Quick answer
To use a ceramic tea infuser mug, preheat it with hot water, add 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz, pour water at the right temperature, steep for 2–5 minutes, then lift out the infuser and rest it on the inverted lid. The lid doubles as a coaster, and hand washing keeps the ceramic and infuser in good shape.
Why ceramic works well for loose leaf tea
Ceramic retains heat better than glass or thin porcelain, so your tea stays hot through a leisurely steep. The material is also non-reactive, meaning it won’t alter the flavor of delicate whites or smoky oolongs. A ceramic infuser mug typically includes a stainless steel basket with fine perforations; this allows water to circulate while keeping even small leaf particles out of your sip. The included lid traps aroma and heat, and after brewing it flips over to hold the wet infuser without dripping on your table.
Choosing the right tea and amount
Use loose leaf tea, not tea bags, because the infuser basket gives leaves room to expand. As a starting point, use 1 teaspoon of whole-leaf tea per 8 ounces of water. For broken-leaf or fluffy teas like white peony, you may need 1.5 teaspoons. If you prefer a stronger cup, add more tea rather than steeping longer, which can pull out bitterness. The 14 oz capacity of the Casaware Tea Infuser Mug gives you room to brew a generous serving without crowding the leaves.
Water temperature and steeping times
Water that’s too hot will scorch green and white teas, while water that’s too cool won’t fully extract black or oolong leaves. Use these guidelines: 160–170°F for green and white, 180–190°F for oolong, and 200–212°F for black and herbal. Steeping time varies by type: 2–3 minutes for green, 3–4 minutes for oolong, and 4–5 minutes for black or herbal. Taste at the early end of the range and adjust. If you’re using a ceramic mug with infuser lid, keep the lid on during steeping to hold in heat and aroma.
Step-by-step brewing
- Preheat the mug: Fill the mug with hot water from your kettle, let it sit for 30 seconds, then pour it out. This warms the ceramic so your tea doesn’t cool down as soon as you pour. Skip this step and your first sip may be lukewarm.
- Measure and add tea: Place the stainless steel infuser basket in the mug and add 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water. Adjust the amount based on leaf size and your taste. Too much tea can make the brew bitter; too little tastes weak.
- Heat water to the right temperature: Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for a minute or two for green and white teas. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure. Pour the water over the leaves, filling the mug to about an inch below the rim. Boiling water on green tea will make it taste grassy and astringent.
- Steep with the lid on: Place the lid on the mug to trap heat and aroma. Set a timer for 2–5 minutes depending on the tea type: 2–3 minutes for green, 3–4 for oolong, 4–5 for black or herbal. Check at the early end of the range; you can always steep longer.
- Remove the infuser and rest it on the lid: Lift the infuser basket out and place it on the inverted lid, which acts as a coaster to catch drips. This stops the brewing immediately so the tea doesn’t turn bitter. Never leave the infuser sitting in the mug after steeping.
- Sip and enjoy: Your tea is ready. If you want a second cup, you can reuse the leaves by adding fresh hot water and steeping for a slightly shorter time. Whole-leaf teas often give two or three good infusions.
- Clean the mug and infuser: Hand wash the ceramic mug and stainless steel basket with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the glaze or the infuser. Hand washing preserves the finish and keeps the infuser holes clear.
Product facts
- Casaware Ceramic Tea Infuser Mug: Casaware Ceramic Tea Infuser Mug comes with an extra-fine stainless steel infuser basket and a lid that holds in aroma while steeping and serves as a coaster for the infuser afterward. The fine basket keeps small particles out of your tea, and the dual-purpose lid prevents drips on your table.
- Casaware Tea Infuser Mug: Casaware Tea Infuser Mug has a silicone rim around the infuser to hold it in place and a silicone base to make it slip-proof on smooth surfaces; it holds 14 oz. The silicone rim keeps the basket steady while you pour, and the 14 oz capacity is enough for a large serving.
- Casaware Glass Tea Infuser Mug: Casaware Glass Tea Infuser Mug is made of clear glass with a glass handle and an extra-fine stainless steel infuser basket; hand wash recommended. The clear glass lets you watch the color and strength of your tea as it steeps, which helps you judge when to stop brewing.
