The Art of Brewing: 5 Mistakes to Avoid for the Perfect Cup

 

Tea is not just a drink in India; it is an emotion. From the morning chai that wakes us up to the evening cup that brings family together, every sip has its own story. Yet, despite drinking tea daily, many of us don’t realise that the way we brew it can make or break the flavour. Brewing tea is not complicated, but a few small mistakes can affect the taste, aroma, and even the health benefits of your favourite blend.

At Tea and Twigs, we believe that the perfect cup is a balance of patience, technique, and quality ingredients. Let’s look at the five most common mistakes people make while brewing tea, and how you can avoid them to enjoy the true essence of every leaf.


1. Boiling the Water Too Much

One of the most common mistakes is boiling the water until it loses its freshness. When water is left to boil for too long, it reduces oxygen levels and makes the tea taste flat. Each type of tea requires a specific temperature to release its best flavour.

  • Green tea needs water that is warm but not boiling (around 75–85°C). If the water is too hot, it makes the tea taste bitter.

  • Black tea and herbal teas can handle higher temperatures (90–100°C), but even here, pouring water that is furiously boiling can sometimes damage delicate notes.

The solution is simple: heat the water until it just starts to bubble, not until it is rolling wildly. This small step preserves the freshness and gives you a richer taste.


2. Using the Wrong Tea-to-Water Ratio

Another mistake that often happens at home is guessing the quantity of tea leaves or tea bags. Too many leaves make the tea overly strong and harsh, while too few make it watery and bland.

As a general rule, use one teaspoon of loose tea leaves per cup (around 150–200 ml). If you like your tea slightly stronger, you can add half a teaspoon extra, but avoid overloading. For herbal and floral teas like chamomile or hibiscus, slightly more leaves may be needed because they are lighter in weight.

At Tea and Twigs, we recommend measuring your tea, at least in the beginning, until your eyes naturally adjust to the right quantity. This ensures consistency and avoids disappointment in taste.


3. Over-Steeping the Leaves

Many people believe that the longer tea leaves are steeped, the stronger and healthier the tea becomes. Unfortunately, this is not true. Over-steeping makes tea bitter, astringent, and sometimes even unpalatable.

The steeping time varies for each type of tea:

  • Green tea: 2–3 minutes

  • Black tea: 3–5 minutes

  • Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes

  • Oolong tea: 3–5 minutes

Once the tea has released its flavour, leaving it longer in water only draws out excess tannins, which create bitterness. A timer or even your phone’s clock can help you achieve that perfect balance every time.


4. Ignoring the Quality of Water

We often focus only on the quality of the tea leaves but forget that tea is mostly water. Hard water with too many minerals, or water that has been re-boiled multiple times, can alter the taste of your brew.

If possible, always use fresh, filtered water. In Indian households, using clean drinking water (RO or filtered) works best. Avoid using water that has been sitting too long in a kettle or one that has already been boiled earlier in the day. Fresh water highlights the natural flavours of the tea leaves, while stale water makes it taste dull.


5. Rushing the Ritual

In today’s fast-paced life, many of us treat tea-making as just another task—boil water, dip a bag, and rush. But tea is meant to be savoured. Brewing is not only about taste but also about slowing down and enjoying the process.

Take a few extra minutes to watch the leaves unfurl, breathe in the aroma, and pour your tea mindfully. When you brew without rushing, the experience itself becomes calming, almost like a small daily meditation. At Tea and Twigs, we encourage treating tea as a ritual, not just a drink.


Final Thoughts

The art of brewing is simple once you know what mistakes to avoid. Don’t over-boil your water, measure your tea properly, avoid over-steeping, use fresh water, and most importantly, don’t rush the process. Each small change makes a big difference to the final cup.

Tea is more than a beverage—it is culture, comfort, and wellness combined. When brewed correctly, every sip connects you with centuries of tradition while refreshing your body and mind.

At Tea and Twigs, we bring you handpicked teas designed to give you this very experience. Brew them with care, and you’ll discover that the perfect cup of tea is not about perfection—it is about presence.

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