YARN CAKES & CAFFEINE
Tea Guide & Brewing Basics
A guide to the botanicals, herbs, and spices that go into every cup we craft.
Tea Brewing Guide
Water temperature & steeping times by tea type
Green Tea
160–180°F / 70–82°C
Steep: 1–3 minutes
Teaspoon: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 2–3×
Teaspoon: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 2–3×
White Tea
160–185°F / 70–85°C
Steep: 2–5 minutes
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 2–3×
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 2–3×
Oolong Tea
185–205°F / 85–96°C
Steep: 1–5 minutes
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 3–5×
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 3–5×
Black Tea
200–212°F / 93–100°C
Steep: 3–5 minutes
Teaspoon: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1–2×
Teaspoon: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1–2×
Rooibos
200–212°F / 93–100°C
Steep: 5–7 minutes
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1–2×
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1–2×
Herbal Tea
200–212°F / 93–100°C
Steep: 5–10 minutes
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1×
Teaspoon: 1–2 tsp per 8 oz
Infusions: 1×
Chai Tea
200–212°F / 93–100°C
Steep: 5–7 minutes
Simmer with milk for best results
Infusions: 1×
Simmer with milk for best results
Infusions: 1×
Matcha
160–175°F / 70–80°C
Whisk: 30–60 seconds
Amount: ½–1 tsp per 2–4 oz
Sift powder before whisking
Amount: ½–1 tsp per 2–4 oz
Sift powder before whisking
Cold Brew
Cold / Room Temp
Tea: 1–2 tbsp per 16 oz
Steep: 6–12 hours (fridge)
Strain & serve over ice
Steep: 6–12 hours (fridge)
Strain & serve over ice
☕ Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf Tea
🫖 Loose Leaf Tea
- Whole or large leaf pieces retain more essential oils & antioxidants
- Leaves have room to expand, releasing fuller, more complex flavor
- Typically higher quality — less dust and fannings
- More economical — leaves can be re-steeped 2–5× depending on type
- Better for the environment — less packaging waste
- Greater variety of blends & single-origin options available
- Requires an infuser, strainer, or teapot
🍵 Tea Bags
- Convenient & quick — no extra equipment needed
- Pre-measured for consistent brewing every time
- Great for travel, the office, or on-the-go
- Many contain “fannings” — broken leaf dust that brews faster but with less nuance
- Standard bags can restrict leaf expansion, limiting flavor depth
- Pyramid sachets allow more room for expansion — closer to loose leaf quality
- Generally single-use; some compostable options available
💡 At Yarn Cakes & Caffeine, we recommend loose leaf for the richest flavor and the full benefit of every botanical — but the best cup is the one you'll actually make!
* Wellness Disclaimer:
The health benefits listed are based on traditional use and available research. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our teas are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, please consult a healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas.