Recipes & Routines
A Morning Tea Routine That Takes Five Minutes
How to make good loose-leaf tea on a weekday morning without adding stress or washing up.
Key takeaways
- Prepare the leaf the night before.
- One pot, one basket, one cup keeps washing up trivial.
- Pick a strong, forgiving tea for mornings.
The five-minute routine
Weighed out the night before, this fits between the shower and the door.
- Fill and start the kettle
- Tip pre-weighed leaf into the basket
- Pour at 203°F (95°C), set a 3-minute timer
- Lift the basket, keep it for a second steep at lunch
Best morning teas
Assam, Ceylon, Yunnan black or a roasted oolong. All are forgiving about temperature and hold up if you get distracted.
Frequently asked questions
- Is tea on an empty stomach fine?
- Most people are fine; some find strong black tea harsh before food. A splash of milk or a biscuit usually settles it.
- Can I make it the night before?
- Cold brew is the better answer — it is ready in the fridge and needs no morning attention at all.
About the author
Written by the Leaf & Steep editorial team. We brew, weigh and re-test everything we publish at home with ordinary kitchen equipment — no lab, no sponsorships influencing the verdict. How we test.
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