Turkish Tea

Something is special about drinking a glass of Turkish Tea: it’s bold, smooth, and warms your soul. I first had it at a friend’s house and became addicted to it immediately. Best of all, it is incredibly quick and easy to prepare at home after you have prepared a few times. Whether serving guests or simply enjoying a soothing daily ritual, it adds a thoughtful touch to anything.

What is Turkish Tea?

Turkish Tea (çay) is a strong black tea brewed traditionally in a double teapot (çaydanlık). The top pot holds concentrated tea, while the bottom pot holds boiling water. You mix the two in your glass to get your preferred strength—light, medium, or strong. It is smooth but strong, with no milk—just pure flavor. It’s usually served in tulip-shaped glasses, and it’s a whole cultural experience, not just a drink.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp loose-leaf Turkish black tea (like Çaykur Rize or any strong black tea)
• 3 cups water (for boiling)
• Optional: sugar (to taste)

Instructions

1. Set up your teapots
2. If you have a çaydanlık (double teapot), fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a boil. If not, use two regular pots.
3. Rinse the tea leaves
4. Add the tea to the top pot and rinse it with a splash of hot water. Swirl and discard to remove bitterness.
5. Steam the tea
6. Once the bottom pot is boiled, the top pot (with tea) is placed over it. Pour boiling water into the tea leaves, approximately 1 cup. Let it brew over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Serve your tea
8. Pour the brewed tea into glasses, then dilute with hot water from the bottom pot until you get the strength you like.

Storage Tips

• For the best flavor, always prepare fresh.
• If you definitely must store some, you may keep brewed tea in a thermos for 12 hours.
• Don’t ever heat it on the stove. That will ruin everything with bitterness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in small tulip glasses (or any small glass).
• Served with sugar cubes on the side, not inside.
• This beverage ideally goes together with cookies, simit, or dried fruit.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use filtered water that has a softness if your water is hard.
• Some dried rose petals or a pinch of cardamom will give it a twist.
• You can let it steep longer when getting a stronger flavor but be careful not to heat it too high.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular black tea for Turkish Tea?

Yes, but make sure they are robust and full-bodied. Ceylon or Assam could work too.

2. Is Turkish Tea caffeinated?

Its caffeine is there because it is black tea, but usually, it has less than that of coffee.

3. Can I make Turkish Tea without a double teapot?

Wonderful! All you need to do is get two small pots or a pot and an oven-proof bowl to set up an arrangement.

4. Is Turkish Tea served with milk?

Never! Always black, always sugar.

You must give It a Try!

If you have never made Turkish tea at home, now is the time. It is soothing, simple, and an entertaining way to put the brakes on a hectic day. After the first sip, you will understand what makes this drink loved by so many in Turkey. So go on, crush some black leaves and enjoy!