How to Brew Jasmine Tea: A Simple, Fragrant First Cup

By TeaWisp Editorial · Published October 22, 2026

A gaiwan and pitcher of jasmine tea in an AI-generated editorial scene. — AI-generated editorial illustration; not a product photograph or a brewing test.

Quick answer: For jasmine tea made with a green tea base, start with 2 g of leaves, 250 ml of water at 80°C (176°F), and a 2-minute steep. Separate the leaves from the drink, then taste. Check the base tea and package directions first: jasmine describes the floral scent, not one universal brewing category.

A fragrant cup begins with a clear choice of method. This guide uses an everyday mug or small teapot infusion. The gaiwan in the illustration represents another serving style; its short-infusion recipes should not be mixed with the mug recipe below.

First, identify the tea underneath the flowers

Jasmine tea is often made with green tea, but jasmine-scented white, black and other teas also exist. Use the underlying tea's directions when the package identifies it. If the base is unknown, ask the seller rather than assuming a specific product needs green tea temperatures.

Our guide to jasmine tea bases and scenting explains what to look for. Visible petals are not a reliable measure of how fragrant a brewed tea will be.

A beginner recipe for green-base jasmine tea

Editorial starting points for a mug infusion
What to measure	First attempt
Tea	2 g dry leaves
Water	250 ml / about 8.5 US fl oz
Water temperature	80°C / 176°F
Infusion time	2 minutes

This is a gentle place to begin, not the maker's specification for every tea sold by TeaWisp. A named tea's label takes priority.

Use clean equipment. Rinse away detergent or old coffee aromas that could distract from the tea.
Weigh the dry leaves. A spoon of compact pearls can contain a different amount of tea from a spoon of loose, wiry leaves.
Use a spacious infuser. Leaves and rolled pearls need room to open.
Pour the measured water over the tea. Start a timer immediately.
Strain at 2 minutes. Pour the entire brew out of a pot or lift the basket from the mug.
Smell, then sip. Once the tea has cooled to a comfortable temperature, notice the floral aroma and the taste of the tea base separately.

What if you are brewing jasmine pearls?

Tightly rolled leaves may open gradually. Keep the first cup's dose and temperature consistent, then adjust time based on taste. If it is mild but clean, try another 30 seconds next time. Do not automatically use more leaves and a much longer steep together.

How to keep the fragrance without a harsh cup

A stronger infusion is not always a more enjoyable one. If the floral aroma is present but the finish feels rough, shorten the steep before adding ingredients. If the tea tastes weak, check that the infuser has enough space and that the water reached your intended temperature.

Try a second infusion in the same session, using fresh water and tasting as it develops. The aroma and balance may change from cup to cup. Repeat infusions are an opportunity to compare, not a promise of a certain number of servings.

Common questions

Should jasmine tea be rinsed?

A rinse is not required for this beginner mug recipe unless the tea's own instructions call for one. Keep your method consistent if you are comparing cups.

Do I need to add jasmine flowers?

No. A jasmine-scented tea can be brewed as supplied. Adding separate flowers changes the recipe and is not necessary to make a first cup.

See the current product details for Moli Chunfeng jasmine tea and Moli Xuehao jasmine tea. Confirm the label directions for your selection. For an uncomfortable finish, see how to troubleshoot bitter tea.

Reference: UK Tea & Infusions Association: The Perfect Brew offers general green tea temperature and jasmine steeping guidance. The measured recipe and adjustments here are TeaWisp editorial starting points.