Tea Brewing Guide

 

Calling all tea enthusiasts ~ Whether you're a seasoned tea drinker, or new to loose-leaf tea, this guide will walk you through all the basics, from a quick brew for yourself to sharing cups with friends. It includes brewing methods for hot and cold tea, single servings, and sharing sizes, plus decadent latte recipes like matcha, chai, and golden milk. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, you can tap into your inner tea artist and personalize your brews with unique syrups, creamy milks, and delightful garnishes.

Tip* All of our tea packaging includes specific brewing instructions for your reference.

Single Hot Tea: Black/Green/White Tea

Place 1 teaspoon loose leaf tea (for every 8 ounces of water) in 1 disposable tea sachet or infuser. Put the tea bag in the cup and pour over boiling water. Steep 3-5 minutes.

Single Hot Tea: Herbal Tea

Place 2 teaspoons dry loose leaf tea (for every 8 ounces of water) in 1 disposable tea sachet or infuser. Put the tea bag in the cup and pour over boiling water. Steep 5-10 minutes.

Bulk Hot Tea – one gallon: Black/Green/White Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a strong boil. Remove from heat and add 1 cup tea. Steep 4-5 minutes. Strain and add 3 quarts more hot water.

Bulk Hot Tea – one gallon: Herbal Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a strong boil. Remove from heat and add 2 cups tea. Steep 8-10 minutes. Strain and add 3 quarts more water.

Single Iced Tea: Black/Green/White Tea

Place 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea in a small 8 oz jar/pitcher. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Fill a 16 ounce cup to the top with ice. Strain the hot tea concentrate over the ice and serve.

Single Iced Tea: Herbal Tea

Place 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea in a small 8 oz jar/pitcher. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Fill a 16 ounce cup to the top with ice. Strain the hot tea concentrate over the ice and serve.

Bulk Iced Tea – one gallon: Black/Green/White Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a strong boil. Remove from heat and add 1 cup tea. Steep 4-5 minutes. Strain and add 3 quarts more cool water. Chill.

Bulk Iced Tea – one gallon: Herbal Tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a strong boil. Remove from heat and add 2 cups tea. Steep 8-10 minutes. Strain and add 3 quarts more cool water. Chill.

Cold Brew Bulk Iced Tea: Black/Green/White

Place 1 cup loose leaf tea in one gallon of water. Chill for 8-12 hours. Strain and keep chilled. Serve.

Cold Brew Bulk Iced Tea: Herbal

Place 2 cups loose leaf tea in one gallon of water. Chill for 8-12 hours. Strain and keep chilled. Serve.

Chai Tea Concentrate

Stove Top Method (recommended) – makes 1 quart. This can be multiplied. Use within 7 days. Keep Refrigerated.

  1. Add 3 Tablespoons of Ritual Chai Tea into a large saucepan with 1 quart of water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and simmer 20-30 minutes.
  3. Strain and sweeten with ¼ cup of sugar to sweeten (optional)
  4. Latte: Serve hot or iced with 1:1 ratio of milk and chai concentrate.

Overnight Method (good, though not as strong) – makes 1 quart. This can be multiplied. Use within 7 days. Keep Refrigerated.

  1. Add 3 Tablespoons of Ritual Chai Tea and ¼ cup sugar (optional) into a quart mason jar.
  2. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil and pour over the tea. Let cool and chill.
  3. Let this jar of tea steep for at least 8 hours, up to 12 hours. Strain.
  4. Latte: Serve hot or iced with 1:1 ratio of milk and chai concentrate.

Sweet Matcha Latte – makes an 8 oz cup

  1. Spoon 2 tsp. of Matcha Latte Powder into a small mug and add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water, whisk, froth or stir well.
  2. Add 8 ounces of your favorite milk (hot or chilled).
  3. Mix well and you can top it with foam or whipped cream. Enjoy!

*Tip - some might like to add a flavored syrup, but note that the sweetness is at a good level on its own. 

*To make an iced or frozen Matcha Latte, use the same portion for syrup and powder, but prepare in a blender or shaker instead!

Golden Milk Latte – makes a hot 8 oz

  1. In a small saucepan, add 8 ounces of your favorite milk and up to 1 tsp. of golden milk powder. Gently bring to a simmer for a couple of minutes.
  2. Make sure to not scald the milk! Remove from heat and sweeten with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.
  3.  Enjoy!

*If the spices are too strong, add more milk or use less than 1 tsp per serving.

*To make an iced or frozen Golden Milk Latte, use the same portion for syrup and powder, but prepare in a blender or shaker instead! This contains no caffeine but can be made “dirty” with added espresso.

More Loose Leaf Tea Tips

  • Some loose leaf teas can be brewed and sipped multiple times.
  • Stir your loose leaf tea and scoop from the bottom up, sometimes larger pieces get sifted to the top. Mixing ensures a more balanced brew.

Let us know if you have any questions!

Email natalie@gnatandbee.com

Our products are made fresh by the hands of a small dedicated team. We source high-quality botanicals and other components from trusted suppliers, while also incorporating our own homegrown Ohio harvest.

If you are a retailer looking for unique, handcrafted herbal bath & body products and teas to sell we have two ways for you to access wholesale options:

  1. Direct through our website - access the application on the wholesale page on our site through the link below. Only approved accounts can access the wholesale site.
  2. Find wholesale pricing through FAIRE. Must be a member of Faire to order.

We promise a wide selection, fast turnaround, guaranteed freshness, low order minimum, sustainable packaging, and excellent customer service.

And if you're a customer and would love to see our products in a location near you, we always appreciate referrals!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!