How to Make a Good Tea 

Good tea is not just something hot to drink. It's a beverage that's steeped in romance and ritual, and a history filled with everything from quiet ceremonial tradition to colonial imperialism to turning Boston Harbor into a giant teapot (not fit for drinking). Somewhere between those extremes is a cup of tea mere mortals can enjoy.

Method 1 of 2: Tea Bags

1. 
   1
   Start with the water. Whether you use bags or loose tea, water is the second most important ingredient. Off tastes in your water, such as chlorine, iron, or sulfur will make your tea noxious to smell and drink. Fill an empty kettle with 1 cup (250ml) fresh, cold water. Tap water is acceptable for most purposes, but a truly great cup of tea starts with filtered water or spring water. Never use distilled water, or previously-boiled water. The more oxygen in your water, the better the tea will taste.
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2. 
   2
   Plug in the kettle and turn it on. If you don't have an electric kettle, you can use a stovetop tea kettle—as long as it lets you get the water hot, it's good.
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   Bring the water to a boil. Wait until the kettle switches off automatically or your tea kettle whistles.
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   Heat the cup. Rinse out the cup with boiling water, then place the tea bag into the cup.
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   Add water. Pour water from the kettle into the cup until 4/5th full. Leave room for milk, if you wish to add that.
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   Let steep. Wait for three to five minutes to let tea steep—more or less depending on the type of tea you are making, and the recommended brewing time. If milk is desired, add into the cup. Some believe adding milk before the hot water is best, others feel tea brews best in hot water, and don't add milk until the tea is done steeping.
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   Use a teaspoon to remove the tea bag. Discard it, or recycle it, as desired.
   • If sweetener is desired, place a spoon of sugar or honey into the cup and stir thoroughly.
     
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   Drink the contents of the cup at a leisurely pace and enjoy the goodness that is tea. You might like to add some biscuits or a piece of cake on a plate with your tea.

Method 2 of 2: Loose Tea

1. 
   1
   Start with the water. Fill an empty kettle with fresh, cold water. Tap water is acceptable for most purposes, but a great cup of tea starts with filtered water or spring water. Never use distilled water, or previously-boiled water. The more oxygen in your water, the better the tea will taste.
2. 
   2
   Plug in the kettle and turn it on. If you don't have an electric kettle, you can use a stovetop tea kettle—as long as it lets you get the water hot, it's good.
3. 
   3
   Bring the water to a boil. Wait until the kettle switches off automatically or your tea kettle whistles.
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   Prepare the teapot. When the water boils, pour it into your teapot and cover with its lid. Refill your tea kettle, and return it to the stove. Bring the water just to boiling, and then remove from heat.
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   Let the water cool slightly. Let the boiling water sit for about a minute, so the water is just below the boiling point. While the water cools, empty the water out of your teapot.
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   Add tea. Spoon in 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup, plus one teaspoon of tea "for the pot." You can also use a tea ball, or an infuser, but use the same amount of tea.
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   Brew the tea. Let the tea steep until ready. The time will vary, depending on the type of tea:
   • About one minute for green tea.
   • Three to six minutes for black tea.
   • Six to eight minutes for Oolong teas
   • Eight to twelve minutes for herbal teas.
   • Note: if you like stronger tea, don't steep longer—add more tea, instead.
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   Stir the tea, then serve into a pre-heated cup.