Have you ever wanted to make the deep, reddish tea that’s poured everywhere in Turkey? Real Turkish tea, called Çay (say it “chai”), is actually pretty simple to brew, and it brings a special feeling of Turkish hospitality right into your home. This tea is more than a drink-it’s part of daily life for millions of people in Turkey.
Even though many people think of Turkish coffee when they think of Turkey, Turks are actually some of the world’s biggest tea drinkers. They start their mornings and keep drinking tea throughout the day, often having more tea than water. This guide will show you exactly what you need, step by step, to make genuine Turkish tea every time.
What Is Turkish Tea?
Turkish tea is a classic hot drink made from black tea leaves. What makes it special is the method of making it, which creates a strong and smooth taste. It’s an infusion using black tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, steeped in boiling water. The flavor is bold yet smooth, and it sometimes has a gentle sweet note followed by a light bitterness.
It’s a regular part of life in Turkey, served in the morning, as a midday break, or after a long day. Tea is closely connected to Turkish hospitality. When you visit anywhere in Turkey, from shops and cafes to even a fish stall, you’ll likely be offered tea as a welcome gesture.
How Is Turkish Tea Different from Other Teas?
What sets Turkish tea apart is how it’s made. It’s usually brewed with a two-tiered teapot called a çaydanlık. This setup lets the tea brew while also staying hot, creating a bold and warm tea concentrate that’s later mixed with hot water to make cups as strong or mild as you want.
Turkish tea is also always served plain-without milk-in small, tulip-shaped glasses. Sugar is offered, but never milk, which is common in many Western countries. The idea is to taste the clean flavor of the tea itself.
What Do You Need to Make Turkish Tea?
You don’t need much to start making Turkish tea, but having the right tools makes a big difference. Most things are easy to find and will help you create a full Turkish tea setup at home.
Main Ingredients for Turkish Tea
- Loose-leaf Turkish black tea: Quality loose tea is best. Tea bags can be used if you must, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
- Water: Use fresh, clean water. Tea needs boiling water to steep properly.
- Sugar (optional): Usually served on the side, either as cubes or granulated. Milk is never used, but a slice of lemon can be added if you like a lighter taste, though this is less common.
Important Equipment: What Is a Turkish Tea Set?
The çaydanlık (double teapot) is the main tool for making Turkish tea. It’s a stack of two pots: the bottom one boils water, while the top one holds tea leaves and hot water to steep. This keeps the tea brewing and warm at the same time.
These pots are usually stainless steel. The top may have a built-in tea strainer. Electric versions are available, but you could also stack two simple pots if necessary.
A full Turkish tea set also includes:
- Small, tulip-shaped glasses made of clear glass
- Matching saucers
- Small teaspoons
The glass shape helps the tea stay hot. It also lets you enjoy the deep color of the drink.
Picking the Right Turkish Tea Brand
Turkey grows a lot of tea, mainly on the eastern Black Sea coast. There are many brands, but Çaykur is a popular and trusted choice. “Çaykur Tiryaki Çayı” is a good standard. When choosing tea, look for loose, quality leaves. One quick test is to drop some in water: if it turns color slowly, that’s a good sign. Many people also mix in some Çaykur Tomurcuk or some Earl Grey for extra scent.
Steps to Brew Turkish Tea
Now you’re ready to start brewing! Follow these clear steps for a real Turkish cup of tea:
1. Set Up the Double Teapot (Çaydanlık)
- Fill the larger, bottom pot with water and start heating it (on the stove or using an electric base).
- The small top pot should never go directly on the stove. Its heat comes from the steam below, not the flame.
2. Add Tea Leaves and Water
- Once the bottom pot is boiling, put about 2-3 tablespoons of loose tea leaves into the smaller, top pot. Generally, use 1 teaspoon per glass, plus one extra “for the pot.”
- Pour about 2 cups of boiling water from the bottom pot over the leaves in the top pot.
- Replace any water lost from the bottom pot, stack the pots, and bring the bottom pot back to a boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer and let things sit.
3. Brewing/Steeping
- Let the tea in the top pot steep for 10-15 minutes. The leaves will sink down as the tea brews. Letting it brew slowly gives the best flavor and color.
4. Common Mistakes
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use boiling water for brewing. | Put the small teapot directly on the stove. |
| Use clean, fresh water (bottled is best if your tap water tastes strong). | Reheat old tea (over 2-3 hours old; it will taste bitter). |
How to Serve Turkish Tea
Serving is an important part of the Turkish tea experience. Here’s how it’s done:
Pouring and Mixing the Tea
- Warm your tea glasses first with a little hot water, then pour it out. This helps prevent the glass from breaking and keeps the tea hot.
- Pour tea concentrate from the top pot into the glass – more for strong tea (“koyu çay”), less for light (“açık çay”).
- Top off each glass with hot water from the lower pot to reach your preferred strength.
- Sugar is always served on the side. Use a small strainer if you want to catch leaves, but usually, they settle at the bottom of the pot.
Serving Glasses and Snacks
- Always use small, thin, tulip-shaped glasses with little spoons and saucers. The shape keeps tea warm and helps you enjoy the color.
- Sugar (never milk) is offered on the side; rarely, a slice of lemon is added.
- Turkish tea is often served with sweets like Turkish delight or cookies. Savory snacks like borek are also common.
How to Store Turkish Tea and Keep It Fresh
Storing Loose-leaf Tea
- Keep tea leaves in an airtight, opaque container (not clear glass), away from light, heat, moisture, and strong smells.
- Use ceramic or dark glass if possible.
- Store in a cool, dark place for best quality. Try to finish within a few months.
Brewed Tea Shelf Life
- Turkish tea tastes best if drunk right away, while it’s still hot.
- If kept warm in the çaydanlık on low heat, the tea is good for up to 2-3 hours.
- Do not reheat tea that’s older than a few hours. It will taste stale and bitter. Always brew a new pot instead.
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkish Tea
Does Turkish Tea Have Caffeine?
Yes, Turkish tea contains caffeine since it’s made from black tea leaves. The amount depends on how strong you make it and how much you drink. If you want less caffeine, use less concentrate and more hot water in your glass.
Can I Make Turkish Tea Without a Double Teapot?
While the best results come from a çaydanlık, you can improvise. Use one pot to boil water and put a smaller teapot with tea leaves and hot water on top of the pot to keep it warm. Make sure to keep the tea brewing gently, not boiling directly on the stove. For serving, remember to mix strong tea with hot water as usual. Still, having a double teapot gives the real experience and taste.
Why Small, Tulip-shaped Glasses?
These small glasses help you drink tea while it’s still hot, and their shape shows off the tea’s color. The narrow middle helps keep the tea warm, and you can hold the glass without burning your fingers. Also, these small glasses let you drink tea slowly and share it often with guests, which matches the Turkish way of making tea a part of conversation and social time.
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