Teaware | December 04, 2024 | A. Broadway

5 Ways to Brew Loose Leaf Tea Without an Infuser

The world of loose leaf tea expands in delightful ways once you explore different brewing techniques. If you're trying loose leaf tea for the first time, you may be wondering how to enjoy it without the right tools. While tea infusers are convenient, they aren't the only way to prepare a flavorful cup. Fortunately, you can still brew tea without an infuser using everyday kitchen items. In fact, some teas don’t require an infuser at all!

If you'd like to learn more about teaware tools, read our 8 Essential Teaware Tools blog here.

Below, explore five loose leaf tea brewing methods that will help you enjoy your favorite teas without specialized equipment.

1. Using a Coffee Filter or Paper Towel

One of the simplest ways to brew tea without an infuser is by using a coffee filter or a paper towel. Here’s how:

Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste.
Place it over your mug and add the loose leaf tea inside.
Slowly pour hot water in circular motions over the leaves, letting the tea steep.
Once brewed, discard the filter and enjoy your tea.

This method works well in a pinch, especially if you don’t have a tea strainer on hand.

glass bowls and tea sifter

2. Using a Kitchen Sieve or Sifter

A fine-mesh sieve or sifter is a great tool for loose leaf tea brewing methods that don’t require an infuser.

First, steep the tea leaves in a separate container or pot.
Once the tea has fully brewed, carefully pour it through a sieve into your cup.
The sieve will catch the loose leaves, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful brew.

If your sieve is small enough, you can also place it over your mug and steep the tea directly inside.

mason jar

3. Brewing Tea in a Mason Jar

A mason jar can double as a tea infuser with this easy method:

Add loose leaf tea and hot water to the jar.
Let it steep for the required time.
Secure the lid loosely, then use oven mitts to carefully pour the brewed tea into your cup, keeping the leaves inside the jar.

This technique works well for larger tea leaves that naturally settle at the bottom.

Roll of Aluminum Foil Infuser

4. Creating a DIY Aluminum Foil Infuser

If you’re looking for a creative loose leaf tea brewing method, try making a DIY tea infuser using aluminum foil.

Cut a piece of aluminum foil and fold it twice to create a square.
Place your loose leaf tea in the center and twist it closed, forming a small pouch.
Poke 8-10 small holes into the foil using a toothpick.
Place the foil ball in your cup and pour hot water over it, letting the tea steep.

Be careful when removing the foil, as it can get hot during the steeping process.

5. Brew Directly in Your Cup

Some loose leaf teas are naturally suited for direct brewing—no tea infuser needed! Herbal teas such as Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea) or Kuromamecha (Black Soybean Tea) are perfect to brew and savor right in your cup. By brewing the teas directly in your cup, you can enjoy the full taste of the nutty and toasty flavors. Enjoy both teas as a light snack before or after brewing.

Elevate Your Tea Experience

While these methods help you brew tea without an infuser, having the right tools can make your tea ritual even more enjoyable. Our Tea Infuser Set is designed for effortless brewing, combining convenience and elegance in one reusable, sustainable tool.

For more on the benefits of using an infuser, view our guide on The Benefits of Using a Tea Infuser to Brew Loose Leaf Tea.