Quick answer
To brew loose leaf green tea from an advent calendar, use about 1 teaspoon of leaves per 8 ounces of water heated to 175°F, steep for 2–3 minutes, and adjust to taste. Each day's new tea is a chance to refine your technique.
Why an advent calendar is a great way to learn green tea brewing
An advent calendar gives you 24 small portions of loose leaf green tea, each with a different flavor profile. This variety is perfect for learning how water temperature, steeping time, and leaf amount change the cup. You don't need to commit to a full bag of tea you might not like — each day is a low-stakes experiment.
Because green teas can be delicate, small differences in brewing make a big difference. The daily format encourages you to notice those changes and adjust, which is the fastest way to become confident with loose leaf tea.
Trade-offs: convenience vs. precision
Advent calendar portions are pre-measured for convenience, but they may not be exact for every tea. Some days you might get a tightly rolled leaf that expands more, or a fluffier leaf that needs more space. If the portion seems small or large for your cup, adjust the water amount or steeping time rather than the leaf amount.
Also, the included teas may vary in oxidation level. A greener tea (like a classic green) prefers cooler water, while a more oxidized or roasted green can handle slightly hotter water. Use the 175°F starting point and adjust based on how the tea tastes.
Step-by-step brewing guide
- Heat fresh water to 175°F: Use filtered water if possible. Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for about 1 minute to reach 175°F. Boiling water will scorch green tea leaves and make them bitter. If you don't have a thermometer, a quick cool-down after boiling is your checkpoint.
- Measure the leaves: Use the portion from the advent calendar, or measure about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea per 8 ounces of water. If the portion looks small, use less water; if large, use more water. Adjust water volume, not leaf amount, to match the portion size.
- Pour water and steep for 2–3 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and start a timer. Steep for 2 minutes for a lighter cup, 3 minutes for a stronger one. Do not oversteep, as green tea becomes bitter and astringent. Taste at 2 minutes; if it's too weak, add 30 seconds, not more.
- Strain and enjoy: Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup, or remove the infuser. Drink it plain or with a small amount of honey or lemon. Notice the flavor and how it changes as it cools. Take a moment to note the flavor profile; this helps you refine your brewing for the next day.
- Re-steep the leaves (optional): Many loose leaf green teas can be re-steeped. Add more water at the same temperature and steep for 1–2 minutes longer than the first steep. This is a great way to extend your advent calendar experience. If the second steep is too bitter, reduce the steeping time next time.
Product spotlight
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2025 Tea Advent Calendar: The 2025 Tea Advent Calendar from Tiesta Tea includes a curated selection of loose leaf green teas for the 2025 advent season. This variety lets you practice brewing different green tea styles without buying full-size bags, making it an ideal daily tea ritual for beginners and enthusiasts.
2025 Tea Advent Calendar
Start with the steps above, but treat each day as a chance to experiment. By the end of the calendar, you'll know exactly how you like your loose leaf green tea.
