There's something deeply satisfying about brewing loose leaf tea — the ritual of it, the aroma, the way a good cup can anchor your whole afternoon. At Tea By The Sea, we believe the best cup of tea starts with a little know-how and the right leaves.
Here's everything you need to get it right.
What You'll Need
- Loose leaf tea of your choice (1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water)
- A T-Sac loose tea filter or infuser
- Fresh, filtered water
- A kettle (temperature-controlled is ideal)
- Your favorite mug
Step 1: Choose Your Tea
Different teas call for different water temperatures and steeping times. Here's a quick guide:
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Black Tea | 200–212°F (full boil) | 3–5 minutes |
| Green Tea | 160–180°F | 2–3 minutes |
| Herbal / Tisane | 208–212°F | 5–7 minutes |
| Rooibos | 208–212°F | 5–6 minutes |
Browse our Health & Wellness Teas, Herbal Teas, and Rooibos collection to find your perfect match.
Step 2: Measure Your Leaves
Use about 1 heaping teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water. Love a stronger brew? Go up to 2 teaspoons. Place your leaves in a T-Sac filter or infuser basket — this keeps things tidy and makes cleanup easy.
Step 3: Heat Your Water
Resist the urge to boil everything at full blast. Overheated water can make green and white teas taste bitter. Use a temperature-controlled kettle if you have one, or simply let boiling water cool for 2–3 minutes before pouring over delicate teas.
Step 4: Steep with Intention
Pour your hot water over the leaves and set a timer. Don't rush it — but don't forget it either. Over-steeping is the most common brewing mistake and leads to bitterness. When the timer goes off, remove the filter promptly.
Step 5: Sip and Savor
That's it. No fuss, no fancy equipment required. Just a beautiful cup of tea, brewed with care.
If you're new to loose leaf, our Dessert Teas are a wonderful, approachable starting point — naturally sweet and endlessly comforting.
A Note from Cape May
We're a small shop on the Jersey Shore, and we take our tea seriously. Whether you're a longtime loose leaf lover or just making the switch from tea bags, we're here to help you find your perfect cup. Shop all teas →
Have a brewing question? Reach out — we love talking tea.
