Master the Brew: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Hot & Cold Tea

Introduction

There is a world of difference between a quick cup of tea and a perfect cup of tea. At Ucia, we believe that brewing is not just a routine—it’s a ritual that honors the leaf.

Whether you are seeking the comforting warmth of a traditional hot brew or the smooth, refreshing clarity of a cold brew, the secret lies in the details: the water temperature, the leaf ratio, and the patience to let the flavors unfold.

We’ve created this guide to help you master both methods using Ucia’s premium leaves.

01. The Hot Brew Ritual

(Best for: Experiencing the complex aroma and full body of the tea)

This method is inspired by traditional brewing techniques (similar to the Gongfu style), using a higher leaf-to-water ratio and shorter steeping times. This allows you to enjoy multiple infusions from the same batch of leaves, with the flavor evolving in every cup.

What You Need

Ucia Premium Loose Leaf Tea
A teapot (preferably ceramic or glass)
Fresh, filtered water
A kettle (temperature controlled is best)

The Step-by-Step Guide

1. Add the Tea Leaves Don’t be shy with the leaves. For a rich, aromatic brew, fill about ⅓ to ½ of your teapot with dry leaves. You can adjust this slightly based on your personal taste preference—add less for a lighter brew, or more for a robust kick.

2. Pour the Water Water temperature is crucial.

For the First Infusion: We recommend 100°C water to "wake up" the leaves and release the initial aroma.
For Subsequent Infusions: Lower the temperature slightly to 85-95°C.
- Pro Tip: Higher temperatures enhance the aroma, while slightly lower temperatures improve the texture and sweetness of the taste.

3. The Steep The beauty of high-quality tea is its longevity. One batch of leaves can be steeped 4-6 times. Don't rush; savor the change in flavor with each round.

Steeping Time Chart

Infusion Round	Time	Flavor Profile
First Infusion	60 Seconds	Aromatic & Awakening
Second Infusion	45 Seconds	Rich & Full-Bodied
Third Infusion	60 Seconds	Smooth & Balanced
Fourth Infusion	90 Seconds	Sweet & Mellow

02. The Cold Brew Method

(Best for: Summer days, low caffeine, and a sweeter, smoother taste)

Cold brewing is trending for a reason. By using cool water instead of hot, you extract the flavor slowly over time. This prevents tannins from being released, resulting in a tea that is naturally sweeter, less bitter, and incredibly refreshing.

The Golden Ratio

1g Tea Leaves : 100ml Water

(Example: For a standard 1-liter jug, use 10g of tea leaves and 1000ml of water.)

Cold Brew Instructions

Prep: Place 10g of Ucia tea leaves into a glass container or pitcher.
Pour: Add 1000ml (1L) of mineral water.
- Note: Use room temperature water (approx. 25°C) for the start.
The "Wake Up" Steep: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour. This kickstarts the flavor extraction.
The Cold Steep: Move the container to the refrigerator. Let it steep chilled for another 4-8 hours.
Finish: Strain out the tea leaves completely. Your cold brew is now ready to serve!

Storage Tips

Shelf Life: Cold brew tea is best consumed within 2-4 days. Keep it refrigerated to maintain that crisp, clean taste.
Serving: Serve over ice, or garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing lift.