The Ultimate Tea Drinking Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you are a casual tea drinker or an addict, this is the ONLY guide to tea drinking that you need! In this article, we break down each tea into their flavour profiles, optimal temperature and steeping time, caffeine content levels and the best ways to enjoy them. Written for tea lovers by tea lovers!

For caffeine content, a typical (8oz) 230ml cup of coffee has about 80 to 100mg of caffeine. We use this as a bench mark to compare which teas have higher levels of caffeine to lower levels of caffeine. The optimal temperature for brewing tea is crucial as having too high a temperature could result in burnt and bitter teas while low temperatures could result in flavourless and undeveloped teas. Timing of brews matter just as much as the temperature, intuitively, longer brews result in strong and bitter cups of tea while underestimating the time results in flavourless teas.

With various teas having a different flavour profile, there is a whole complexity behind having the best tea experience. Lets get into it!

Black Tea

Description: Known for its bold, robust flavour and rich amber colour, black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a stronger taste and higher caffeine content. Common varieties include Assam, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey (A black tea-based tea blend). Black teas usually have earthy and bold tastes, good for warming up or a morning boost.

• Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes at 200°F (93°C)

• Caffeine Content: 40-70 mg per (8oz) 230ml cup [Highest caffeine levels]

• Best Enjoyed: Black tea pairs well with milk or a slice of lemon. Try it iced in the summer or as a classic afternoon tea with milk and sugar.

• Tasting Notes: Rich and malty with a hint of sweetness. Assam teas are generally more robust, while Darjeeling teas offer a lighter, floral taste.

• Our Recommendation: Hello Spice might be a good fit for the bold and spicy individuals who want a good morning kick!

2. Green Tea

Description: Green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving a delicate, fresh flavour and light green colour. Popular varieties include Sencha, Matcha, and Jasmine Green Tea. To some, green tea has a slight bitter, earthy flavour that is lighter than black tea. It leans towards having a more refreshing taste due to its lighter flavour compared to our bold and strong black tea.

• Brewing Time: 2-3 minutes at 175°F (80°C)

• Caffeine Content: 20-45 mg per (8oz) 230ml cup

• Best Enjoyed: To appreciate the pure flavour, green tea is best enjoyed without milk. For matcha, whisk the powder with hot water and savour its earthy taste. Green teas are also great iced.

• Tasting Notes: Fresh and grassy with subtle floral or vegetal notes, depending on the variety. Matcha has a creamy, umami-rich flavor.

• Our recommendation: Try our Sleepy Morning or Wake up Call blends! Green tea can both have a relaxing or refreshing effect, as such we have blends that cater to all your needs!

3. White Tea

Description: The least processed of all tea types, white tea has a light, subtle flavour and delicate aroma. Common varieties include Silver Needle and White Peony.

• Brewing Time: 2-3 minutes at 160-185°F (70-85°C)

• Caffeine Content: 15-30 mg per (8oz) 230ml cup

• Best Enjoyed: White tea is ideal on its own or with a touch of honey to bring out its natural sweetness.

• Tasting Notes: Light, delicate, and slightly sweet with floral or fruity undertones. This tea is excellent for a calm, refreshing experience.

4. Oolong Tea

Description: Oolong tea is partially oxidized, offering a range of flavours between black and green teas. Its diverse flavour profile includes floral, fruity, and even creamy notes, depending on the oxidation level.

• Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes at 190°F (88°C)

• Caffeine Content: 30-50 mg per (8oz) 230ml cup

• Best Enjoyed: This tea is traditionally enjoyed without milk. It’s ideal for multiple steeps, as each infusion reveals new flavours.

• Tasting Notes: Complex and aromatic with notes that range from floral and fruity to toasty and woody. Taiwanese oolongs tend to be more floral, while Chinese oolongs have a richer, roasted profile.

5. Pu-erh Tea

Description: A fermented and aged tea from China, Pu-erh tea has a unique, earthy flavour that develops with time. It’s often sold in compressed cakes or bricks.

• Brewing Time: 2-4 minutes at 212°F (100°C)

• Caffeine Content: 30-70 mg per 230ml cup

• Best Enjoyed: Pu-erh is best enjoyed plain, although it’s sometimes brewed with milk in certain traditions. Try multiple steepings to enjoy its evolving flavors.

• Tasting Notes: Earthy, bold, and sometimes slightly smoky. The aged varieties can develop complex flavours that are appreciated by tea connoisseurs.

6. Herbal Teas

Description: Technically not true teas, herbal teas (or tisanes) are made from herbs, spices, flowers, and fruits. Popular varieties include chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus.

• Brewing Time: 5-7 minutes at 212°F (100°C)

• Caffeine Content: Caffeine-free (with a few exceptions)

• Best Enjoyed: Herbal teas are enjoyed plain or with a touch of honey or lemon. They can be enjoyed hot or iced, depending on the variety.

• Tasting Notes: Varied, depending on the ingredients. Chamomile is floral and calming, peppermint is refreshing and minty, and hibiscus has a tart, fruity taste.

• Our recommendations: Lunar Dreamscape is one of our best selling teas that offers a unique blend to help you relax and sleep. For those who love the earthy taste but are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend Lemonroo

Additional Tips for the Perfect Cup

• Water Quality: Use filtered water for the best taste, as tap water can alter the flavour.

• Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Loose leaf tea typically provides a fuller flavour, while tea bags offer convenience. For premium quality, try using a tea infuser with loose leaf.

• Multiple Steepings: Some teas, like oolong and Pu-erh, are perfect for multiple infusions. Each steeping can reveal new flavour nuances.

• Storage: Store your teas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours to preserve their freshness.