Jasmine tea, one of the most popular scented teas in China, combines the fresh sweetness of tea leaves with the delicate fragrance of jasmine flowers. This unique aroma comes from the traditional “scenting process” (窨制, yin zhi), where tea leaves are carefully blended with fresh jasmine blossoms multiple times until the fragrance is fully absorbed.
Brewing jasmine tea may seem simple, but mastering the right method helps unlock its refreshing floral aroma without bitterness. In this guide, you’ll learn three classic brewing methods for jasmine tea: glass cup, gaiwan, and cold brew.
🥂 Method 1: Brewing Jasmine Tea in a Glass Cup
Why use a glass cup?
The transparent cup allows you to appreciate the graceful unfurling of tea leaves and enjoy both the aroma and the appearance.
Steps:
- Rinse the glass with hot water to warm it up.
- Add 3–5 grams of jasmine tea leaves.
- Pour in 85–90°C (185–194°F) water, filling about one-third of the cup.
- Swirl gently to awaken the leaves, then fill the cup with hot water.
- Wait 1–2 minutes and enjoy.
👉 Best for daily casual drinking, with a balance of flavor and aesthetics.
🍵 Method 2: Brewing Jasmine Tea with a Gaiwan
Why use a gaiwan?
A traditional Chinese lidded bowl (gaiwan) provides better control of water temperature and steeping time, ensuring the tea remains smooth and aromatic.
Steps:
- Warm the gaiwan with hot water.
- Add 5 grams of jasmine tea.
- Pour in 85°C (185°F) water.
- Steep for about 10–20 seconds for the first infusion.
- Pour the tea into a fairness pitcher or directly into small cups.
👉 Suitable for multiple infusions, each cup offering a slightly different fragrance and taste.
❄️ Method 3: Cold Brewing Jasmine Tea
Why try cold brew jasmine tea?
Cold brewing draws out a mellow and refreshing sweetness, perfect for hot summer days.
Steps:
- Place 8–10 grams of jasmine tea leaves into a glass bottle.
- Add 500ml (17 oz) of cold, filtered water.
- Refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
- Strain the tea leaves and enjoy chilled.
👉 Cold brew brings out a softer jasmine aroma and reduces bitterness.
🌿 Tips for Brewing Jasmine Tea
- Water temperature: Keep between 80–90°C (176–194°F). Too hot will make the tea bitter.
- Tea-to-water ratio: About 1:50 is ideal.
- Storage: Keep jasmine tea in a cool, airtight container away from light to preserve fragrance.
✨ Conclusion
Whether you choose a glass cup, gaiwan, or cold brew, mastering the right jasmine tea brewing method will help you fully enjoy its fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and cultural charm.
From daily relaxation to serving guests, jasmine tea is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience of elegance and tradition in every sip.
