Brewing
is the art of transforming dried leaves into something alive in the cup. It’s a deeply personal experience—part ritual, part exploration. If you're new to a tea or style, start with the guidelines below, then experiment and play. Adjust your time, temperature, and proportions until you discover the version that feels just right for you
Shou Pu’er
Shou Pu’er is an aged, fermented tea from Yunnan, China. It goes through a unique post-fermentation process that gives it a dark, earthy flavor—smooth, mellow, and grounding. Think of it as the tea version of a deep forest walk after rain
Profile: Full-bodied, earthy, aged with malty and smooth notes
Caffeine: Medium to high
Experience: Deep and grounding; often enjoyed post-meal for digestion
Hot brew:
Temp: 200–212°F (93–100°C)
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 4–5 minutes or short gongfu infusions
Notes: Earthy, smooth, aged. Excellent digestive aid
Cold brew:
Amount: 1 to 1.5 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 10–12 hours
Notes: Mellow and earthy with minimal astringency
Black Tea
Black tea is fully oxidized, bold, and brisk. It’s the classic cup most people recognize—energizing and familiar with malty richness. It can stand alone or pair with milk and sugar
Profile: Bold, brisk, malty with cocoa and astringent notes
Caffeine: High
Experience: Energizing and robust; great for mornings or a midday lift
Hot brew:
Temp: 200–212°F (93–100°C)
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 3–5 minutes
Notes: Robust and forgiving; takes well to milk or sweeteners
Cold brew:
Cold brew:
Amount: 1.5 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 8–12 hours
Notes: Smooth, malty cold brew with minimal bitterness
Red Tea
Red tea, known as “hong cha” in China, is what Chinese tradition calls fully oxidized tea. It’s smoother and often sweeter than Western black tea, with comforting notes of fruit and honey
Profile: Medium to full body; smooth and sweet with honey, stone fruit, and caramel
Caffeine: Medium to high
Experience: Cozy and complex; excellent without milk
Hot brew:
Temp: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 2–4 minutes
Notes: Naturally sweet and soft; a refined alternative to black tea
Cold brew:
Amount: 1.5 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 6–10 hours
Notes: Bright, fruity, with subtle honeyed undertones
GABA Tea
GABA tea is processed in a nitrogen-rich, oxygen-free environment to boost gamma-aminobutyric acid, a compound linked to relaxation and focus. The result is a mellow tea with grounding energy
Profile: Medium body; nutty, earthy, and mellow with occasional fruity notes
Caffeine: Medium-low
Experience: Calming but clear-headed; a bridge between strength and subtlety
Hot brew:
Temp: 180–200°F (82–93°C)
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 2–4 minutes
Notes: Great for multiple steeps; second infusion is often softer and sweeter
Cold brew:
Amount: 1–1.5 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 8–12 hours
Notes: Smooth, low-caffeine option with a nutty-sweet profile
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, offering an expansive range of flavors—from floral and creamy to roasted and rich. It’s a versatile tea with beautiful complexity.
Profile: Medium body; ranges from floral and buttery to toasty and layered
Caffeine: Medium
Experience: Ideal for slow, intentional sipping and multiple infusions
Hot brew:
Temp: 185–205°F (85–96°C)
Amount: 1–1.5 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 3–5 minutes
Notes: Lighter oolongs prefer cooler temps; roasted styles can take near-boiling water
Cold brew:
Amount: 1.5 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 8–10 hours
Notes: Floral and buttery tones emerge in a slow, cold steep
Sheng Pu’er
Sheng Pu’er is naturally aged over time. Young sheng is bold and grassy; aged versions become sweet and smooth. It’s dynamic, energizing, and excellent for focused tea sessions.
Profile: Light to medium body; grassy, bold, evolving with astringent and vegetal notes
Caffeine: High
Experience: Sharp, energetic, and prized for mental clarity
Hot brew:
Temp: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
Amount: 4–6g per 100ml (gongfu style) or 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) (Western style)
Time: Rinse briefly, then 10–20 seconds per infusion (gongfu) or 2–3 minutes (Western)
Notes: Up to 10+ infusions; flavors change from grassy to sweet to woody
Cold brew:
Amount: 1–1.5 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 10–12 hours
Notes: Herbal, cooling, and complex with slight wildflower tones
Green Tea
Green tea is gently processed to retain its natural color and antioxidants. It's fresh, bright, and grassy—an ideal pick-me-up that rewards careful brewing.
Profile: Light to medium body; fresh, vegetal, grassy, and oceanic
Caffeine: Medium
Experience: Uplifting and refreshing; great for mental focus and daily hydration
Hot brew:
Temp: 160–180°F (71–82°C)
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 1–3 minutes
Notes: Avoid overheating to prevent bitterness; Japanese greens like cooler water
Cold brew:
Amount: 1 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 4–8 hours
Notes: Crisp, grassy, slightly sweet. Great for warm days and gentle energy
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from young leaves and buds. Its delicate flavor and cooling energy make it a favorite for calm, mindful moments
Profile: Light and delicate; floral, sweet with melon and hay undertones
Caffeine: Low to medium
Experience: Subtle and refreshing; high in antioxidants and ideal for gentle sipping
Hot brew:
Temp: 170–185°F (76–85°C)
Amount: 1.5–2 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 3–5 minutes
Notes: Delicate and floral; use more leaf for a stronger infusion
Cold brew:
Amount: 1–1.5 tsp (2–3g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 6–8 hours
Notes: Light, naturally sweet, and cooling
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are made from plants other than the tea leaf—roots, flowers, seeds, or spices. They’re caffeine-free and crafted for function: rest, digestion, mood, or ritual.
Profile: Varies widely—floral, minty, citrusy, spiced, or earthy
Caffeine: None
Experience: Relaxing, supportive, and ideal for bedtime or all-day sipping
Hot brew:
Temp: 200–212°F (93–100°C)
Amount: 1.5–2 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) water
Time: 5–10 minutes (depending on herbs)
Notes: Longer steep times bring out depth and benefits; customize to taste
Cold brew:
Amount: 1.5 tsp (3–4g) per 8 oz (240ml) cold water
Time: 8–12 hours
Notes: Caffeine-free and refreshing; perfect for any time of day