The perfect cup of tea is a completely subjective quest. As with coffee, some people like their tea stronger than others. I personally enjoy a milder blend of teas where I can taste the flavor of the tea rather than the strength of the tea.
My perfect cup for brewing tea is brewed from poring boiling water over the tea and allowing the tea to steep for three minutes. In each cup, because I also like mine sweet, I place two teaspoons of sugar in each cup.
With that said, this brewing technique still does not ensure a perfect cup of tea.
My perfect cup of tea is slowly made. Not rushed in anyway. This morning, I had two or three sips of my tea before bolting out the door. That tea was not near as perfect as the tea I sipped during the first couple hours of class. I have a wonderful travel cup that keeps the tea warm for a couple hours after pouring it in that I use. That tea this morning made my day complete. The tea, then, should not be rushed. If it is rushed, that takes away from the enjoyment of the tea—otherwise, do not bother with it.
My perfect cup is also paired with reading material. Several years ago, I would have stated that tea must be paired with an antique hardback book—which is still about a perfect as one can get. However, with the availability of many different types of tablets and eBook readers, I think that just have something to read while sipping from the tea cup is perfect. I personally enjoy reading the New York Times on my iPad or a good book on my kindle with a cup of tea.
A perfect cup of tea is definitely subjective, but when you’ve found the right mix of blends, steep times, and rituals—never ever let it go.
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