There’s something special about brewing a pot of tea the traditional way. A pot of tea is almost the soundtrack to my life. Good times, bad times, or anytime, a good cuppa helps things along.
Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to properly make tea in a teapot.
Choose Your Teapot

Look for teapots made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Avoid cast iron or aluminum which can impart metallic flavors. Ideal features include:
- Built-in strainer or infuser basket to hold loose-leaf tea
- loose-fitting lid to allow steam to escape
- A spout design that pours without dripping
- Insulated exterior to retain heat (bonus feature)
Tea Selection and Measurements
The tea-to-water ratio is important for success. Follow the package instructions for loose-leaf or use approximately 1 teaspoon per 8-ounce cup. Always start with fresh, cold water, and make sure the tea has room to expand.
Brewing Process
- Fill the teapot with cool, freshly drawn water. Bring the water to a rapid boil on the stove.
- Warm your teapot by swirling in a bit of the boiling water. This helps prevent cracking.
- Add your measured loose-leaf tea or tea bags to the pot.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea. Cover and let steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Once the desired strength is reached, pour the tea through the built-in strainer into your cup.
The beauty of a teapot is that it allows you to keep adding more hot water for additional steeping. Experiment with the timings to achieve your optimal flavor.