How to make the perfect cup of tea: From the best mugs to energy saving tips

It's estimated more than 100 million cups of tea are sipped every single day in the UK – but it's fair to say not all will be up to scratch.

So, if you're sick of having a weak or overly milky brew made in a rush, and want to ensure its up to the highest of standards from now on, you're in luck.

Expert tea buyer and blender at Ringtons, Jack McMullon, has shared his top tips for the perfect cuppa. And it turns out there's a lot that goes into a truly satisfying tea break.

From the right mug to energy-saving hacks, these essential insider brewing tips will give you the most flavourful, warming results.

Read more: 20 things you didn’t know about tea drinking

1. Choose the right mug

It's not just about making it look nice.

"Choosing the right type of mug to conduct heat and retain it effectively, whilst not affecting the taste is a key part of making a tasty cup of tea," says McMullon. "Glass, china and porcelain are all smooth, non-porous and won’t affect the flavour of your brew.

"Thicker mugs will retain the heat for longer whereas thinner, more delicate cups will lose heat faster.

He also recommends warming your mug so that it reaches a similar temperature to the brewing water. "This will help your infusion develop and bring out the flavours of the tea leaves," he explains.

2. Save energy by switching to a smart kettle

The perfect cuppa can save you pennies, as well as tasting good.

"As the cost of living continues to rise, there are ways to save energy on your brew," notes McMullon. "It pays to take care of your kit, for example, limescale build-up inside your kettle can impact how quickly it heats up, thus using more energy.

"If you’re investing in a new kettle, keep your eyes open for a kettle with variable temperatures, a rapid boil time and low minimum fill levels, as this can cut the time it takes to make a single cup of tea."

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3. Always use fresh water

"Always use freshly boiled water for your tea and if you’re really serious about your brew, use a water filter to eliminate any flavour impairers within the water," suggests McMullon.

"Hard water contains a higher mineral content and can result in a darker, denser tea, whereas soft water makes a more desirable flavour. Over-boiling your water can result in oxygen levels being reduced which results in a blander-tasting tea."

And how hot is the perfect brew? "If you’re using a temperature-controlled kettle, the optimum temperature for brewing black tea is ideally between 95-98 degrees C. If your kettle shows temperature readings, we recommend using water that has reached 98 degrees as it holds the highest level of oxygen," says McMullon.

"Measure out the amount you need using your chosen mug and only boil the water you need (also to save on energy costs)."

4. Limit brewing time

"For black tea, we recommend leaving it to brew for around four minutes, depending on how strong you like your cuppa," advises McMullon.

"More delicate green tea only needs around two minutes at a lower temperature. Generally, the milder the tea flavour, the shorter the brew time. Don’t leave it for too long though as this can result in unpleasant bitterness and astringency."

5. Cover your cup

Making the perfect cuppa is a bit like science.

"One of our little-known top tips is to cover your tea while steeping," says McMullon. "This retains more of the heat and maintains a consistent temperature, which allows the tea leaves to unfurl and the flavours to be released.

"Most experts also agree that gently stirring your tea bag during the steeping process will help to release more of the flavours."

6. Choose milk wisely

"The percentage of natural fat in the milk used will affect the taste and texture of your typical cuppa," notes McMullon. "Both whole-fat and semi-skimmed milk will add a creamy note to your tea, making it smooth and rich.

"You may find that skimmed and low-fat offerings are too watery and don’t give you the same silky-smooth texture. They’re also unlikely to balance out any bitterness in the tannins.

"Black tea is typically stronger and bolder in flavour than its paler cousins and it stands up well to milk and sweeteners, making it the ideal choice for your morning cuppa. If you’re using non-dairy alternatives such as soya milk, you may find that it splits in hot tea. Warming the milk beforehand will help to combat this."

7. Yes, the order makes a difference

How do you make it?

"There’s nothing more divisive in a household or office than those who add their milk in first, (Mifs) or those who prefer their tea in first, (Tifs)," points out McMullon. "Historically, some have theorised that milk was added to the cup first to stop the delicate china cracking from the addition of boiling hot tea.

"A 2022 survey by Censuswide showed that twenty per cent of UK tea drinkers add their milk first. Scientifically, when you add cold milk to the mug first, the temperature of the boiled water lowers slightly and the tea won’t brew as effectively.

"If added first, it can affect the steeping process and you won’t get to experience all the flavours your tea leaves have to offer. To get the best infusion possible, add your tea first, brew to your taste, then add the milk after. This also means that you can better judge the strength of your tea, as milk will affect the colour and aroma."

Read more: Drinking three cups of tea a week linked to a longer and healthier life

8. Let it sit

"Allowing your tea to sit before drinking it not only lets it come to a drinkable temperature, but some of the more subtle flavours will come to the fore at a slightly cooler temperature," adds McMullon.

"Most importantly, it means you won’t burn your mouth. The most important thing to remember? Take time to enjoy your tea. All of these tips are just that; tips and guidelines. We know everyone has their own particular tea tastes and we won’t judge however you want to enjoy your brew."

9. Store it carefully in a cupboard

Last but not least.

"We recommend storing your tea in an airtight container so that your tea bags don’t take on any other unintended flavours from your cupboards," says McMullon. "If left in an opened bag, your tea is likely to take on the taste of the ingredients around it."

Happy brewing.

Watch: Drinking tea may help health later in life