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Brew methods

How to Brew

Brewing isn’t just a step — it’s part of the magic. The right method brings out the best in each tea, from bold chai to delicate greens. Whether you're steeping, whisking, or frothing, a good brew turns simple ingredients into something special. Here's how we do it at The Tea Shack.

 

LOOSE LEAF TEA BREW METHOD

(Regular Size Cup 8oz = 278ml)

Brewing loose leaf tea is all about giving the leaves space to unfurl and steep fully. Whether you're making black, green, oolong, or herbal tea, here’s how we brew it at The Tea Shack.

Kettle + teapot, infuser, or strainer

  1. Measure Your Tea: Add 1 teaspoon (about 2–3g) of loose leaf tea per cup into a teapot, infuser, or strainer. For lighter teas like white or green, you can use a bit more if you like it stronger.
  2. Heat Your Water:
    • Black & Herbal teas: 95–100°C (just boiled)
    • Green & White teas: 75–85°C (cooler than boiling to avoid bitterness)
  3. Pour & Steep: Pour 250–280ml of hot water over the tea leaves. Let it steep:
    • Black tea: 3–5 minutes
    • Green tea: 2–3 minutes
    • Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes
    • Oolong tea: 3–4 minutes
  4. Remove Leaves & Enjoy: Remove the infuser or strain the tea. Sip it as is, or add milk, honey, or lemon depending on your tea and taste.

Loose leaf tea gives you better flavor, aroma, and a more mindful brew. Adjust your steep time and tea amount to find your perfect cup!

 

ICED TEA BREW METHOD

(Makes approx. 1 litre / 4 cups)

Perfect for sharing or keeping chilled in the fridge, brewing a whole pitcher of iced tea is simple and refreshing. Here’s how we recommend doing it at The Tea Shack.

  1. Add Tea: Place 8 teaspoons of loose leaf tea (black, green, or herbal) into a large heatproof pitcher or teapot.
  2. Boil Water: Heat 1 litre of water to the right temperature for your tea:
    • Black & herbal: just boiled
    • Green & white: slightly cooler (75–85°C)
  3. Steep: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and steep for 3–5 minutes (or follow the recommended time for your tea).
  4. Sweeten: Remove the tea leaves and stir in your preferred sweetener while the tea is still warm, so it dissolves properly.
  5. Cool: Let the tea cool to room temperature.
  6. Chill: Place the pitcher in the fridge until fully chilled.
  7. Serve: Pour over ice in individual glasses, add fruit, lemon or fresh mint if desired, and enjoy!

A chilled pitcher of iced tea means you’re always ready for refreshment — fresh, flavoursome, and perfect for any occasion.

 

CLASSIC CHAI BREW METHOD

(At home method – Regular Size Cup 8oz = 278ml)

Brewing chai on the stovetop brings out deep, bold flavours and that signature cozy feeling. Here’s how we make the perfect cup at The Tea Shack.

Stovetop

  1. Add Chai: Add 1 tablespoon of loose leaf chai per person to a small saucepan.
  2. Add Water: Pour in ½ a mug (around 140ml) of boiling water per person.
  3. Simmer Gently: Simmer on low heat for up to 3 minutes to let the spices infuse.
  4. Add Milk: Add ½ a mug (around 140ml) of your choice of milk — dairy or plant-based.
  5. Heat Until Steamy: Continue heating until the mixture is hot and steamy (but not boiling).
  6. Strain & Sweeten: Strain into your favourite mug and add honey or your preferred sweetener, to taste.
  7. Sip & Savour: Take a moment, settle in, and enjoy the rich, spiced warmth of real chai.

There’s nothing quite like chai made the slow way — spiced, steamy, and brewed with care.

 

CAFÉ CHAI BREW METHOD

(In-café method – Regular Cup 8oz = 278ml)

This is our go-to method for brewing a bold, beautifully balanced chai in the café — fast, flavourful, and full of warmth.

Steamer or espresso machine

  1. Add Chai: Add 1 tablespoon of chai to your milk jug.
  2. Add Water: Pour in 100ml of boiling water.
  3. Steam: Use the steam wand to gently steam the chai mixture.
  4. Steep: Let the chai steep for 2 minutes to develop flavour.
  5. Add Milk: Add 170ml of your preferred milk to the jug and steam the full mixture again.
  6. Strain & Serve: Strain into a regular cup and serve.

A quick and comforting cup, made the Tea Shack way — rich, spiced, and ready to go.

 

MATCHA BREW METHOD

(Regular Size Cup 8oz = 278ml)

Brewing matcha at home is simple, soothing, and only takes a minute. Here’s how we recommend doing it at The Tea Shack.

Steamer or espresso machine

  1. Add Matcha: Add about 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to a bowl or wide mug. For the smoothest cup, sift through a fine mesh strainer to break up any clumps.
  2. Add water: Add around 60ml of hot water — ideally around 75–80°C (170–180°F).
  3. Whisk: Using a bamboo whisk (called a chasen), whisk briskly in a “M” or “W” motion until the matcha is fully dissolved and a light froth forms on top. No Whisk? A small milk frother works too. Add: 200ml of your preferred milk to the jug with chai water and steam once more.
  4. That’s it: Sip and enjoy as is, or top it off with steamed milk and sweetener for a cozy matcha latte.

The key is good-quality matcha, the right water temperature, and a quick whisk. Once you get the hang of it, making matcha becomes a lovely little ritual you’ll look forward to.

 

LATTE BREW METHOD

(Chai Latte or Turmeric Latte – Regular Size Cup 8oz = 278ml)

Brewing a warming latte at home is easy, comforting, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re making a spiced chai or a golden turmeric latte, here’s how we do it at The Tea Shack.

Steamer or espresso machine

  1. Add Powder: Add 1 heaped teaspoon (about 5–7g) of chai or turmeric latte powder to your milk jug or steaming pitcher.
  2. Add Water: Pour in around 60ml of hot water (just off the boil). Stir or swirl to dissolve the powder into a smooth paste.
  3. Add Milk & Steam: Add 200ml of your preferred milk to the jug. Steam the mixture using your steam wand or espresso machine until hot and lightly frothy.
  4. Pour & Enjoy: Pour into your favourite cup and enjoy straight away. Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of extra turmeric or chai powder on top.

No steamer? No worries — just mix your powder with 60ml of hot water in a mug, then heat 200ml of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. Froth the milk with a handheld frother or whisk, pour it into your mug, stir, and enjoy!

That’s it — smooth, creamy, and full of comforting flavour. Both chai and turmeric lattes are caffeine-free and perfect for cosy mornings or calming evenings.

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