Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (2024)

Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (1)

BY

Yousuf Ademnur

Brewing tea can be really fun! Instead of using boring old tea bags, you can make tasty herbal tea in a French press. The French press is the tall pot with a stick that pushes down.

When you brew herbal tea in a French press with loose tea leaves, you get way more flavor and smell than with tea bags. The pot gets hot and keeps all the good smells inside.

This guide will show you how to brew herbal tea in a French press. You’ll learn the right water temperature to use, how long to brew the tea, and the amount of leaves to add.

There are also 10 herbal tea recipes to try brewing in a French press. You can make chai tea, iced tea, bedtime tea and more.

Get your French press ready and let’s start brewing some delicious herbal tea!

Brewing Herbal Tea in a French Press

Using a French press to make herbal tea has lots of good things about it:

  • You can use loose tea leaves. Loose tea leaves have more flavor and smell than tea bags.
  • The French press lets the tea steep all together. This brings out more flavor from the leaves.
  • You can pick the perfect water temperature for the tea. Different teas need different temperatures.
  • You choose how long to brew the tea. You can make it strong or mild.
  • It works great for all types of herbal tea: floral, fruity, spicy, and more!
  • The French press keeps the smells and oils inside while brewing. This makes your tea taste and smell awesome.
  • It stops the bitter taste that can happen when tea steeps too long.

So brewing herbal tea in a French press makes your cup of tea super tasty! The equipment is easy to use too. Keep reading to learn how.

Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (2)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brewing Tea in a French Press

How to Brew Herbal Tea in a French Press?

Follow these easy steps to make tasty herbal tea in your French press:

You Need:

  • French press
  • Kettle for boiling water
  • Loose tea leaves
  • Timer

Water Temperature:

  • Black tea: Boil water to 212°F
  • Green tea: 180°F water
  • White tea: 170°F water

Tea Leaf Amount:

Instructions:

  1. Boil water in a kettle.
  2. Warm up French press with hot water.
  3. Add loose tea leaves to the French press.
  4. Pour in hot water over the leaves.
  5. Gently stir the leaves to mix.
  6. Put plunger in but don’t push down yet.
  7. Let tea steep for 3-5 minutes. Time depends on the type.
  8. Slowly push the plunger down.
  9. Pour tea into your cup and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Add milk, lemon, honey, or sugar to taste
  • Try different steep times for stronger or milder tea
  • Rinse press after use

Now you’re ready to brew amazing herbal tea in your French press!

12 Tasty Herbal Tea Recipes for French Press

1. Hibiscus Iced Tea french press

This pretty pink iced tea gets its color and tart flavor from dried hibiscus flowers. It’s a refreshing summertime drink!

Ingredients:

  • 1⁄4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • 1 teaspoon orange peel (optional)
  • 1⁄2 cup sugar
  • 4 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Add the hibiscus flowers, orange peel, and sugar to the French press.
  2. Boil 4 cups of water and pour into the press.
  3. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
  4. Allow to steep for 5 minutes, then press the plunger down.
  5. Pour the hibiscus tea into a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.
  6. Serve over ice. Taste and add more sugar if needed.
Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (3)

2. Earl Grey with Lavender Tea

The addition of dried lavender flowers gives classic Earl Grey tea a floral twist. This caffeine-free herbal blend is calming and aromatic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Combine the Earl Grey tea leaves and lavender flowers in the French press.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down and pour the tea into teacups.
  5. Sweeten with honey and sip the fragrant floral tea.

3. Masala Chai Tea french press

This Indian-inspired tea is warmly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and more. It’s tasty on its own or with milk.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons black tea leaves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 5 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups water
  • Milk and sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients except milk and sugar in the French press.
  2. Boil 4 cups of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down.
  5. Pour the chai tea through a strainer into mugs.
  6. Add milk and sugar if desired.

4. Ginger Lemon Detox Tea french press

This fresh and zesty tea will give your immune system a boost with anti-inflammatory ginger and vitamin C-rich lemon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 cup water
Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (4)

Instructions:

  1. Add the ginger, lemon peel, and honey (if using) to the French press.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down and pour tea into a mug.
  5. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Drink this ginger lemon tea first thing in the morning!

5. Berry Hibiscus Fruit Tea french press

This vitamin C-packed tea blends hibiscus with fresh summer berries for a flavorful antioxidant-rich brew.

Ingredients:

  • 1⁄4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • 1⁄4 cup raspberries
  • 1⁄4 cup blueberries
  • 1⁄4 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups water
  • Honey to taste (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place the hibiscus flowers and berries into the French press.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water and pour over the fruit.
  3. Allow to steep 3-5 minutes until the fruit has infused the water with color and flavor.
  4. Press the plunger down gently to strain the fruit.
  5. Sweeten with honey if desired and serve immediately.

6. Turmeric Chai Latte french press

This anti-inflammatory tea latte is flavored with the healing spices turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper. Delicious hot or iced!

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups milk or non-dairy milk
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon stick and black pepper in the French press.
  2. Heat 2 cups of milk just until steaming, then pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down to strain the spices.
  5. Pour the turmeric tea into mugs and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.

7. Mint Chamomile Bedtime Tea french press

This relaxing caffeine-free tea will lull you into a good night’s sleep with soothing chamomile and spearmint.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 tablespoon fresh spearmint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm
  • 1 cup water
  • Honey to taste (optional)
Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (5)

Instructions:

  1. Add the chamomile, spearmint, and lemon balm to the French press.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down and pour tea into mugs.
  5. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Drink 30 minutes before bedtime for a peaceful slumber.

8. Rose Green Tea with Jasmine

This floral blend combines fragrant dried roses and jasmine with lightly caffeinated green tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon green tea leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rose buds
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried jasmine flowers
  • 2 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Add the green tea, rose buds and jasmine flowers to the French press.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 3 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down and pour the tea into teacups.
  5. Sip and enjoy the delicate floral flavors! Add honey if desired.

9. Thai Iced Tea French Press

This sweet and spicy tea is just like the Thai restaurants! It’s perfect over ice on hot days.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons Thai black tea leaves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 cup milk
  • Simple syrup to taste
  • 4 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Add the tea leaves and spices to the French press.
  2. Boil 4 cups of water and pour into the press.
  3. Steep for 5 minutes, then press plunger down.
  4. Stir in milk and sweeten with simple syrup until desired sweetness.
  5. Pour over ice and enjoy this spiced Thai iced tea!
10. Pumpkin Spice Tea

This cozy autumn tea is flavored with classic pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons black tea leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups water
  • Milk, honey, pumpkin puree (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add the tea leaves and spices to the French press.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water and pour into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Press the plunger down and pour tea into mugs.
  5. Add milk, honey, or pumpkin puree if desired.

Sip this spiced tea on crisp fall days!

11. Perfect Matcha Tea in a French Press

This method yields a smooth, frothy cup of antioxidant-rich matcha green tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 1 cup hot water (not boiling)

Instructions:

  1. Sift matcha powder into the bottom of the French press.
  2. Add 1 cup hot (not boiling) water.
  3. Use a whisk or small milk frother to briskly whisk the matcha and water for 1 minute until frothy.
  4. Allow to steep for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Slowly press the plunger down.
  6. Pour into your cup and enjoy the perfectly whisked matcha tea!
12. Chamomile Tea French Press

This soothing caffeine-free tea will help you relax and unwind before bedtime.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot water
Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (6)

Instructions:

  1. Add the chamomile flowers, honey, and lemon juice to the French press.
  2. Pour 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water into the press.
  3. Allow to steep for 5 minutes.
  4. Slowly press down the plunger to strain.
  5. Pour the chamomile tea into your mug and sip slowly. The honey and lemon complement the mild floral flavor beautifully.

Drink this tea 30 minutes before bed for a restful night’s sleep!

FAQs

1. How do you make herbal tea in a French press?

To make herbal tea in a French press, first add loose herbal tea leaves to the bottom of the press. Then pour hot water over the leaves and put the plunger in to steep. After 3-5 minutes, slowly push the plunger down to strain the tea. Finally, pour your fresh herbal tea into teacups and enjoy!

2. Can you use a French press for herbal tea?

Yes, a French press works great for brewing all types of herbal teas. The full immersion brewing fully extracts flavors, and the plunger strains the loose leaves. You can make floral, fruity, minty, or spicy herbal blends.

3. How do I make loose tea in a French press?

Making loose leaf tea in a French press is easy. Simply add the dried loose tea leaves directly to the empty press. Then pour hot water over the leaves and let them steep before pressing down the plunger to strain.

4. Can I use tea bags in a French press, or should I use loose leaf tea?

You can use tea bags in a French press, but the flavor will be better if you use full loose tea leaves. The leaves have more room to expand and infuse the water with more oils, flavors, and aromas.

5. Is it OK to use a French press for tea?

Yes, a French press is great for brewing tea. It allows full immersion brewing which extracts maximum flavor from the tea leaves. The plunger makes it easy to strain the loose leaves. It’s a versatile way to brew all different types of high quality loose leaf tea.

Conculsion

Brewing herbal tea in a French press makes the best tasting herbal tea! The flavors are much better than tea bags.

Use this guide to learn how to brew all kinds of herbal tea in a French press. Follow the easy steps for water temperature and timing.

Try the 12 tasty recipes. Make floral, fruity, spicy, and aromatic teas. The French press brews the teas perfectly to get all the good flavors.

Soon you’ll love brewing fresh herbal tea in your French press every day! Just pick your favorite herbs and start making your own delicious cups and blends.

Mastering The Art Of Brewing Herbal Tea In A French Press: 12 Delicious Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long should you steep tea in a French press? ›

1-2 minutes, depending on the tea and personal taste. You can re-steep the tea leaves for at least 2-3 more times, so don't discard the leaves right after the first infusion.

How does a French press work for tea? ›

Convenient and easy to use: A French press is a simple way to brew tea. All you need to do is add the tea leaves and hot water, let it steep for a few minutes, and then press the plunger down to separate the brewed tea from the leaves.

Can you use a French press as a tea infuser? ›

Adjust the amount of tea and steeping time according to your taste preferences. Simply add the tea leaves to the French press, pour in hot water, place the lid, and let it steep for the specified duration. When ready, slowly press the plunger and pour the tea into your cup.

How to use a French press for herbs? ›

In the evening, I put in the herbs, pour boiling water over them and place the plunger/lid assembly on top without pushing it down. Then in the morning I push the plunger down. The infusion is then ready.

How much tea leaves to put in French press? ›

USE 1 TSP OF TEA LEAVES PER 1 CUP OF WATER.

Add your tea to your tea press allowing it to steep for a proper balance of flavors. At this time, put the tea press lid on, but do not press down. Allow for the tea to steep for the correct amount of time.

Is a French press worth it for tea? ›

It's a great method for making a crap-ton of tea at once and even if it doesn't stay blazing hot for a long time, pour the cooled tea over ice just to feel something.

Can I use tea bags in a French press? ›

French press:

Simply add tea leaves or tea bag(s) to the French press, pour in the hot water and cover with the lid (with filter and screen attached), allow it to steep for the appropriate amount of time, then press the tea to the bottom, just like you would coffee grounds.

What happens if you steep French press too long? ›

As a general rule, a steeping time of four to five minutes is recommended for most French press brews. This allows the coffee grounds to fully extract and release their flavors into the water, while also avoiding over-extraction, which can lead to a bitter taste.

What not to do with a French press? ›

You Leave the Coffee In the Press After Plunging

Otherwise, it'll continue to brew and take on a bitter, unpleasant flavor. Even if you're not drinking it all right away, transferring it to a different carafe will make a big difference if you're hoping to savor more than one cup of coffee.

What is the difference between a tea press and a French press? ›

The main difference between a standard French Press and one made for tea is the tea press stops the leaves from over steeping. When you plunge the leaves all the way down it stops the tea from steeping further, preventing any bitterness.

What kind of tea do you use for French press? ›

How do you make tea with a french press coffee maker?
TEA TYPEWATER TEMPSTEEP TIME
BLACK200-205 F (93-96 C)3-5 MINUTES
DARJEELING185 F (85 C)3 MINUTES
OOLONG185-205 F (85-96 C)3-5 MINUTES
HERBAL205 F (96 C)5-7 MINUTES
2 more rows
Feb 20, 2019

Can I put a French press in the fridge? ›

Leaving the French press plunger up, place in the fridge for at least 18 hours or up to 24 hours. Leaving it for less than 18 hours will result in a weaker cold brew while over-brewing for more than 24 hours will start to create bitter notes.

Can I cold brew tea in a French press? ›

How to Cold Brew with a French Press. Fill French press pitcher with water and loose tea leaves. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces of water. Place in the refrigerator (plunger up) 6-8 hours – or until desired strength is achieved.

How do I make my tea stronger? ›

To make the tea stronger, don't steep it for longer —unless it's herbal. Steeping a tea for too long will make it bitter rather than strong. Instead, add more tea leaves or bags. As a general rule, use one level teaspoon or 2 grams for every cup (8 oz) you're making.

Can I put tea leaves in the French press? ›

A French press is one of the best ways to make tea, as it can accurately control the infusion time. The high ratio of water to the surface of the tea leaves allows for the full release of flavor and aroma. A French Press also allows you to showcase the beautiful dance of the leaves and brilliant colors!

Can you steep loose leaf tea in a French press? ›

Steep tea

Once you find your favorite type of tea, you can quit buying the crappy (and wasteful) bagged teas and start buying them loose-leaf. Drop a teaspoon of loose tea into your French press, add in a cup of hot water, close the lid and let it steep.

How do you brew herbal tea? ›

  1. Using a kettle or a pot on the stove, bring water to a full boil. ...
  2. While the water is boiling, measure out 1 tablespoon of herbs per 8-10 ounces of water (about one cup) for your infusion. ...
  3. Put crushed herbs directly into a pot of water, cover it to steep, and pour the tea through a strainer into your mug.

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