Dianhong black tea is hard to mess up. Throw the leaves in a mug or brew it gongfu style. Drink it cold if you'd prefer, or add milk if you'd like. The tea will taste different each way, but it will still taste good.
The materials
You don't need much to make good tea. For everyday brewing, you'll need a basket infuser or a simple teapot that gives the leaves space to open up. For gongfu style brewing, you'll need a simple gongfu tea set! Don't forget your favorite mug.
The normal way
3g tea · 250–300ml water · 90–95°C / 195-205°F
Steep the tea leaves with a teapot or tea infuser for around 3 minutes. Want it stronger? Use more leaves or steep it for a bit longer. Just don't forget about it for 10 minutes.
Dianhong latte (iced)
6g tea · 120ml water · 150ml whole or oat milk · ice
Steep the tea in hot water for 4–5 minutes, then strain. Stir in honey or sugar while the tea is still hot.
Fill a glass with ice, pour in the milk, then add your tea concentrate. For an even richer version, use a little less water and more milk.
Dianhong latte (hot)
Dianhong's honeyed flavor pairs perfectly with milk. Simmering will bring out a richer, maltier side of the tea.
5g tea · 120ml water · 180ml milk of your choice
Add the tea and water to a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the milk and heat on low for another 1–2 minutes.
We recommend whole or oat milk to complement the natural sweetness of the tea. Add honey or sugar to taste!
Gongfu style
A ritual for when you want to slow down and pay attention.
6g tea · 100ml water · 90–95°C / 195-205°F
Place the leaves in a gaiwan or small teapot. Add hot water, wait 10–15 seconds, then pour it all out. That's your first steep.
Now add hot water to the leaves again and steep for a few seconds longer this time. The flavor will deepen and change with the second steep.
Rinse and repeat: steep the same leaves again and again, adding a few seconds with each round. You should get around 6–8 steeps. The flavor will shift as you go.
We like this simple video tutorial on Gongfu tea.
Dianhong au lait
Lighter and more tea-forward than a latte.
5g tea · 150ml water · 150ml milk of your choice
Steep the tea in hot water for 4–5 minutes, then strain. If drinking hot, warm or froth your milk separately and pour it into the tea. If drinking iced, pour the tea over a glass full of ice and add cold milk. Sweeten with honey or sugar.
Cold brew
8g tea · 1L cold water
Cold brewing pulls out a softer, sweeter side of the tea, with less tannin and bitterness. If you love cold brew coffee, you'll love this too!
Combine the tea and water. Leave in the fridge overnight, around 8–12 hours. Strain the liquid out in the morning and drink as-is or over ice.