Making a Proper Cup of tea

So far the best cup of tea I've ever made has been done what many Americans call "the proper British way" which basically means with boiling water rather than just heated in a microwave. Here's how I do it.


Making the tea:

• Can be done with or without tea pot. 
• Boil fresh water (ie water that has not been sitting around) in a kettle or saucepan. 
• When it has come to a rolling boil, pour the water over your tea bag into either your cup or a teapot. I prefer the tea pot but that's just because I have a nice set. You may also use loose leaf tea.
• The boiling water is important as the temperature releases all of the good flavoring. 
• A good long steep is in order, around 5 or 6 minutes for a black tea, 4 to 5 for green or herbal. 
• Remove your bag or strain your leaves. If you let the bag sit as you drink your tea wil become bitter.

Adding to taste:

• Now, in much of Britain black tea is made with milk and sugar, known as builders tea. There's been debate over milk first or milk last and honestly it depends on where I am. When I have no tea pot I have to make it milk last, as my tea is being made in my cup. If i have my tea pot I add my milk and sugar first and then pour my tea over top. I like milk first the best. 
• Add milk and sugar to your own taste, a splash of milk and a spoon of sugar is usually enough for me.
• For greens and herbals I don't recommend adding milk. It's weird. Sugar will do though. Again, usually just the one spoonful for me.

If you like, you can make your tea in the microwave but I tend not to do that anymore. The hotter the water, the better my tea, and I can't seem to make microwaving my tea work. Still, make it how you like, you're the one drinking it!