Brewing the perfect cup of tea isn’t just a process—it’s a little ritual we cherish here at The Tea House on Los Rios. So let’s walk through how we make a cup that’s not just tea, but an experience worth savoring.

Step 1: Heat Your Water

Start with fresh, cold water in your kettle and heat it to just the right temperature. Trust me, boiling water in the microwave? It’s a no-go. It can leave your water unevenly heated and your tea tasting flat. Instead, bring the water to a boil on the stove or use an electric kettle that lets you set the temperature. Be careful not to re-boil water—it messes with the oxygen balance, and you’ll end up with stale-tasting tea.

Pro tip: Green tea lovers, be especially cautious! Water that’s too hot will leave you with a cup that’s more bitter than blissful. We have a Steeping Chart at The Tea House if you need a quick guide on water temperatures for different types of tea. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to share!

Step 2: Add Your Tea Leaves

Measure out your tea leaves—1 teaspoon per cup of water is the sweet spot. Pop those leaves into your tea press or infuser and let them steep away. Place the lid on your tea press, but don’t press down just yet. This part is all about patience and letting those flavors unfold gracefully. Steeping time varies by tea, usually 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Strain Those Leaves

Now, here comes the fun part. Gently press down on your tea press, letting the leaves separate from that gorgeous brew. Go slow—over-extraction can lead to a bitter cup, and we’re not about that life. At The Tea House, we believe every cup should be as balanced and smooth as the ones we serve daily.

Storage Tip: Keep your tea and herbs in a cool, dark, and dry spot. UV light and humidity are the enemies of those delicate leaves. If you’ve ever picked up a tea tin at our TEAque gift shop, you’ve probably noticed they’re designed to protect against just that. Once opened, aim to enjoy your tea within a year—though, around here, it never lasts that long!