How do you like your tea? I like mine with a little bit of milk and one sugar, and I always leave the bag to brew for a few minutes before adding the milk. I tend to stick to tea bags as opposed to loose leaf tea and I’m not really fussy about which brand of tea I drink, although I am partial to Tetley’s and PG Tips – Twinings, if it’s on offer!
Loose leaf tea
My tea-drinking habits were transformed recently, when Adagio Teas sent me a selection of teas to try out at home. Specialising in premium loose leaf tea, this online brand stocks just about every variety of tea you could ever wish for, from full leaf black teas and herbal teas, to green tea, white tea, oolong tea, chai tea, iced tea and more. If you’re not keen on loose leaf tea, you can opt for pyramid tea bags instead.
Although I’ve never brewed loose leaf tea myself at home before, Adagio Tea’s paper filters and teapot with infuser made the whole process really quick and easy. I also loved Adagio Tea’s portable tea infuser, activiTEA (£18), which meant I could enjoy my cuppa on the go.
My favourite mug has now been cast aside in favour of this glass teacup and saucer (£8).
World teas
What sets Adagio Teas apart from other loose leaf tea brands is that its hand-picked teas are sourced directly from origin. With teas from a number of different countries and regions, you can drink tea from all corners of the world without stepping foot outside your front door!
All the teas I tried had a bold, distinctive taste but I especially loved the tropical teas, which reminded me of being in the Caribbean. These sampler boxes cost between £6 to £16 and contain four sealed pouches of different flavoured teas, each filled with enough tea to make ten cups.
I was particularly excited to get my hands on some authentic Japanese matcha powders flavoured with chocolate, peach and cinnamon apple. These tins are priced at £19 or 57g, which works out at just over 75p per cup. Those little red cups are £7 per pair.
I’m now hoping to get my hands on a traditional Japanese bamboo whisk and sifter so I can have a go at making my own matcha tea, and I’m also looking forward to experimenting with it in baking – I’ve spotted an amazing matcha cake recipe which I can’t wait to try out!
There’s even a loose leaf tea range based on popular fandoms, like Dr. Who, Game of Thrones and Sherlock Holmes (£9 for 85g, or £19 for a sample set of six 14g tins).
Festive teas
Meanwhile, the festive tea gift sets would be the perfect Christmas present for any tea lover, featuring mouthwatering blends like chestnut tea, candy apple tea and gingerbread tea. These are available as either loose leaf teas or bags and they come in a range of sizes, priced from £12 to £20 per set.
The festive red PersonaliTEA ceramic teapot (£12) and set of four porcelain cups (£22) would go really well with the festive gift sets as a Christmas present for a tea enthusiast.
Giveaway
Thanks to Adagio Teas, one lucky reader has the chance to WIN this festive red teapot and four porcelain red cups, along with one Holiday Cheer Teabag set (30 teabags, RRP £14), 1 Spice Jubilee Set (three 113g tins, RRP £20), 1 Christmas Teas Sampler (four 10g pouches, RRP £7) and a variety of seasonal tea samples. That’s £75 worth of tea and teaware! Imagine sipping on these seasonal brews as you unwrap your Christmas presents and catch up on your favourite TV programmes! To enter, please use the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post.
To find out more about these delicious loose leaf teas or to place an order, please visit Adagio Teas’ website.
I don’t have a tea pot so I don’t actually make the perfect cup of tea because to me loose leaf tea made in a tea pot is the best cup of tea.
It does make a lovely cup of tea, that’s for sure!
Always warm your teapot before making the tea.
Good idea! I wouldn’t have thought of that myself.
Most people like there tea different make sure you know so it raster to make
That’s always worth considering.
I just use a mug, I put water over the tea bag and then a little bit of milk
I like it – nice and simple! 🙂
Milk in first and stir well. 🙂
I do that too, sometimes 🙂
These tea sound lovely and would make a great present for a tea lover.
I know a few people who would appreciate some of this tea for Christmas 🙂
I love a cup of tea, so will definitely be checking these out
Good luck if you decide to enter.
Using a tea pot
It always tastes nicer out of a teapot, doesn’t it?!
I’m not a tea drinker, or a coffee drinker for that matter, so I am clueless about tea to be honest! These look great for tea lovers though!
I am a coffee addict! I couldn’t live without caffeine. I do like a cup of tea now and then though and I’ve been drinking it lots since trying out these teas.
Let the teabag stew for a couple of minutes
I always like to do that. Sometimes I add the milk before, too!
Add boiling water to a tea bag in a mug and leave for two minutes, then remove the bag and add the milk and leave for six minutes until it reaches optimal temperature.
That sounds similar to my method, although I always have one teaspoon of sugar too.
I do think loose leaf tea tastes so different and so much fresher than bagged tea x
The taste was really defined; I’ve started drinking loose leaf tea lots now 🙂
So much great tea here. The peach matcha sound amazing and I want to try that.
I’ve never had matcha before! I need to get one of those bamboo whisks so I can try it out.
Warm your cup first -leave the year to infuse for at least a minute
Voila perfect cuppa
That’s a good tip, I wouldn’t have thought of that.
I really love the sound of the honey bush flavour. I do love a good of tea there is something so calming when your stressed and having a good mug of tea!
I’ve really got into tea since trying out these ones 🙂
My top tip is loose tea every time!
It really is much more flavoursome than teabags!
I tried out their iced tea range this summer and loved it – so easy to make and it tasted fab too. Awesome giveaway!
Glad to hear you liked it! I haven’t tried their iced teas, but I imagine they are lovely to drink in the summer 🙂
get someone else to do it – i’m useless!
Haha, whenever I offer my mum a coffee she says no, she would rather do it herself!
Haha, for some reason it always tastes better for me when someone else makes it.
I love loose leaf teas so you had me at hello. Did you know tea tastes even better in a china cup? With loose leaf teas you don’t need sugar or milk in most cases because of the natural delicate flavour…mmm
That’s true, I only really take milk and sugar in a regular cup of tea!
For me it is making sure the water is not too hot and doesn’t scald the tea and always adding the milk after the tea is brewed. Mich x
I’ve heard the water can burn the tea if it’s too hot too, but I didn’t know if it was true or not.
Don’t use a plastic or metal cup. Use porcelain instead x
The porcelain cups you can win in my giveaway would be perfect!
I love drinking tea especially the matcha one, it’s delicious.There are a lot of amazing tea of there, I’d love to try them.
Do you have any tips on making matcha? I need to get a little bamboo whisk I think
I am a huge tea lover! What a fab giveaway, I would definitely love to give the gingerbread tea a try 🙂
That one is ideal for these winter months!
not too much milk and dont brew it too long as it will end up stewed
I know what you mean, I don’t like my tea when it’s too strong.
I’m useless at it so no one ever lets me make it so think I could do with the tips 😉
Haha, I know the feeling 😀
Treat your water kindly. Run the tap a little so the water’s nicely aerated, and only boil it once to keep the oxygen level up. …
Add tea and water. Pop a tea bag into your mug, pour over the hot water and stir briefly.
Wait patiently. …
Give it a squeeze. …
Customise your brew.
Ooh, loving the step by step instructions Hannah 🙂 You can make me a cuppa anytime!
Patience, let the tea brew don’t be in a rush allow the flavour to develop!
Patience sure does make for a tea-rific cuppa! 😉
I leave my tea bag in my cup whilst drinking it as it keeps the flavour really strong.
I do that sometimes too!
I’ve had Adagio teas before. They really are beyond amazing!
They are delicious, aren’t they?!
Llots of milk. Love a milky tea!
Ooh, I’m the opposite – I like my tea fairly strong!
Lovely unique gift
It will be a lovely surprise for someone, just in time for Christmas too!
Always warm the pot first, and use good-quality tea!
Leave it to brew, but not strew.
Also…. I always add a knitted tea cosy to the pot, it just adds to the cosiness somehow!
‘Brew, but not stew’ – I like it! 😀
NEVER trust anyone who puts the milk in first. NEVER! x
Hahaha, I’ve been known to do it myself on occasion…oops!
Always use fresh water – avoid boiling the same water in the kettle
That is a great idea
milk in last stir well
A good stir is key!
Wash your cup with hot water
Oh yes, nothing worse than a dirty cup to begin with.
A perfect cup of tea is one that is made to suit the taste of the individual who is going to drink it
Each to their own 🙂
Use loose tea in a teapot and don’t over steep the leaves!
Tea always tastes better out of a teapot!
I would love to try the flavored matcha tea. I have the full set for making matcha, with the bamboo wish and little spoon so I am already prepared for it. I like the sound of the festive teas as well, I bet they are delicious!
You definitely sound prepared 🙂 Where did you get your kit from?
I leave the teabag in for three minutes and that is what works for me
I always give it at least a couple of minutes, too.
Stir well then leave to infuse for 2 minutes
I always like to leave it to brew for a bit too!
I dont tend to try and create a perfect cuppa. For me, its quantity over quality! But fresh water in the kettle definitely helps.
Fresh water is a must!
My gran taught me to always warm the pot first !
A few people have suggested that; it does seem like a wise idea.
My top tip is just to buy the best quality tea you can, it makes such a difference and in the grand scheme of things is still an affordable treat.
You can certainly taste the difference with quality tea!
Use loose leaf tea and be patient
Patience certainly pays off when it comes to brewing tea.
My best tip and something I’ve just learned is always use freshly boiled water, it makes a huge difference. When you boil the kettle and make a brew, empty the kettle and refill with fresh tap water, when you just top up the water in the kettle it makes a difference to the taste of the tea.
I always do this! I hate the idea of re-boiling water.
For me its leaving it cool a bit after its made, I hate tea that’s so hot its uncomfortable to drink
I agree, there’s nothing worse than burning your tongue on a hot drink!
Keep it simple. Mug + tea bag + hot water ??
Sounds like Adagio Tea’s pyramid bags would be perfect for you 🙂
I’m afraid I do not have any special tip, but I do brew my tea for three to five minutes to allow the flavour to develop best.
That is a great tip!
add sugar it makes the best cup of tea
I always take sugar in my tea too, but I am trying to cut down.
I use instant tea, just add water to QT and some sugar. It aint so bad but I cannot imagine it is the best cuppa going
I tend to stick to instant teabags too, but I was surprised at how much tastier loose leaf tea is. I think you’d get on well with Adagio Tea’s pyramid ea bags!
My husband loves his green tea and he says it is definitely better made in a teapot using loose tea x
I definitely think loose leaf tea has more flavour.
I have to let it steep in the hot water for atleast 5 mins, it works especially well with fruity teas
That does help to bring the flavour out, doesn’t it?
in the winter i swill my cup with hot water first to warm the cup up, so my cuppa doesnt go cold too quick
What a fab idea!
I have a kettle where you can select different temperatures as you do need lower temperatures for green and white tea 🙂
Oh wow, that sounds like a great kettle. I didn’t know you needed different temperatures for different kinds of tea.
I need to get more experimental with tea, the gingerbread flavour looks amazing x
I loved that one, it’s so Christmassy!
Oh my gosh!! I NEED this! My top tip is to make sure that the water is the right temperature for the kind of tea that you’re brewing
How do you know what the best temperature to use would be? 🙂
I love a good cup of tea, my Grandparents taught me to warm the tea pot of cup up with hot water before using it to drink x
That’s a great tip!
use a tea pot a lose tea one postseason for each person and one for the pot use boiling water and allow the tea to brew
Loose tea has a lovely flavour!
Oh I love leaf teas and trying all new teas! My Dad’s partner will always bring me some teas home with her from her travels!
Lucky you 🙂 I stayed at a hotel in Abergavenny, Wales last night and they gave me a lovely selection of teas to sample at home.
Don’t use boiling water – wait a minute for a more mellow brew
I’ve heard this is wise! Apparently it can burn the tea if the water is too hot.
If you’re going to make tea properly, research optimum water temperature, get a kettle that offers multiple temperatures, and stick to the advised brewing times, Perfect tea = science!
I would love to discover what the perfectly brewed cup of tea tastes like; probably nothing like the ones I make, haha!
Have a large mug and add a drizzle of honey
Ooh, I’ve never tried tea with honey. I’ll give it a go sometime
Let it steep, I am always too eager to drink it that I never let it infuse for long enough haha 🙂
I know how you feel!
I like that the packaging reflects the country that the tea is from!
I liked this too, being a food-travel blogger I always like to know where my food and drink comes from.
I dont really drink tea.I dont know i just dont like the taste of it. But i will share this to my husband. Thanks!
Hope he enjoys it and good luck to him if he decides to enter the giveaway!
Get my husband to make it 😀
It’s always nicer when someone else makes it! 😀
I have to admit I love a good cup of tea, but I normally stick to breakfast tea, I am trying to be more adventurous though with different blends.
I’m the same. I didn’t expect to get as into these loose leaf teas as I have, but I have surprised myself 🙂
I like loose tea in a glass kettle ad let it mash for a few minutes
I love glass teaware too <3
The best tea is when I make it with tea leaves and leave it in the pot to brew. If you must make it with teabags, make sure you leave it in for a few minutes rather than trying to squeeze the bags. If making white tea, don’t use boiling water. The leaves are more delicate and if you do, you’ll singe them giving it a bitter flavour. Let it boil and then leave it for a minute or so before pouring.
I always try to leave it a minute or two before pouring, too – otherwise I get tempted to drink it straight away, and then I end up burning my tongue.
My best cups of tea are always in a bone china mug
A few people have said that. My mum has a few bone china mugs.
Use a tea pot and loose leaf tea. Warm the pot with hot water then add one tea spoon of tea for each person and one for the pot. Leave to brew for about two minutes. Use bone china cups or mugs to serve the tea. Milk in first.
That is making me drool! You can make me a cup of tea any time you like 😀
i pop tea leaves into the pot that ou drop into the water, leave it for about 5 mins 🙂
I’m really into loose leaf tea at the moment.
i’m not fussy – hot and wet
Haha, nice and simple Valerie!
tea bag in first, hot water…. followed with milk or in my case soya milk then add sugar and a good stir… and drink = amazing!
Come and make me a cuppa, Jules 🙂
I don’t even know how to make the perfect cup of tea, I can never make mine taste as good as everyone else’s! ?
I have the same issue – my mother often refuses cups of tea from me!
Mostly I drink herbal teas so they tend to be okay even if they get cold.
I’ve really got into herbal teas after trying out this range.
Ask people how they like their tea before you make it.
That’s always wise to get off to a good start!
For me, it’s all about letting the tea brew in a teapot first!
Just using a teapot can make a huge difference, it seems to make tea taste SO much nicer!
squirty cream on top xx
Oooh that sounds like an absolute treat Kim!
Be patient, let it stew for a few minutes.
Patience is key to a good cup of tea!
warm the teapot first and leave to brew for few minutes.perfect strong tea
I could do with a nice strong cup of tea right now!
Leave to stew for a couple of minutes for a lovely tasty cup of tea!
Come and make me a cuppa if you like, Lynn 🙂
Milk first and ask how people want it strength wise
I sometimes put the milk in first, but I find I do have to leave it to brew for much longer then.
leave the tea to infuse for a good time
Always a good idea 🙂
For me, the tea isn’t perfect if it’s not HOT, and I mean very hot. So what I do, is pre warm the mugs using boiled kettle water, then I tip the water out once the mugs have warmed up and then I make the tea. 🙂
I’ll have to try that out!
oh heck as long as its nice and hot with plenty off sugar and white, its the best tea ever x
I always let mine cool down for a bit first, but I know some people who like to drink their tea piping hot.
Leave the teabag in for at least a couple of minutes, nothing worse than a weak cup of tea.
Very true. I hate a weak cup of tea!
I stir the tea the entire time to avoid that weird ‘skin’ type of thing forming on top.
Now that is commitment!
I was raised in the US, so have still not mastered the art of the perfect tea, but I sure try!!
Hehe, we do like our tea, us Brits.
Using a warm teapot, leaving the tea for a while to get all the flavour and then a bit of milk always in last 🙂
I must try out the warm teapot tip!
Looks very good to me
The tea is such good quality. I’ve really cut down on my coffee now 🙂
My tip is get your mum to make it for you, my mum makes the best cuppa. I have even been known to get her to make me a flask so I can have a cracking cup of her tea at my own home!
Haha that is a good tip. I would agree with you on that one, I do love my Mum’s cuppas.
Filtered water and try out different brewing times to see what works for you.
Ooh, never tried filtered water – I’ll have to give that a go!
Leave teabag in as long as you can, milk, 2 sugars, bosh!
I usually have one sugar, but I am trying to cut down.
Milk in first and then hot water, then sweetener, then tea bag
I use sweetener in my coffee but I can’t take it in my tea, the taste just doesn’t agree with me for some reason.
brewed in a warm pot, one teabag per person and served in a china mug with milk, no sugar
Great advice!
love loose tea such flavour
count me in please xx
It is delicious 🙂 Good luck Sara!
Usually in our house, its turn kettle on, run after toddler. Return to kettle 10 minutes later and reboil the kettle. Place teabag in mug pour over boiling water, go and rescue the cat from the arms of the toddler. Remove tea bag, reheat in the microwave as it got cold whilst I consoled said toddler. Find the tea in the microwave several hours later. Put the toddler to bed, boil water, add to mug with tea bag, take deep breaths and appreciate the sound of silence, remove tea bag, add water. At that stage of the evening, I’m not fussy about my tea, its just a bonus its hot!
Haha, I know the feeling. I’m often too busy working to spend too long on making the perfect brew.
always use china
Good tip Jennifer!
Tea made in a teapot for some reason always take best x
I agree. I’m not sure what it is, but it tastes so much better.
My tip is to not pour too much water in, and to use whole milk to make it nice and creamy 😀
Whole milk definitely makes for a creamier cuppa!
Water has to be almost at boiling point. 2 minute brew. Definitely milk in last, and just a splash. Don’t squeeze the teabag.
Ooh, I always give the teabag a little squeeze – I’ll try missing this out and see if I can taste the difference 🙂
Warming the teapot before making tea! x
That’s an excellent idea!
Use a tea pot and real tea leaves, warm pot before filling with water
Real tea leaves make such a big difference 🙂
Always put the tea bag in first and after adding water brew for 3 mins
You can make me a cup of tea if you like, Francis 🙂
milk in then i have the bag on the spoon and slowly pour the water so the leaves get flushed perfect cuppa
That is a very unique tip, don’t think we’ve had that one yet!
We love a nice tan colour cup of tea, plenty of hot water and only a little milk
Me too. Not too strong, but not weak.
It’s all about getting the temperature just right so you don’t burn the leaves
I have heard you have to get the temperature spot on – but I don’t know exactly at what level it needs to be.
No tea bags 😉
So, you’re a loose leaf tea fan too then? 🙂
leave it to brew for a couple of minutes and add milk last – that’s how i make my perfect cup
Nice and simple!
Firm believer in the twist & nibble method
Oh yeah? Not sure I’ve heard that one before.
i’d say most important, fresh boiled water, that and turning off kettle just before it reaches full boil
I do that too. I’ve heard the water can scorch the tea bag if it’s too hot.
i like a very strong tea
so water in first a dash of milk and leave the tea bag on
I often leave the tea bag to infuse as well!
If you’re making tea in a pot always warm the pot
It definitely seems to be a popular tip!
I don’t really have a tip but I find making it in a nice big mug always makes it taste better for some reason xx
It’s always nice to have a big mug of tea, as opposed to a small cup 😀
My nan always said use a proper china teapot for the best tasting tea!
I’ve heard that a few times actually! I bet it does make a difference.
My nan always taught me to warm the teapot first and that it always tastes better
Nans always make a lovely cup of tea!
What a lush prize! <3 I love tea. I use water that's boiled then cooled for a few mins, and brew for a good few mins as I love it strong x
It always pays to let it brew a while, doesn’t it? 😀
Really hot water. Warm the pot before pouring the water in.
Good tip!
Freshly boiled water and quality tea make all the difference
I think fresh water definitely has a noticeable taste, too!
Milk last if your making tea in a mug but milk first if made in a pot and always warm your pot first.
Excellent advice, Kate!