English Breakfast Tea

English Breakfast is the tea that built an empire — bold, full-bodied, and dependable in a way that makes every morning feel anchored. Our version combines African brightness with Indian depth for a malt-forward cup that holds its character with milk, sugar, or nothing at all. No fuss. No frills. Just a genuinely excellent breakfast tea that shows up every morning without fail.

Why We Carry This

English Breakfast tea has been a staple of British morning culture for over 150 years. Originally a blend of Chinese black teas, it evolved to incorporate Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas — each contributing to the bold, malty character that defines the style. The goal was always the same: a tea strong enough to wake you up, smooth enough to drink with milk, and consistent enough to rely on every single morning. We carry it because some classics earn their place.

Flavor Profile

• Malt — warm, rich, and prominent — the defining characteristic of the cup
• Rustic sweetness — natural and comforting throughout
• Bold, brisk character — the backbone that makes it work beautifully with milk
• Full body — substantial and satisfying
• Clean, warm finish — no bitterness, just a pleasant lingering warmth

Ingredients

African black tea (Kenyan), Indian black tea (Assam). No artificial flavoring. No added sugar.

Yield: ~50–100 cups per 12oz. Tea is more concentrated — a little goes a long way.

How to Brew

Hot with Milk (Traditional — Recommended)

1. Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf per 8oz of water
2. Heat water to 212°F (full boil)
3. Steep 3–5 minutes — longer for a stronger cup
4. Strain and serve
5. Add cold milk and sugar to taste

Hot Black — Steep as above and drink without milk. Bold, malty, and clean. Excellent for people who prefer their tea straight.

Iced

1. Brew double-strength
2. Pour over ice immediately
3. Add cold milk for an iced milk tea, or drink straight over ice

Best For

• Weekday mornings — the dependable cup that starts the day right, every day
• With milk — malt and body hold up beautifully to dairy
• Classic breakfast pairings — eggs, toast, pastries
• Bold tea drinkers who want a substantial alternative to coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I add milk?
English Breakfast was designed to be drunk with milk — the bold, malty character holds up beautifully to dairy. But it's also excellent black for people who prefer it that way.

How long should I steep?
3–5 minutes for a standard cup. Longer steeping produces a stronger, more robust cup that holds up better to milk and sugar.

Is it caffeinated?
Yes — English Breakfast is a full black tea blend. A typical cup contains approximately 40–70mg of caffeine depending on steep time.

Explore our full tea lineup — or browse everything we carry.

Love bold, full-bodied drinks? Our English Breakfast is featured in the Bold & Strong Bundle — Masala Chai, English Breakfast & Holiday Blend. Save $12.