How to brew Ceylon Tea
Brewing Ceylon tea correctly is essential to enjoy its full complexity and distinctive character that has made Sri Lankan tea famous around the world. Ceylon black tea is known for its bright briskness, nuanced spice and beautiful copper colour, so taking a little care as you prepare it ensures every cup is vibrant, aromatic and wonderfully smooth. Whether you enjoy traditional loose-leaf tea, teabags or a decaffeinated option, a proper brew will always elevate the experience.
Let The Tea Makers of London Guide you to brewing your perfect cup of Ceylon Tea.
What Equipment Do You Need?
• A reliable kettle for heating fresh filtered water
• A teapot or infuser for steeping the leaves
• A teaspoon for accurate leaf measurement
• A pre-warmed cup or mug to maintain temperature and aroma
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How to Brew Ceylon Loose Leaf Tea
A simple, elegant and reliable method for the perfect cup and how long to brew for the perfect cup.
1. Use fresh filtered water
Measure 200ml of freshly filtered water highlights the tea’s natural briskness and coppery clarity.
2. Measure your tea
Use 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of loose-leaf tea per 200ml of water.
For a stronger breakfast style cup, you may want to add a little more.
3. Heat the water
Bring water to 95 to 100°C. Ceylon black tea benefits from high temperatures to extract its full aroma and body.
4. Prewarm your teapot or cup
Swill with hot water so the leaves are not shocked by a cold vessel.
5. Steep the tea
Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
A shorter infusion gives a brisk, lighter cup, while a longer brew brings out bold Ratnapura richness.
6. Serve
Enjoy it black for clarity of flavour or add a splash of milk if you prefer a creamier, more rounded profile.
Brewing Decaffeinated Ceylon Tea
If you prefer to enjoy Ceylon tea without the caffeine lift, you can choose our Decaffeinated Ceylon Black Tea. Brew it in exactly the same way as the loose-leaf version, although many find 3 minutes is the ideal time for a smooth, gentle cup.
For Teabags
• Use freshly boiled water
• Steep for 2 to 3 minutes for a classic brisk cup
• Leave for longer if you enjoy a fuller, richer infusion
Can you add sugar to Ceylon Tea?
If you enjoy a sweeter cup, Ceylon tea pairs beautifully with a range of sweeteners. Traditional white sugar enhances its natural caramel notes, whilst brown sugar or demerara adds a deeper, molasses-like richness that complements the tea’s bold character. For a more natural option, honey provides gentle floral sweetness, and maple syrup brings a smooth, earthy complexity. If you prefer low‑calorie alternatives, stevia or agave syrup offer clean sweetness without overpowering the tea’s bright, brisk profile.
Adjust the amount gradually to preserve the distinctive flavour that makes Ceylon tea so enjoyable.
What Makes This Ceylon Tea Special
Our award-winning Ceylon Breakfast Black Tea by Tea Master Perirs showcases the finest of the Rathnapura region, with small, dark BOPF leaves that offer natural caramel aroma, gentle spice and a rich, refined mouthfeel.
Crafted using traditional orthodox methods at the respected Nawalakanda tea factory, which works closely with thousands of local smallholder farmers, it produces a smooth copper-coloured liquor, a full-bodied character and genuine Ceylon charm. First grown in Sri Lanka in 1857, this proud heritage lives on in every cup, giving you a bold yet slightly lighter alternative to English Breakfast that is uplifting, authentic and effortlessly enjoyable.
Alternatives You May Enjoy
If you delight in the brisk and bold style of Ceylon Breakfast, you may also enjoy:
• English Breakfast
• Assam Breakfast
• Golden London Breakfast
These blends are ideal for all day drinking, enjoyable either black or with milk. For afternoon refreshment, explore how to make a cold brew or try our decaffeinated Ceylon for a gentler option.
Purchase Ceylon Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea
FAQ: Ceylon Tea
What makes Ceylon tea different from other black teas?
Ceylon tea is known for its brightness, briskness and copper coloured liquor. Its flavour varies by region, with Ratnapura teas offering caramel notes and a bold character.
Can you add milk to Ceylon tea?
Yes. Ceylon Breakfast is excellent with milk, though it is equally enjoyable black.
What is the ideal temperature for brewing Ceylon tea?
Use water between 95 and 100°C for the best extraction.
Is loose leaf better than teabags?
Loose leaf tea provides a fuller flavour and clearer expression of terroir. Teabags are convenient and brew quickly but usually contain smaller leaf grades.
Does Ceylon tea contain caffeine?
Yes, unless you choose the Decaffeinated Ceylon Black Tea, which provides a similar flavour profile with minimal caffeine.
Can you drink Ceylon tea iced?
Absolutely. Ceylon tea makes a refreshing iced or cold brew thanks to its natural brightness and caramel sweetness.
