Many people who are new to Oolong tea wonder the same thing: If I don't own a gaiwan, can I still brew Oolong tea properly?
A gaiwan certainly does an excellent job of bringing out the delicate aroma and flavor of oolong tea. But in everyday life in China, most people don't actually use one every day. Glass cups and regular mugs are much more common for daily tea drinking, while gaiwans and Yixing teapots are often reserved for special occasions, entertaining guests, or carefully tasting fine teas.
The good news is that you don't need specialized teaware to enjoy great oolong tea. With a few simple adjustments, everyday drinkware can produce an excellent cup.
Here are four easy brewing methods you can try at home.
1. Glass Cup or Mug (Best for Everyday Drinking)
If all you have at home or at the office is a mug or a glass, that's perfectly fine. As long as you use the right water temperature and tea-to-water ratio, you can still brew delicious oolong tea.
How to brew
Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea-to-water ratio:
Lightly roasted oolong (such as Light Aroma Tie Guan Yin): 3 g tea per 100 mL water
More heavily roasted oolong (such as Da Hong Pao): 2 g tea per 100 mL water
Steeping time: 1–2 minutes
Number of infusions: 2–3
Suitable for: All oolong teas.
If the tea tastes too light, simply extend the steeping time to 3–4 minutes.
To keep the flavor consistent throughout the session, refill your cup when about one-third of the tea is left instead of waiting until it's empty.
2. Piao Yi Bei (Best When You're Short on Time)
If you'd like a cup of tea before work or at the office but don't have much time, an infuser mug is a very convenient option.
This type of brewer combines steeping and filtering in one simple design. After the tea has steeped, just press the button. The liquor flows into the lower cup while the leaves remain in the upper filter basket. It's quick, clean, and easy to use, with no messy tea leaves on your desk.
How to brew
Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea-to-water ratio: 4 g tea per 200 mL water (1:50)
Steeping time: 1–2 minutes
Number of infusions: 2–3
Suitable for: All oolong teas.
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3. Cold Brew (Perfect for Summer)
On hot summer days, a refreshing cold brew can be a great alternative to hot tea.
During a long, cool infusion, amino acids, which contribute sweetness and umami, dissolve more readily than caffeine and polyphenols, the compounds responsible for bitterness and astringency. The result is a tea that's naturally sweeter, smoother, and less bitter while still retaining a pleasant aroma.
This method works best with lightly roasted oolong teas, including Light Aroma Tie Guan Yin, Huang Jin Gui, Bai Ya Qi Lan, Yongchun Fo Shou, and Jin Xuan Oolong.
More heavily roasted oolong teas are generally not recommended for cold brewing because their roasted aromas need higher temperatures to fully develop.
How to Brew
Water: Room-temperature water
Tea-to-water ratio: 5 g tea per 500 mL water (1:100)
Method: Add the tea and water to a cold brew bottle or pitcher, then refrigerate for 6–12 hours.
Suitable for: Lightly roasted oolong teas, including Light Aroma Tie Guan Yin, Huang Jin Gui, Bai Ya Qi Lan, Yongchun Fo Shou, and Jin Xuan Oolong, etc.
If you prefer a quicker iced tea, brew the tea hot first, then pour it over ice. In this case, make the tea stronger by using a ratio of 1:20 and steeping for 40–60 seconds before adding the ice.
4. Insulated Bottle (Great for Aged Oolong)
Brewing tea in an insulated bottle is a popular method for aged teas such as aged white tea and ripe Pu-erh.
As these teas mature, their flavor and aroma continue to develop, while bitterness becomes softer and the leaves become more resistant to long infusions. Extended steeping at high temperatures helps extract their rich, mellow character.
The same approach works well for aged oolong tea. Before heading out, simply brew the tea in your insulated bottle and take it with you. When you've finished most of the tea, you can add more hot water for another infusion.
How to Brew
Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea-to-water ratio: 5 g tea per 500 mL water (1:100)
Steeping time: 30 minutes or longer
Number of infusions: 2–3
Suitable for: Aged oolong teas, such as Aged Tie Guan Yin and Aged Minnan Shui Xian
A Few Tips for Drinking Oolong Tea
No matter which brewing method you choose, try not to drink tea on an empty stomach. For some people, this can lead to discomfort such as dizziness, headaches, a racing heartbeat, shaky hands, or general weakness.
Oolong tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine. In general, more heavily roasted oolong teas tend to contain slightly less caffeine than lighter styles. If you're especially sensitive to caffeine, it's a good idea to avoid drinking tea after about 4 p.m., since caffeine can stay in your system for around six hours.
Products You May Find Helpful
1. A beginner-friendly Chinese Oolong Tea Starter Set designed to help you explore the flavors of oolong. It includes three classic and widely loved styles: Light Aroma Tie Guan Yin, Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid Aroma) Dan Cong, and Da Hong Pao. Each one represents a distinctive flavor profile and is among the most popular oolong teas enjoyed in China.
2. If you find it difficult to strain the leaves when brewing tea in a regular glass, this glass tea infuser cup is worth considering. Its clear glass design lets you watch the tea leaves slowly unfurl as they brew, while the built-in filter makes it easy to separate the leaves from the tea. You can pour the tea cleanly without making a mess, making it a great choice for brewing tea at the office or during breakfast.
3. If you're looking for a larger tea cup, this one is a great option. It comes with a built-in infuser, an infuser holder, and a matching teacup, so you have everything you need in one complete set to brew and enjoy a generous cup of tea with ease.
