How to Brew CTC Tea Perfectly
CTC tea is designed to brew fast and strong, but getting the ratio and timing right still makes a real difference between a flat cup and a properly brisk one.
What You'll Need
- 1 heaped teaspoon CTC tea per cup (roughly 2-2.5g)
- Fresh, filtered water, boiling
- Milk and sugar, to taste (optional)
Method
- Bring water to a full rolling boil.
- Add CTC tea directly to the pot or a strainer, using one teaspoon per cup of water.
- Pour boiling water over the tea and steep for 2-3 minutes. CTC granules infuse fast, so don't over-steep or it will turn bitter.
- If making chai-style tea, add milk and simmer briefly with sugar and spices instead of steeping in water alone.
- Strain and serve immediately while hot.
Tips for a Better Cup
Use fresh, cold water brought to a full boil rather than reboiled water, which loses oxygen and flattens the flavour. Don't let CTC tea sit in the pot after steeping — strain it out promptly, since the small granules continue releasing tannins and will turn bitter quickly if left in.
Shop our CTC Tea range to brew this recipe with fresh, single-estate Assam leaf.