Many folks, making Southern sweet tea, add the tea bags directly to the water,  bring the water to the boil, then start the steep time so they end up with a strong gallon of tea. This may work fine for domestic Orange Pekoe teas like Lipton, Tetley or Luzianne, but our teas require a bit more finesse than that. 

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When possible, using fresh filtered water will bring out the best flavor of your tea. Avoid using water with heavy mineral content because it will alter the natural essence and flavor of tea.

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To make a gallon of our iced tea blends; Peacock Blend, Strawberry Moon or Berry Berry:

• 1 heaping dry measure cup of Loose Leaf tea

• 1 gallon filtered, boiling water

• Add tea to water. Let steep for 6-8 minutes depending on how strong you like it but don't go beyond 8 minutes.

• Strain out tea leaves,

• Add 1 1/2 cup sugar (omit for Berry Berry) and stir til dissolved. Best to chill for at least an hour for the flavors to settle and taste like what you are used to at the Tea Room. (Peacock Blend may turn cloudy due to some of the ingredients, no need to worry, it does not affect the flavor.)

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A level teaspoon of loose leaf tea is the standard measure for 6-8 ounces of water, for a cup of tea.

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Our gift bags of loose leaf teas are sold by weight not volume. The following guide can be used to gauge, on average, how many cups of tea they will yield:

• 2oz, gift bag; 20-40 cups of tea

• 4oz. gift bag; 50-70 cups of tea

• 8oz gift bag; 80-120 cups of tea 

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Steeping Guide by Tea Type

• Black Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C) for 3-5 mins.

​Black teas can range from mellow teas from China to full-bodied teas from Assam, India. Black teas are withered, rolled, fully oxidized, and sun dried or fired in an oven. This process creates warm toasty flavors. In the best teas, complex flavors develop that are reminiscent of honey, malt, and cocoa. Oftentimes, Black teas are where novice tea drinkers begin their tea education. Not sure where to start? Our Russian Caravan, Highland Morn, and  English Breakfast teas are Tea Room classics.

• Green Tea: 175-185°F (80-85°C) for 1-3 mins (avoid boiling to prevent bitterness).

Quite popular in Japan, Green teas are originally from China and are the most ancient of teas. Green tea production methods vary, but the focus is always to fix the green color. Thus, green teas are not oxidized. Although this tea has been around for centuries, it is more popular than ever before. Green Teas blends we suggest you try are our Niagara Peach, Moroccan Mint and Jasmine Blend teas.​​​

• Herbal Tea (Tisanes): 200-212°F (93-100°C) for 5-7+ mins (longer steeps develop flavor).

Whether you call them infusions, tisanes, or “teas”, these exclusive brews and blends are made from bark, flowers, leaves, and seeds. Soothing or stimulating, herbals have a long tradition in many cultures and are fun to explore in ours. If you’re new to Herbal teas or want to try something new, we recommend you sip on our Bees Knees, Lavender Lace or Marmalade Skies teas.​

• Rooibos: 200-212°F (93-100°C) for 5-10 mins.

​Rooibos is also known as "Red" or "Redbush"  tea is grown exclusively in the Cederberg Mountains region of South Africa's Western Cape province, near towns like Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, due to its unique combination of sandy, acidic soil, dry climate, and mountainous terrain that supports the Aspalathus linearis shrub. This specific environment within the fynbos ecosystem is the only place in the world where rooibos thrives. To experience this wonderful tea, try our amazing Blueberry Crumble, Belgian Chocolate or Birthday Cake tea blends.​

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Key Tips for Perfect Tea

• Water Temperature Matters: Cooler water for green/white; boiling for black/herbal/rooibos.

• Time is Flexible: Start with guidelines above and adjust; shorter for lighter, longer for stronger (but not bitter).

• Leaf Expansion: Use enough space in the filter for leaves to unfurl, especially with loose leaf.

• Re-steeping: Many loose teas, can be steeped multiple times, with subsequent infusions often being excellent, they just need a longer time to steep.