Builder’s tea is known for its strong, no-fuss style and everyday comfort. In this guide, we’ll explore more about what makes it unique, where it comes from and how to make a proper cup at home.
What Is Builder’s Tea?
Builder’s tea is not a type of tea but rather a preparation method to make a strong cup of black tea that can be enjoyed with a splash of milk and often sugar. It is usually made with tea bags and steeped long enough to produce a bold, robust flavour. This cup of tea is meant to wake you up and keep you going throughout the day.
The taste is bold with malty undertones and a slight bitterness but adding milk softens the bitterness of the tea while adding a creamy texture.
Builder’s tea is not complex at all. It really is a simple cup of tea that is satisfying to sip!
Why Is It Called Builder’s Tea?
This term originated in Britain. It comes from construction workers (builders) who consumed strong cups of tea during work breaks. Ideally, the cups of tea needed to be inexpensive and quick to prepare as well as strong enough to handle milk.
Overtime, the phrase became a way to describe a very strong cup of everyday tea enjoyed by those outside of the construction job site as well.
What Tea Is Used for Builder’s Tea?
Builder’s tea is almost always made with bold black tea. Pure black tea is used, not flavoured blends. The tea can be a blend of black teas, but with no added flavouring as that would interfere with the builder’s style.
Common teas used include breakfast tea blends like English, Scottish and Irish or even just pure Assam tea. These are malty, slightly brisk and robust teas that are designed to pair well with milk. My favourite are the last 3 as they are generally stronger than English Breakfast tea.
Many commercial tea bag brands can be used like Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips, Red Rose orange pekoe and more. They are designed to produce a strong cup of tea quickly so they are perfect for this job. However, loose leaf tea can be used as well, with varying instructions.
Why You’ll Love Builder’s Tea
- Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday black tea, it is an affordable way to enjoy a comforting cup.
- Strong and Energizing: If you like your tea bold and full-bodied, this is for you.
- Quick and Easy to Make: All you need is a tea bag, hot water and a splash of milk. No special tools or techniques required.
How to Make Builder’s Tea
Making this cup of tea at home is pretty straightforward. Follow the instructions below to begin. As always, you can find a printable recipe card towards the end of this blog post to save for later, too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1-2 black tea bags (or 1-2 heaping teaspoons of loose leaf tea)
- 1 cup water
- Milk
- Sugar (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Bring fresh water to a full boil (212°F / 100°C).
Step 2: Preheat a mug by adding hot water to it and discard after a few seconds. Then, place the tea bag in the preheated mug and pour the boiling water over the tea bag.
Step 3: Steep the tea for 4 to 5 minutes. When the time is up, remove the tea bag and gently squeeze it. This extracts more flavour, making the cup of tea stronger which is preferred here.
Step 4: Add sugar (if desired) and a splash of milk. Adjust to your taste. Stir and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Builder’s Tea
- Use tea bags that are labeled as strong black teas like Assam or Scottish and Irish Breakfast teas. For specific brands, in Canada I use Red Rose tea bags or Yorkshire tea bags. Don’t use flavoured black tea blends like Earl Grey.
- I generally use 1 tea bag, but for an extra strong cup you can use 2.
- Warm your mug before steeping by adding hot water to the mug and then discard. This will help it to retain the heat better, therefore the tea will steep properly.
- Use freshly boiled water. Tea extracts best when it is steeped with fresh water, do not reboil water.
- Add milk gradually and after (not before!) steeping.
Builder’s Tea
Ingredients
- 1-2 black tea bags* or 1-2 heaping teaspoons of loose leaf tea
- 1 cup water
- Milk to taste
- Sugar optional
Instructions
- Bring fresh water to a full boil (212°F / 100°C).
- Preheat a mug by adding hot water to it and discard after a few seconds. Then, place the tea bag in the preheated mug and pour the boiling water over the tea bag.
- Steep the tea for 4-5 minutes. When the time is up, remove the tea bag and gently squeeze it. This extracts more flavour, making the cup of tea stronger which is preferred here.
- Add sugar (if desired) and a splash of milk. Adjust to your taste. Stir and enjoy!