How to Brew Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is often called the “Champagne of Teas” and is praised for its light, floral aroma and delicate muscatel notes. Brewing this exquisite tea correctly is essential to appreciate its complex flavour and distinctive character. In this guide, we’ll show you how to brew Darjeeling tea perfectly, step-by-step, so you can enjoy its refreshing flavour in every cup.
What is Darjeeling Tea? What Makes it Darjeeling?
Grown in the misty foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling tea is a unique black tea celebrated for its elegance, freshness and nuanced flavour. The First Flush Darjeeling – like our Darjeeling First Flush House Blend – is the earliest harvest of the season, producing a light, floral cup with gentle astringency and a sparkling golden hue.
What sets Darjeeling apart from other black teas is its terroir? It’s the combination of cool mountain air, high altitude and mineral-rich soil that gives it a flavour unlike any other.
For an exceptional taste of the Second Flush, explore Margaret’s Hope, a bold and aromatic tea.
Explore more teas from our Black Tea collection to discover their variety and depth.
Brewing Guide: How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Darjeeling Tea
You can make the perfect cup of Darjeeling tea by following a few simple yet essential steps. When following our Darjeeling how to brew guide, attention to detail matters, from water temperature to steeping time, to ensure that each cup captures the tea’s signature floral aroma and muscatel sweetness.
What Equipment Do You Need?
To brew the finest cup of Darjeeling, you’ll want to use quality tools and ingredients that highlight its delicate flavour.
Here’s a choice of what we recommend:
One Cup Infuser
Explore our eclectic range of infusers – including the One Cup Loose Leaf Infuser, designed for a swift, effortless and elegant brewing experience.
Easy Glass Teapot
Brew with ease and style using our Easy Glass Teapot with Infuser – the perfect companion for a clean, simple loose-leaf infusion.
The Step-by-Step Process of Brewing Darjeeling Tea
Step 1: Measure Your Tea
Use 2 to 3 grams of Darjeeling tea per 200ml of water.
This ratio provides the perfect strength, allowing the tea’s natural muscatel and floral notes to develop beautifully.
Step 2: Heat Your Water
For First Flush Darjeeling, such as Jungpana, Okayti and Glenburn heat your water to 80°C — slightly cooler than boiling.
As for Second Flush varieties, Margaret's Hope, heat your water to 100°C – the temperature that brings water to boil.
Darjeeling tea is delicate; too hot and the flavour becomes bitter. These temperature ranges ensure a smooth, aromatic cup.
Step 3: How long to brew Darjeeling tea?
Pour the hot water over your leaves and steep for 3–5 minutes.
For a lighter, floral taste, stop at 3 minutes. For a richer, fuller body, let it brew slightly longer.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Once brewed, strain the tea immediately to prevent over-steeping. You should see a clear golden amber liquor with a fresh, floral fragrance, the mark of premium First Flush Darjeeling.
Darjeeling Tea Serving Instructions
Darjeeling tea is best savoured without milk to reveal its signature floral and fruity notes, but for those who prefer a creamier touch, a splash of milk can be added to taste.
For a refreshing twist, you can add a slice of lemon or a touch of honey. Serve it in fine china or glassware, such as our Double Walled Glass Cup, to admire its beautiful golden hue.
Pair your Darjeeling with light pastries, fruit tarts, or mild cheeses for a sophisticated afternoon tea experience.
What About Darjeeling in Other Forms?
If you love Darjeeling but prefer convenience, explore our First Flush Darjeeling Tea Bags – offering the same refined flavour in an easy-to-brew format.
You can also explore the full range in our Darjeeling Tea Collection. From the Great Taste Award winning House Blend, to Rare and Limited Darjeelings only available once a year, each tea is waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
