Learn how to make tea in a classic teapot with this simple step-by-step guide. Making tea in a teapot is an easy and efficient way to enjoy a hot cup of tea. Teapots come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but the basic steps for brewing the perfect cup of tea remain the same. Whether you’re using a traditional ceramic pot or a modern glass one, there are some simple steps that can help make sure your cup of tea is just right. With just a few minutes of preparation time, you can learn how to brew delicious and flavorful cups of tea in your teapot.

Our days are often so busy, that I look forward to the times when I can slow down and make a pot of tea and enjoy it- while it is still hot. Today I want to share how to make a perfect pot of tea with your teapot. This includes the extra steps that are often skipped due to time constraints to lack of knowledge, but in the end, make the better cup of tea. This guide will with work pretty much any teapot although I do urge you to keep in mind that many teapots are so delicate and need more care and an extra gentle touch. So if you have an extra 10 minutes, let’s get started on making a perfect cup of tea.
How to Make Tea in a Teapot Step-By-Step Guide
STEP ONE – Chose Your Tea. First, it’s important to select the right type of tea for your teapot. Making tea from a teapot is easy, but different tea leaves will yield different results. So, be sure to choose one that matches the flavor and strength you are looking for in your cup of tea. Generally speaking, black teas have a bolder flavor than green or white teas, while oolong offers more subtle notes. Herbal tea is another category, not really a true tea, but rightfully a tisane or sometimes called an herbal infusion. You can still apply these principles to make it.

STEP TWO – Heat Your Water. Next, bring your water to the correct temperature for the type of tea you are making. Generally speaking, black teas need boiling water while green and white teas should be brewed at slightly cooler temperatures (around 170F-180F). PRO TIP: Use an electric kettle to get the exact temperature.
STEP 3 Warm Up Your Teapot. Pour some of your hot water into your teapot and swirl it around to warm it up before discarding this water. This quick step helps in the care of your teapot especially if you are using one that is made with a more delicate material that could crack or weaken from pouring hot water directly into it. Another reason for warming up your pot is that it helps to keep it at an even temperature for steeping.
PRO TIP: Warm up your teapot!

STEP 4 – Add Your Tea. Next, measure out the right amount of loose-leaf tea for your pot. A general rule is one teaspoon of tea per 8 ounces of water—so if you’re making a medium-sized pot (around 16 ounces), use two teaspoons of tea leaves. You can simply add the tea directly into your teapot, or use a strainer basket or infuser, which should then be placed inside the teapot. PRO TIP: Make sure your infuser is large enough to allow the tea leaves to move around freely and release all of their flavors. You can also use tea bags, 1 bag per 8 ounces of tea. If you want to make stronger tea simply add more tea leaves. See here for how to make strong tea the right way!

Pour hot water over the tea and cover it with a lid.

STEP 5 – Steep Your Tea. Allow the tea to steep for around three-five minutes depending on which type of tea you are making. High-quality tea can be steeped a second time but most can be discarded after a single use. To prevent waste, I like saving these for my garden compost!

STEP 6 – Serve Tea. Once your tea has finished steeping, you can remove the infuser if using or use a tea strainer and pour the tea through the strainer and into your teacup or mug. Be sure to leave room for cream or sweetener as desired.

PRO TIP: Be sure to clean and store your teapot properly, making it ready for the next cup of tea!
Selecting the Right Teapot for YOU
You need to choose the right teapot for your needs. There are many types of teapots available, from classic ceramic versions to modern glass styles. Some teapots come with a strainer built in, but if yours doesn’t have one then you will need a separate infuser or strainer to remove the tea leaves. Whether you prefer traditional ceramic models or modern glass styles, there are a variety of materials and designs to choose from.
- Ceramic Teapots have been around for centuries and remain a popular choice for their classic look and feel. They are available in many different colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your particular needs.
- Glass Teapots have also become increasingly popular in recent years due to their modern look as well as the ability to watch the tea as it is brewed. These can be made from either borosilicate glass or tempered glass, depending on your preference.
- Stainless Steel Teapots are also great for brewing tea due to their durability and ability to keep liquids hot for longer periods of time. They are also very easy to clean and maintain.
- Yixing Teapot – These beautiful clay teapots are made by hand. They are unglazed and as such only one type of tea should be brewed in them. These teapots are often expensive due to the craftsmanship used to make them. If you decide to purchase of one of these, be aware of counterfeit pots that are sold at less expensive prices.
- Porcelain – These can be great for adding style and even flavor to your brewing experience.
Pick your Tea Carefully!
The next step is to select the right type of loose-leaf tea. This is an important step because different types of tea not only have different tastes but also require different brewing times and temperatures. From green and oolong to black and herbal, there are so many varieties available – experiment until you find your favorite!
Select the type of tea you’d like to brew. Loose-leaf teas can be brewed in a teapot and yield the most flavor, but you can also use tea bags if that is more convenient for you. For every cup of tea, measure one teaspoon of tea leaves or one bag into your teapot.
Tea of Teabags?
Tea has been enjoyed for centuries for its rich flavor, health benefits, and calming effects. Loose-leaf tea is believed to offer the best quality and flavor because of the higher quality of the leaves used in its production. Loose-leaf teas are made from whole tea leaves that have been carefully dried and processed without any added ingredients or preservatives. This means that you are getting more of the beneficial properties contained in the natural leaves than with tea bags, which may contain lower-grade leaves or even dust particles.
Aside from different brewing processes and flavor profiles, there are other differences between loose-leaf and bagged tea as well. For starters, loose-leaf varieties tend to be more expensive than bagged types due to their higher-quality ingredients. However, this also means that they will last longer and you can often re-steep the leaves a second time! On the other hand, bagged varieties often come premeasured so you don’t need to worry about measuring out the correct amount of leaves each time. Additionally, some people prefer having the convenience of being able to steep it directly in a mug or cup with a bag.
When it comes down to it, both types of tea offer great taste options depending on your preference and budget. Whether you choose loose leaves or bags, always make sure you select high-quality ingredients so that you can enjoy the maximum flavor!
I personally use both loose tea and tea bags.
Importance of Water
Water is an essential element for making the perfect cup of tea. Since tea is made up of mostly water it is important to get this ingredient correct. As a rule, distilled or filtered water is ideal for the clearest cup and flavor. In the end, just make sure to use the best water you can to make your cup of tea.
Water Temperature Guide
- Black Tea – 190°-200° F
- Oolong Tea – 180°-200°F
- Green Tea – 170°-180°F
- Yellow Tea – 170°-180°F
- White Tea – 160°-170° F
- Herbal Tea – 212°F
How to Steep Tea
Once hot water has been added to the teapot, put on the lid and allow your tea to steep. This time will differ with each type of tea. A correct steeping time will ensure that your tea has the right amount of time to release its flavors without becoming bitter.
Steeping is a vital step in the process of making tea in a teapot, as it directly affects the flavor and aroma of the brew. There are many factors to consider when steeping, such as the type of tea, water temperature, and steeping time. When brewing with a teapot, it is important to be mindful of all these factors in order to get the best cup of tea.
Steeping times for tea vary greatly depending on the type of tea being used.
- Black Tea – 5 Minutes
- Oolong Tea – 1-5 Minutes
- Green Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- Yellow Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- White Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- Herbal Tea – 5-10 Minutes

Milk and Sugar
Many people like to add sugar and a splash of milk to their tea. This is mostly a personal preference on how much is used.
Milk and sugar or a bit of lemon are the most common options but there are other alternatives to add to your tea. Here are a few options although certainly limited.
Sweeteners
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Date sugar
- Coconut sugar
- Brown sugar
Milk
- Dairy Milk
- Half and Half
- Cream
- Cashew Milk
- Almond Milk
- Oat Milk
Cleaning Your Teapot
Once you’ve enjoyed your cup of tea, be sure to clean your teapot! Cleaning and maintaining your teapot is important for keeping it in good condition so that you can use it again and again. You should always clean the pot after each use and be sure to empty out any remaining tea leaves.
To clean most teapots, start by rinsing it out with warm water. This will help to get rid of any leftover tea and residue. Next, fill the pot with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Thet it sit for a few minutes before giving it a gentle scrub. Finally, rinse out the teapot with warm water and let it air dry or pat it down with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Cast iron and Yixing Teapots should never be cleaned with soap. Both have their own special way of being cleaned!
History and Origin
Tea has been thought to be brewed in teapots since the 1600s with clay pots in China to steep tea leaves.
This method of preparing tea quickly spread to Europe and around the world. The size, shape, and decoration have evolved considerably and modern teapots can be made from stoneware, silver, glass, porcelain, ceramic, and even cast iron.
Today, tea drinkers can choose from a wide variety of styles and materials when selecting a proper teapot for their needs – ranging from classic earthenware pots, through colorful porcelain creations with gold accents; up to ultra-modern stainless steel designs with contemporary shapes suitable for any kitchen countertop decor. Whether you are an avid collector of antique pieces or just someone looking for a perfect pot to brew your daily cup of tea, there is always something special waiting just around the corner!
Why You’ll Love Making Tea in a Teapot
Making tea in a teapot is in my opinion one of the best ways to make tea! Not only for the taste but the experience. My best memories are a relaxing afternoon tea with wonderful friends and family!
More Tea Recipes You Will Love!
- How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
- How to Make English Breakfast Tea
- How to Make White Tea
- How to Make Bubble Tea
I hope you enjoy this guide on how to make tea in a teapot. I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.



How to Make Tea in a Teapot
Ingredients
- 4 Teaspoons Tea
- 4 Cups Water
- Milk optional
- Sugar optional
- Lemon optional
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil either in an electric kettle or on the stovetop.
- Prepare your teapot by adding a bit of water and swirling it around to warm it up. Discard the water.
- Add tea directly into your teapot or an infuser in the teapot.
- Pour hot water over the tea and cover it with a lid.
- Steep tea for the appropriate time.
Notes
Water Temperatures:
- Black Tea – 190°-200° F
- Oolong Tea – 180°-200°F
- Green Tea – 170°-180°F
- Yellow Tea – 170°-180°F
- White Tea – 160°-170° F
- Herbal Tea – 212°F
Steeping Times
- Black Tea – 5 Minutes
- Oolong Tea – 1-5 Minutes
- Green Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- Yellow Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- White Tea – 1-3 Minutes
- Herbal Tea – 5-10 Minutes
Tips
- Use Filtered Water
- Sweeten with your desired sweetener
- Add Milk
- Add a lemon slice
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
Hi Courtney. I love this tea blog. What a lovely memorial to your grandmother. This post is awesome. People need to know how to brew tea, and to be aware of how much better looseleaf tea properly brewed tastes! Thanks for sharing. I will visit here often!
Thank you, Deborah!