The Irish have a special tradition called “taking tea,” where they enjoy a warm drink called Irish Breakfast Tea.
This tea, also known as Assam tea, has been a favorite for a very long time.
It’s not just for one type of person – everyone likes it, from farmers to fishermen.
Especially on cold days, they rely on this tea to warm them up.
Throughout the day, from morning to evening, the Irish usually have four to six cups of tea.
They might start their day with a cup of tea, and even have a fancy tea time in the evening with fine china cups.
Wondering how can one brew Irish Breakfast tea without visiting Ireland? I got you covered!
Keep reading to find the perfect recipe to make Irish tea, brewing tips, food pairings, and much more!
What Is Irish Breakfast Tea?
Irish Breakfast Tea is a blend of strong and flavorful black teas that has a reddish color.
It tastes hearty and a bit malty, which means it has a rich and slightly grainy flavor.
This special taste usually comes from a kind of black tea called Assam, which comes from a place in India with tall mountains called the Himalayas.
This place is known as the Assam valley, and it’s a big spot where they grow a lot of tea.
The Assam valley in India makes more tea than almost anywhere else in the world, except for a place in China.
They make a special kind of tea called black tea, and it’s the main ingredient in Irish Breakfast Tea.
This tea is stronger than the tea they have in England (English Breakfast tea), but not as strong as the tea they have in Scotland (Scottish Tea.)
It is the malty flavor that makes it unique and tasty.
What You Need to Make Irish Breakfast Tea
When it comes to making a delicious cup of Irish Breakfast Tea, the right ingredients can make all the difference. Here, I’ll guide you through the options for each component.
Irish Tea Ingredients
- Tea Leaves or Tea Bags?
When choosing the base of your Irish Breakfast Tea, you have two main options: loose tea leaves or convenient tea bags.
While loose tea leaves offer a more authentic experience, letting you appreciate the full flavor, tea bags are perfect for those busy mornings when time is of the essence.
Personally, I love starting my day with loose tea leaves for that extra bit of charm.
But I keep some tea bags on hand for those rushed mornings.
- The Tea Blend: Assam, Ceylon, or Both?
Traditional Irish Breakfast Tea is often a blend of strong black teas, with Assam and Ceylon being the most popular choices.
Assam brings a malty richness, while Ceylon adds a bright and brisk note. If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending the two!
- Hot Water
Boiling water is the essential element that brings out the flavors of the tea leaves.
Use freshly boiled water to ensure the best taste.
If your water is too hot, it might make the tea bitter, so allowing it to cool slightly for a minute after boiling can help.
- Milk: Regular or Cream?
The addition of milk is a key aspect of Irish Breakfast Tea.
Some prefer regular milk for a lighter touch, while others opt for cream to create a luxuriously rich brew.
- Sugar, Honey, or None?
Sweetening your tea is a personal preference.
Some enjoy a teaspoon of sugar to round out the flavors, while others prefer the natural sweetness of honey.
And, of course, there are those who savor their tea unadulterated.
Equipment
You won’t need anything fancy to make Irish Tea. Here are the basic equipment options you can consider:
1. Teapot
A teapot is a classic choice for steeping tea leaves.
It allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying brew.
If you prefer a traditional approach, a teapot is a great option.
2. Infuser Mug
An infuser mug combines the convenience of a teabag with the customizable nature of loose tea.
The mug comes with an infuser basket that holds the tea leaves while they steep, ensuring a delicious cup every time.
3. Kettle
A kettle is essential for boiling water. Whether you prefer an electric kettle or one that goes on the stove, make sure it can bring water to a rolling boil.
4. Tea Cozy (Optional)
If you’re using a teapot, consider adding a tea cozy to keep your tea warm for longer.
This charming accessory not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of coziness to your tea experience.
5. Timer
To achieve the perfect brew strength, a timer can be handy.
Whether you’re using loose tea or teabags, setting a timer for the recommended steeping time will help you avoid oversteeping.
6. Cup and Saucer
Finally, don’t forget a cup and saucer to enjoy your freshly brewed Irish Breakfast Tea.
Choose a cup that holds the right amount of tea for your taste.
How to Make Irish Breakfast Tea
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make Irish Tea, the Irish way!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make a delicious cup of Irish Breakfast Tea, the first thing you’ll need to do is gather all your ingredients.
You’ll need Irish Breakfast tea leaves, boiling water, and optional additions like milk, sugar, or honey.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start the brewing process.
Step 2: Choose Your Tea Leaves
The foundation of Irish Breakfast Tea lies in the type of tea leaves you choose.
You can opt for loose-leaf tea or tea bags, depending on your preference and convenience.
Loose-leaf tea often offers a more robust flavor, while tea bags are quick and mess-free.
Step 3: Boil the Water
Bring fresh, cold water to a rolling boil. The water temperature should be around 212°F (100°C).
The quality of the water can affect the taste of your tea, so using filtered or bottled water is recommended if possible.
Allow the water to cool for a moment before adding it to your tea.
Step 4: Preheat Your Teapot
If you’re using loose-leaf tea, it’s a good idea to preheat your teapot by rinsing it with a little hot water.
This helps maintain the tea’s temperature as it brews and ensures consistent flavor extraction.
Step 5: Measure the Tea Leaves
For a standard cup of Irish Breakfast Tea, use about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea or 1 tea bag.
Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the size of your cup.
Step 6: Brew the Tea
Pour the boiled water over the tea leaves in your teapot or cup.
If you’re using loose-leaf tea, you can use a strainer to catch any leaves as you pour.
Allow the tea to steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
Steeping too long can result in a bitter taste.
Step 7: Add Milk and Sugar (Optional)
If you prefer your Irish Breakfast Tea with a touch of creaminess, add a splash of milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
Remember, if you are adding milk to your tea, do it the Irish way. Put the milk in your cup first, and then add tea liquor.
You can also sweeten your tea with a teaspoon of sugar, honey, or any sweetener you like.
Adjust the milk and sugar quantities according to your taste.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Irish Tea
Once you’ve added milk and sugar (if desired), give your tea a gentle stir and take a moment to savor the aroma.
Irish Breakfast Tea is known for its robust and invigorating flavor. Find a cozy spot, take a sip, and enjoy the warmth of your homemade cup of Irish tea.
Irish Breakfast Tea Hot or Cold?
If you’re looking to enjoy your Irish Breakfast Tea in a way that the Irish do, you might want to start by brewing a hot cup.
The Irish have a strong tradition of sipping on hot tea, especially in the morning.
They often pour themselves a nice, piping hot cup of Irish Breakfast Tea to kickstart their day.
The warmth and rich flavor of the tea can be really soothing, and it’s a lovely way to wake up and get ready for the day.
Iced Irish Tea
Now, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous and the weather is warm, you might consider trying your Irish Breakfast Tea cold.
I know, it might sound a bit unusual, but trust me, it can be quite refreshing!
Brewing a pot of tea and then letting it cool down before pouring it over some ice is a simple way to enjoy it cold.
It’s a great option for a hot summer day when you want something cool to sip on.
Remember, there’s no one right way to enjoy your tea.
Some people might prefer the traditional hot cup, while others might find delight in the cold version.
You can even try both and see which one suits your taste better.
How to Make Iced Irish Breakfast Tea
Making Iced Irish Breakfast Tea is pretty simple and refreshing. Here’s how you can do it:
Ingredients
1. Irish Breakfast Tea Bags: You can use around 4 to 6 tea bags for a pitcher, depending on how strong you like your tea.
2. Water: About 4 cups (950 ml) of water. You’ll need this for brewing the tea.
3. Sweetener (optional): If you like your tea sweet, you can add sugar, honey, or your preferred sweetener. Start with around 1/4 cup (60 ml) and adjust to taste.
4. Ice: A good handful of ice cubes to chill your tea.
5. Lemon slices (optional): If you like a citrusy twist, you can add a few slices of lemon to your tea.
Steps
- Boil the Water
First, boil the 4 cups of water. You can use an electric kettle or a stovetop pot.
If using an electric kettle, set it to around 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water.
- Steep the Tea
Once the water is boiling, pour it into a pitcher or a heat-resistant container.
Add the Irish Breakfast tea bags to the hot water. Let them steep for about 3 to 5 minutes.
If you prefer stronger tea, you can leave them in a bit longer.
- Remove the Tea Bags
After steeping, take out the tea bags. Be careful not to squeeze them, as that can make the tea bitter.
- Add Sweetener (if desired):
If you like your tea sweetened, you can add your chosen sweetener while the tea is still warm. Stir it in until it’s dissolved.
- Cool Down
Allow the tea to cool down to room temperature.
You can leave it on the counter for a bit or pop it in the fridge for a faster cooldown.
- Chill in the Fridge
Once it’s cooled down, put the pitcher in the fridge to chill further.
You can leave it in for about 1 to 2 hours or until it’s nice and cold.
- Serve with Ice
When you’re ready to enjoy your Iced Irish Breakfast Tea, add a handful of ice cubes to your glass, pour in the chilled tea, and garnish with lemon slices if you like.
And that’s it!
You’ve got yourself a refreshing glass of Iced Irish Breakfast Tea. Perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Brewing Guide for Irish Tea (Hot and Iced)
Brewing Temperature | Steeping Time | Cooling Time | |
| Hot Tea | 200-212°F (93-100°C) | 3-5 minutes | N/A |
| Iced Tea | Double strength: 200-212°F (93-100°C) | 5-6 minutes | 10-15 minutes, then chill |
Factors That Affect the Flavor of Irish Breakfast Tea
When choosing a delicious Irish Breakfast tea, it’s important to consider the factors that affect its flavor.
Here are some important factors that can lead to less robust or not-that-much-tastier tea.
1. Tea Blend Composition
The flavor of Irish Breakfast tea is influenced primarily by the types and proportions of tea leaves used in the blend.
Generally, Irish Breakfast tea consists of strong black teas, often Assam and Ceylon varieties.
These teas are famous for their robust and malty aromas.
2. Tea Leaf Grade
The grade of tea leaves, which refers to the size and quality of the leaves, can impact the flavor.
Finer grades tend to brew a smoother and more nuanced cup, while larger leaves might provide a stronger and more astringent taste.
The choice of grade can affect the balance between strength and subtlety in flavor.
3. Oxidation Level
The degree of oxidation during tea processing can significantly affect the flavor profile.
The black tea leaves used in Irish Breakfast tea are fully oxidized.
It results in a darker color and rich, bold flavor.
The oxidation process contributes to the characteristic maltiness and depth of its taste.
4. Brewing Time and Temperature
How you brew your Irish Breakfast tea impacts its flavor.
Brewing at higher temperatures and longer durations can extract more of the tea’s tannins and compounds.
Thus, it leads to a stronger and potentially more astringent taste.
5. Water Quality
The quality of the water used to brew Irish Breakfast tea matters.
Water with high mineral content can influence the taste, potentially enhancing the tea’s flavors.
However, water that is too hard or too soft might mask or alter the intended taste of the tea.
Using clean and balanced water is essential for bringing out the best flavor.
6. Additions and Pairings
Adding milk, sugar, honey, or lemon to your Irish Breakfast tea can alter its flavor profile.
Milk can mellow out the astringency and add a creamy texture, while sweeteners can enhance or mask certain notes.
Pairing the tea with foods like scones or hearty breakfast dishes can also influence how you perceive its flavor.
7. Steeping Vessel
The vessel you use to steep your tea can influence its flavor.
A teapot with a built-in infuser or a loose leaf tea infuser can allow the leaves to unfurl fully, releasing their flavors more effectively.
Using a well-designed infuser can contribute to a more balanced and flavorful cup of Irish Breakfast tea.
8. Storage Conditions
Properly storing your Irish Breakfast tea is crucial for maintaining its flavor over time.
Keep the tea leaves in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and strong odors.
Storing tea properly ensures that its flavor remains intact and doesn’t degrade due to exposure to unfavorable conditions.
9. Leaf Age and Freshness
Freshness matters when it comes to tea flavor.
Older tea leaves might lose some of their vibrancy and complexity, resulting in a less satisfying cup.
Opt for tea that’s within its recommended shelf life to ensure that you’re experiencing the full range of flavors intended by the blend.
How to Make Irish Breakfast Tea Taste Good – Flavor Variations
Making Irish Breakfast Tea taste delicious is easy, and there are a few simple ways to do it.
First, let’s talk about flavor variations:
-> Classic Style
If you like it strong and robust, just brew the tea for a good 3-5 minutes.
This way, you’ll get that bold and hearty flavor that Irish Breakfast Tea is known for.
-> Cream and Sugar
Adding a touch of cream and a bit of sugar can mellow out the strong taste.
The creaminess blends wonderfully with the rich flavor of the tea.
-> Honey Sweetness
Try swapping out sugar for honey.
A drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the tea’s boldness.
-> Citrus Twist
Squeeze a little lemon or orange into your tea.
The zesty citrus notes can brighten up the flavor and add a refreshing twist.
-> Minty Fresh
Drop a few fresh mint leaves into your cup while brewing.
Mint brings a cool and refreshing element to the tea’s warmth.
And hey, there are more drinks you can make using Irish Tea too:
-> Iced Irish Tea
Brew the tea strong, let it cool, then pour it over ice.
Add a slice of lemon or a bit of honey for extra flavor. It’s a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day.
-> Irish Chai Latte
Brew the tea with some chai spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Then mix it with warm milk and a touch of honey for a comforting and spiced latte.
-> Tea Cocktails
Yep, you read that right!
Irish Breakfast Tea can be a great base for cocktails.
Mix it with whiskey, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of sweetener for a unique and delightful beverage.
-> Tea Smoothies
Blend cooled brewed tea with some fruits like berries, banana, and yogurt.
It’s a healthy and tasty way to enjoy your tea.
Irish Breakfast Tea Food Pairing
As an Irish tea lover, I can tell you that we really enjoy our strong and bold tea flavors.
Irish Breakfast Tea is a hearty black tea that’s perfect for starting the day or enjoying with some tasty treats.
Here are some great options to consider:
-> Scones and Jam
Oh, there’s nothing quite like a warm scone with a dollop of jam alongside a cup of Irish Breakfast Tea.
The slightly sweet scone balances out the robust tea flavor, creating a delightful contrast.
-> Full Irish Breakfast
If you’re looking for a hearty meal, a full Irish breakfast is a classic choice.
Think crispy bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white puddings, along with some grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.
The strong tea helps cut through the richness of the meal.
-> Oatmeal
A bowl of hearty oatmeal topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar or honey is a cozy and comforting pairing with Irish Breakfast Tea.
The tea’s boldness complements the creamy texture of the oatmeal.
– > Smoked Salmon Sandwich
For a savory option, try a smoked salmon sandwich on whole-grain bread.
The smokiness of the salmon meshes wonderfully with the tea’s robust taste.
-> Cheese and Crackers
A simple plate of cheese and crackers is another great choice.
Opt for stronger cheeses like cheddar or gouda that can stand up to the tea’s flavor.
-> Irish Soda Bread
If you want to keep it traditional, a slice of warm Irish soda bread with a spread of butter is a fantastic match.
The bread’s simplicity pairs well with the tea’s boldness.
-> Fruit Cake or Biscuits
A slice of rich fruit cake or a few buttery biscuits are lovely options when you want a touch of sweetness without being overly sugary.
When to Drink Irish Breakfast Tea
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide when to enjoy Irish Breakfast Tea:
Morning Boost: Kickstart your day with a cup of Irish Breakfast Tea.
Its bold flavor and caffeine content make it a great choice to wake up your senses and get ready for the day ahead.
Brunch Delight: Pair your weekend brunch with Irish Breakfast Tea.
Its hearty taste complements dishes like eggs, bacon, and toast, giving you a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Feeling a bit sluggish in the afternoon?
Irish Breakfast Tea can provide the energy you need to keep going.
Brew a cup to stay focused and alert.
Teatime Pleasure: Create a cozy teatime moment with Irish Breakfast Tea.
Whether it’s with friends or a good book, the rich taste of this tea makes for a delightful and comforting experience.
Accompaniment to Sweets: Enjoy Irish Breakfast Tea with a sweet treat like biscuits or pastries.
The robust flavor of the tea balances the sweetness, making for a tasty combination.
Relaxing Evening: Wind down your day with a soothing cup of Irish Breakfast Tea.
Its warmth and subtle caffeine kick make it a comforting choice as you relax in the evening.
Related
Irish Breakfast Tea Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: British2
servings3
minutes5
minutes8
minutesBrew an authentic cup of Irish Breakfast Tea for two, a perfect start to your day or a cozy evening indulgence.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons of Irish Breakfast Tea leaves
2 cups of fresh, filtered water
Milk and sugar to taste
Directions
- Boil the Water: Bring your water to a boil in a kettle. The ideal steeping temperature for black tea is around 200-212°F (93-100°C). If you are using a teapot, make sure to pour some boiling water in it, then discard.
- Add the Tea Leaves: Once the water reaches the appropriate temperature, add the tea leaves to your teapot or tea infuser.
- Steep the Tea: Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves and allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor.
- Prepare the Servings: After steeping, strain the tea into your favorite mugs.
- Add Milk and Sugar: Add milk and sugar to taste, stir gently, and serve immediately. If you are adding milk, make sure to pour the tea in a cup that already contains milk. Means, pour milk first, then tea.
Recipe Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Irish Breakfast tea taste like?
Irish Breakfast tea boasts a robust and hearty flavor profile. It often features a malty and slightly astringent taste, which gives it a bold character.
You might notice some underlying notes of earthiness and even a touch of sweetness. It’s a strong and full-bodied tea that can be enjoyed with or without milk and sugar.
Does Irish Breakfast tea have caffeine?
Yes, Irish Breakfast tea typically contains 40 mg of caffeine.
It’s often chosen for its energizing properties, making it a great choice to help you feel more awake and alert.
Is Irish Breakfast a real tea?
Yes, Irish Breakfast tea is indeed a real type of tea. It’s a blend of several black tea varieties. Assam tea from India and Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka are often present in the blend.
The combination of these teas creates the distinct flavor profile that Irish Breakfast tea is known for.
How many calories in Irish Breakfast tea?
Irish Breakfast tea itself is very low in calories. It usually contains about 0-2 calories per 8-ounce cup.
However, the calorie count can increase if you add milk, sugar, honey, or other sweeteners to your tea.