How to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea

Everyone in the UK thinks they know how to make a proper cup of tea. But ask ten people how they do it and you will get ten different answers. Milk first or last, bag or loose leaf, strong or weak. The truth is, making the perfect cup of tea is not complicated, but it does need a bit of care. When you get it right, it is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Start with good water

Tea is mostly water, so it matters more than people realise. Always use fresh cold water from the tap, not water that has already been boiled and left in the kettle. Reboiled water loses oxygen, which affects the flavour. Fill the kettle, let it come to a full rolling boil, and use it straight away.

Choose the right tea

Whether you prefer a classic English Breakfast, Earl Grey, or a strong builder’s brew, quality counts. Loose leaf tea gives a fuller flavour, but a good teabag works just fine if it is a decent brand. One bag or one teaspoon per mug is the golden rule.

Let it brew properly

Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep. This is where patience comes in. Two minutes will give you a light cup, three to four minutes creates a richer, deeper flavour. Do not squash the teabag or stir it aggressively. Let the tea do its thing.

Milk, sugar and personal taste

Once the tea has brewed, remove the bag or strain the leaves. Now it is time for milk if you use it. Most tea drinkers add milk after brewing so it does not interfere with the flavour developing. Add a splash at a time until you get that perfect warm caramel colour. Sugar, honey, or none at all is entirely down to you.

The final touch

Give it a gentle stir, take a moment to enjoy the aroma, and then take that first sip. A great cup of tea should be comforting, balanced, and never bitter. It is not just a drink, it is a pause in the day.

Whether you are listening to your favourite show on Atom Radio, catching up with friends, or just taking five minutes to yourself, a properly made cup of tea makes everything a little bit better.