Black Tea

Start by selecting high-quality black tea leaves. Next, bring filtered water to about 212°F and add 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of leaves for every 8 ounces of water. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes. Once finished steeping, use a strainer to strain out the leaves and enjoy!

How to Make Strong Iced Tea

Begin by selecting high-quality tea. Next, bring filtered water to just a boil and add 1.5 – 2 teaspoons of leaves for every 8 ounces of water. Allow the tea to steep for five minutes. Once the tea has finished steeping, strain out the leaves and pour the brewed tea into a pitcher or into a refrigerator-safe storage jar with a lid and refrigerate. Serve over ice.

How to Make Strong Green Tea

Preparing strong green tea is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and energizing cup of tea. Green tea is full of health benefits making it a great choice! To make strong green tea, start by selecting high-quality green tea leaves. When preparing your green tea, use water just below boiling (around 170-180°F) and add 1.5 -2 teaspoons of leaves for every 8 ounces of water. Let the tea steep for two to three minutes. Once finished steeping, strain out the leaves and sip your freshly brewed cup of strong green tea!

How to Make Strong Tea for Boba

Boba, also known as bubble tea, is a popular beverage that combines both tea with sweetened milk and delicious boba balls! Learn how to make any boba tea here!

How to Make Tea Less Strong

Making tea less strong is a great way to enjoy the flavor of your favorite blends without feeling overwhelmed by the intensity. If you’d like to make your tea less strong, simply reduce the amount of tea you use. You can also reduce the steeping time.

More Tea Tips You Will Love!

• How to Make Tea in a Teapot
• How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
• How Much Tea is in a Tea Bag
• How Much Water Per Tea Bag
• How to use a Tea Infuser and Tea Ball

I hope you enjoy this guide on how to make strong tea! I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.