English Tea – How to Celebrate the Ritual of the English Afternoon?
When we think of Great Britain, specific images come to mind: rainy London, red telephone boxes and almost inseparable – English teaIt's much more than just a popular beverage; it's a cornerstone of culture, an excuse for a break from work, and the heart of one of the most enjoyable rituals: English tea. In a country where tea once dethroned the ubiquitous coffee, the art of brewing and serving it has grown into a true celebration.
But what is really behind this custom? How to prepare the perfect, aromatic English tea and why does the addition of milk evoke so many emotions? We invite you to journey into the world of porcelain cups, strong infusions, and age-old debates to discover how to celebrate this unique ritual in your own home. It's much simpler than you think, and the pleasure of drinking tea, English style, is unparalleled.
Contents
What tea is truly English?
Real English tea is strong, aromatic black teaAt the heart of the British ritual are bold, dark infusions. When a Brit asks for their "cup of tea," they almost certainly mean one of two classic blends:
- English Breakfast: This robust, invigorating blend of various black tea varieties (often from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya) is designed to pair perfectly with milk.
- Earl Grey: This is the second most iconic tea in English. It is a black tea flavored with bergamot oil, giving it a distinctive, citrusy flavor. It is also often drunk with milk.
Only a few English people drink Chinese teas (including green and red teas) – these are usually chosen by young people with a less restrictive approach to tradition.
Where did the custom of drinking tea in English come from?
The custom of drinking English tea is attributed to Anne Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. At that time, as a result of the Industrial Revolution, mealtimes changed. Dinner was eaten earlier and earlier, and a lavish dinner was served very late, often after 8:00 PM.
Around 4:00 PM, Princess Anne began to feel "empty" and hungry. She began asking servants to bring a tray of small snacks to her chambers: a cup of tea, sandwiches, and small cakes.
Over time, she began inviting her friends to these afternoon "afternoon teas." The idea was so popular that it quickly spread among the upper classes. The duchess's private custom evolved into a fashionable social event— "Afternoon Tea"It was then that the tradition of serving milk tea in elegant cups, accompanied by specially prepared, three-tiered platters of sandwiches, scones (a type of roll), and sweets, crystallized.
The Art of Brewing, or How to Make Tea in English
The process of preparing the perfect beverage is simple, but it requires attention to detail. It's this attention to detail that distinguishes ordinary tea from authentic English tea.
- Heat the teapot: The first step is to pour a little hot water into a ceramic or porcelain teapot. After a moment, pour the water out. This will prevent the teapot from absorbing the temperature of the brewing water.
- Pour in the tea: Use one teaspoon of dried herb for each person plus “one for the teapot” – that’s an old English rule.
- Pour boiling water over: This is a crucial moment. English tea requires freshly boiled water (approx. 95-98°C).
- Steep for 3 to 5 minutes: Tea needs time to release its full strength and aroma. A shorter steeping time will produce a lighter drink, while steeping for about five minutes will provide a strong, full-bodied flavor, perfect for pairing with milk.
- Pour into a cup: Once brewed, the tea is poured into a cup, preferably through a small strainer that will retain the leaves.
Milk – an inseparable element of English tea
Now we come to the heart of the English tea ritual – milk. In the UK, drinking black tea without milk is rare. It's standard practice to drink it this way, with sugar optional.
When to add milk to English tea?
A true legend and debate has grown up around this addition: pour milk into an empty cup before tea (MIF - Milk In First) or into tea that has already been poured (MIA - Milk In After)?
- Milk First (MIF): This tradition arose from concern for porcelain cups. In ancient times, when they were not as durable, pouring cold milk into them protected them from cracking upon contact with the hot brew.
- Milk at the End (MIA): Purists believe this is the only correct method. It allows you to assess the strength and color of the tea before adding milk, and therefore add the perfect amount.
Today, with our cups becoming much sturdier, the order is technically irrelevant and is a matter of personal preference. However, the very discussion of this topic is a charming part of English tea culture. Regardless of the method chosen, a gentle swirl of the beverage in the cup completes the preparation process.
Create your own English tea ritual
English tea is a philosophy of drinking and a celebration of a moment of pause. You don't need fancy tableware to enjoy this custom. All you need is your favorite mug or cup, a good teapot, and a high-quality teapot. English-style Ceylon black tea and a little milk.
It's an invitation to slow down, sit back, and enjoy a simple yet incredibly satisfying beverage. Whether you add sugar or choose a plain version, let this tea-drinking ritual become your own little "proper cup of tea" every day.
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