How to Brew Oolong Tea for Beginners

How to Brew Oolong Tea for Beginners | Serene Tea
If you’re new to oolong tea, you’re in for a wonderful discovery. Many of us start our tea journey with simple black tea bags, but oolong (or wulong) tea opens up a whole new world of rich, floral, and toasty flavours, perfect for calm, mindful sipping.
At Serene Tea, we create handpicked, artisanal oolong teas for tea lovers everywhere, and this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to brew the perfect cup — no fancy equipment required.
What Is Oolong Tea, Exactly?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese semi-oxidised tea, sitting between green tea (unoxidised) and black tea (fully oxidised). This special processing gives it an incredible range of flavours: bright and floral, deep and roasted, smooth and sweet, and everything in between.
Unlike mass-produced tea bags, our handcrafted oolongs are made in small batches to preserve their natural aroma and character, making every cup a gentle, sensory experience.
What You’ll Need to Brew Oolong Tea
The best part about oolong is that you don’t need expensive tools to make a great cup. We’ve included two simple methods for beginners.
Method 1: Traditional Gaiwan Method (For Relaxed Tea Time)
Ideal for slow, peaceful brewing at home.
A small gaiwan (lidded bowl) or tiny teapot
5g of loose-leaf oolong tea (about 1–2 teaspoons)
Clean, filtered water
A kettle to heat water to 95–100°C
A small strainer and teacup
Method 2: Simple Mug Method (For Everyday Use)
Perfect for busy mornings or quick breaks.
A standard ceramic mug
3–4g of loose-leaf oolong tea
Filtered water, heated to 95°C
A tea infuser or filter
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Perfect Oolong Tea
Traditional Gaiwan Method
Preheat your vessel
Pour hot water into the gaiwan to warm it, then empty it out.
Add tea leaves
Place 5g of oolong into the warmed gaiwan.
Rinse the leaves (optional but nice)
Pour in hot water, then immediately pour it away. This wakes up the leaves and cleanses any dust.
First steep
Fill the gaiwan with hot water, cover, and steep for 10–15 seconds.
Oolong leaves open quickly, so short steeps keep it smooth and not bitter.
Pour and enjoy
Strain the tea into your cup and taste the aroma and flavour.
Re-steep
Good-quality oolong can be re-steeped 5–8 times. Each steep brings a slightly different taste.
Simple Mug Method
Preheat your mug
Rinse with hot water, then pour it out.
Add tea to the infuser
Place 3–4g of oolong inside and lower it into the mug.
Steep
Fill with hot water and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
Remove the infuser
Take out the leaves to stop the brewing, then enjoy.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t over-steep – too long makes oolong bitter.
Don’t use water that’s too cool – oolong needs hot water to open up fully.
Use clean water – tap water can affect the delicate taste.
Warm your cup first – it keeps the temperature steady for better flavour.
A Gentle Oolong for Beginners
At Serene Tea, our handcrafted Cinnamon Oolong Tea is an excellent choice for anyone new to oolong. It has a warm, gentle spice, a smooth sweetness, and is very forgiving when brewing.
It works beautifully with both the gaiwan method and the simple mug method, making it perfect for building your own tea ritual.