How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea Like a Pro (No Teabags Needed!)

Switching from teabags to loose leaf tea can feel a little intimidating at first. How much tea should you use? What’s the best way to brew it? Do you need fancy teaware? The good news is, making loose tea is incredibly simple, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to teabags again!

As a tea sommelier, I always recommend loose leaf tea for the best flavour and quality. With a few basic tools and a little know-how, you’ll be enjoying perfectly brewed loose tea every time.

Let’s dive into the details!

How Much Loose Leaf Tea Should You Use Per Cup?

One of the most common mistakes people make when brewing loose tea is not using enough leaves. Unlike teabags, which are usually broken tea leaves or tea dust and release flavour quickly, loose leaf tea is whole or large-leafed, meaning it needs more space and time to properly infuse.

A good rule of thumb is:

• 1 teaspoon (2–3g) per 250ml (8oz) cup
• 1 heaped teaspoon (3–4g) for larger mugs (350ml+)

Some teas, like white tea and oolongs, take up more space, so you may need to adjust. I always recommend experimenting to find the strength you like best!

What’s the Best Tool to Brew Loose Tea?

Unlike teabags, loose tea needs space to expand for the best flavour. The right tool makes a big difference! Here are my top recommendations:

1. Tea Infuser Mug (Best for Everyday Brewing)

A tea infuser mug is my go-to for busy mornings. It comes with a removable top-hat strainer, which sits in your mug while the tea steeps. It’s easy, mess-free, and works for most tea types.

2. Teapot with a Built-in Strainer (Best for Serving Multiple Cups)

A teapot with an internal strainer is great when you’re making tea for two (or more!). Look for a wide, deep strainer that gives the leaves plenty of space.

3. French Press (Tea Press) – A Secret Weapon!

Did you know that your French press can double as a tea maker? It keeps the leaves separate when you press down the plunger.

How to Make Loose Leaf Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brewing loose tea is easy once you get the steps right. Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Measure the Right Amount of Tea

Use 1 teaspoon per cup as a starting point and adjust according to taste. Larger leaves may require more, while dense teas need less.

Step 2: Boil Your Water to the Right Temperature

Different teas require different brewing temperatures:

• Black tea / Pu’er tea – 95–100°C
• Oolong tea – 85–95°C
• Green tea – 70–80°C (too hot = bitter!)

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, just let your boiled water cool for 5 minutes before pouring it over green tea.

Step 3: Steep Your Tea

Kick back and let it brew for 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the Leaves and Enjoy!

Once your tea is ready, remove the infuser from your mug or pour the tea from your teapot or French press into your teacups.

Loose leaf tea can often be rebrewed multiple times, so don’t throw away the leaves just yet!

Brewing loose leaf tea is simple, sustainable, and gives you a far better flavour than teabags. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll never go back to teabags again!