Is this your cup of tea?
Experts at Leasevan.co.uk have revealed the secrets behind the dream cuppa for tradespeople after complaints about anaemic brews.
The Dos and Don’ts guide finally resolves questions such as whether to add milk or hot water first, what type of tea to use, mug requirements and sugar content. They were driven to release the brew guidelines after feedback from customers suggested that homeowners are failing in this most basic and British of duties.
Brewers must first ensure the mug is ceramic, and also the right size as anything too large will lead to weaker tea that goes cold before it can be drunk.
Warm the mug with hot water before adding the teabag and remember that it must always be English Breakfast.
Hot water should be poured first over the teabag to release more flavour and ensure that the maker can get the perfect colour when adding milk.
Allow it to brew for approximately one minute, and be sure to squash the bag against the side of the mug several times before removing it to keep the tea strong.
Watch carefully as you add the milk dash, as it needs to be strong, milky and a light brown, biscuity colour.
It is best to keep stirring while pouring in the milk, so that you can see how the colour is developing.
The traditional sugar serving is two teaspoons, but it is best to check individual preferences to be sure. For a perfect finish, add two biscuits or a slice of cake.
Do:
Use a teabag, never loose leaves.
Pour as soon as the kettle has boiled – you want it to be as hot as possible when it hits the teabag (some people even suggest boiling the kettle once to warm the mug, and then again before you pour).
Brew it properly and make it strong.
Serve with biscuits, ideally Digestives or Rich Tea.
Serve in a light coloured mug. Darker colours make the tea look unappealing.
Don’t:
Use brown sugar or, worse, sweetener. It must be white.
Use decaffeinated tea.
Use Earl Grey, fruit, herbal, peppermint, chai or indeed anything except English Breakfast.
Serve in a china or plastic mug. It needs to be ceramic.
Use skimmed milk – this is just watery disappointment for an otherwise perfect brew.
