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Few things beat a nice cup of tea. It warms you up on a cold day, it calms you down after a long one, and it is at the heart of British tea time. Here is how to make the perfect cup of tea, plus a few ideas for tea and cake at home.
Why a nice cup of tea matters
In Britain, tea is more than a drink. It is a pause, a chat and a way to say “welcome”. For example, the kettle goes on when friends arrive, when there is bad news and when there is good news. In other words, English tea time is really about people. A hot cup of tea simply makes the moment better.
How to make a perfect cup of tea
- Use fresh water. First, fill the kettle with fresh cold water. Water that has boiled twice tastes flat.
- Warm the mug. Next, swirl a little hot water in your mug and pour it away. As a result, your tea stays hot for longer.
- Add the tea. Put one tea bag in the mug, or a teaspoon of loose black tea in a pot.
- Pour on boiling water. Black tea likes water that has just boiled.
- Wait. Then let it brew for about three to five minutes. Less is lighter, while more is stronger.
- Finish it your way. Finally, remove the bag and add milk, and sugar if you like.
That is all it takes to make a cup of tea that tastes good every time.
Milk first or tea first?
This is the great British tea debate. In 1946, George Orwell wrote a famous essay called A Nice Cup of Tea, and he said the tea should go in first. However, many people still add the milk first. Our advice? With a tea bag in a mug, add the milk last, so the tea can brew properly. Either way, the right answer is the one you enjoy.
The best mug for a good cup of tea
A good cup of tea needs a good mug. Thick ceramic holds the heat well, so your tea stays warm while you sip. Also, a bigger mug means fewer trips to the kettle. Our extra large mug holds 445 ml, which is plenty for a proper brew. Meanwhile, our personalised photo mug adds a view of Crete or Santorini and your own words.
Want a little magic? Then try our colour changing magic mug. As you pour in your hot cup of tea, the photo slowly appears.
Tea and cake: a homemade afternoon tea
You do not need a fancy hotel for afternoon tea. For instance, bake some scones, add jam and clotted cream, and slice a Victoria sponge. Then make a pot of tea and invite a friend. A homemade afternoon tea is cheap, cosy and a lovely way to spend a Sunday.
A morning cup of tea, or tea in bed
Some of the best tea is the first one of the day. A morning cup of tea, or even a cup of tea in bed at the weekend, is a small luxury. So why not make it special? Add a name or a message to your mug, and every morning starts with a smile.
Make your own tea mug. Pick one of our photos from Crete or Santorini, add your words and see it in 3D before you order.
All photographs in this article © Simov P Store. All rights reserved.
