Quick answer
Use the Viva Minima Tea Carafe by adding loose leaf tea and water directly to the glass, steeping to taste, then pouring through the built-in lid strainer. Clean it promptly with warm water and mild soap to keep the double-walled glass clear and free of lingering flavors.
Why the Viva Minima suits loose leaf brewing
The Viva Minima is a 20 oz double-walled glass carafe with a built-in lid strainer. Because you add tea directly to the carafe, you can watch the liquor darken and judge strength by color rather than relying on a timer. Double-walled construction helps keep hot tea hot and protects your hands from the heat, while the clear glass makes it easy to see when the brew has reached your preferred strength. This visual feedback is especially useful when you are trying a new tea or adjusting leaf quantity.
Cleaning and care that prevents flavor carryover
Glass is non-porous, but tea oils and tannins can leave a film if the carafe sits unwashed. Rinse the carafe and lid with warm water as soon as you finish pouring, then wash with mild dish soap and a soft bottle brush. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the glass, and do not put the carafe in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is dishwasher safe — the catalog does not list dishwasher compatibility, so hand washing is the safer default. For stubborn stains, a short soak in warm water with a little baking soda lifts residue without scrubbing.
Serving tips for hot and cold tea
For hot tea, pre-warm the carafe with a splash of hot water before adding your leaves and brewing water; this reduces temperature shock and helps the tea stay hot longer. For cold brewing, add cold water and tea, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight, tasting as it develops. Because the carafe holds 20 oz, it makes roughly two to three cup-sized servings — enough for a short session but not a large party. If you are serving guests, pour the first cup and then top off with fresh hot water for a second steep, keeping in mind that the built-in strainer will hold back the leaves.
Step-by-step: brewing and caring for your Viva Minima
- Pre-warm or pre-chill the carafe: For hot tea, fill the carafe with hot tap water and let it stand for 30 seconds, then discard. For cold brew, rinse with cold water. This tempers the glass and helps maintain your target temperature. Skipping this step can shock the glass or slow down the brew; a quick pre-rinse is cheap insurance.
- Add loose leaf tea: Use roughly 1 teaspoon of loose leaf per 6–8 oz of water, adjusting for your tea type and taste. Add the leaves directly to the carafe — no extra infuser needed. A common mistake is overloading the carafe; too many leaves can make the tea bitter and clog the strainer.
- Pour in water and start steeping: For hot tea, use water just off the boil (or cooler for green and white teas) and fill to your desired level. For cold brew, use cold filtered water. Replace the lid. Do not fill past the maximum line if one is marked; overfilling can cause spills when you pour.
- Watch the color, not the clock: The clear glass lets you judge strength by color. Taste a small amount through the strainer after a few minutes and pour when it suits you. If you walk away, set a timer as a backup — over-steeping is the most common cause of bitter tea.
- Pour and serve: Pour slowly through the built-in lid strainer into your cup. The strainer holds back the leaves, so you can serve directly from the carafe. Pour gently to avoid a surge of leaves into the strainer; a steady tilt keeps the flow smooth.
- Clean promptly: Rinse the carafe and lid with warm water right after use, then wash with mild soap and a soft brush. For cold brew, disassemble the lid if possible and rinse the strainer thoroughly. Leaving tea to dry in the carafe makes cleaning harder and can leave a lingering flavor; a 30-second rinse now saves scrubbing later.
- Dry and store open: Let the carafe and lid air-dry completely before reassembling. Store with the lid off to prevent trapped moisture and odors. Storing a damp carafe can encourage mildew in the lid strainer; full drying is the simplest prevention.
Product facts
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Viva Minima Tea Carafe: 20 oz double-walled glass loose leaf tea brewer designed for both hot and cold brewing. The 20 oz capacity and dual hot/cold design make it a versatile everyday brewer for one or two people.
Viva Minima Tea Carafe
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Viva Minima Tea Carafe: Add loose leaf tea directly to the carafe, pour in water, steep to taste, then pour through the built-in lid strainer into your cup. This all-in-one approach means you do not need a separate infuser or teapot to brew and serve.
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Viva Minima Tea Carafe: The clear glass lets you watch the brew develop and judge strength by color — no guessing, no timers required. You can stop the steep at the right moment for your taste, which is especially helpful with unfamiliar teas.
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Viva Minima Tea Carafe: Double-walled construction keeps your tea hot. Your tea stays at a comfortable drinking temperature longer, and the outer wall stays cooler to the touch.
