The tea production market is worth $1.7 billion this year. It took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic but is once again on the rise. A huge part of the tea drinking market and enjoyment rests in the etiquette surrounding it.
If you are going to partake in any kind of tea-drinking ceremony, you should know tea-drinking etiquette. Otherwise, you might commit a major faux pas and become a laughingstock of the crowd.
Luckily, we’re here to help you. Read on for the top tea-drinking etiquette tips to follow when you’re at a formal tea party.
Proper Way to Hold Your Teacup
When drinking tea, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to maintain good etiquette. First, when you pick up your teacup, make sure to use your thumb and first two fingers. Your pinky finger should be extended out and not resting on the cup.
Second, while taking a sip of tea, keep your pinky finger down. Raising your pinky finger is considered rude.
Lastly, after taking a sip, lightly rest your teacup on the saucer. Do not clank your cup down or leave it sitting on the saucer. Following these simple tips will help you to drink tea correctly and enjoy your cup of tea without being rude.
Ideal Time to Take a Sip
In general, the ideal time to take a sip of tea is after the host has offered it to you and before adding milk or sugar. If you are the host, you should wait until all of your guests have been served before taking a sip. This allows everyone to enjoy the tea at its freshest and most flavorful.
Proper Way to Stir
The proper way to stir your tea is to hold the spoon in your right hand and move the spoon around the cup in a clockwise direction. Make sure to keep the spoon close to the bottom of the cup so that the tea leaves are properly stirred and not just floating on top. After stirring, place the spoon on the saucer with the handle pointing to the left.
Right Way to Add Milk or Sugar
There are different types of tea, and depending on the type, there is a right way to add milk or sugar to your tea. For example, for hibiscus tea, you should always add milk to your tea before sugar. This allows the milk to properly blend with the tea and prevents the sugar from clumping up.
Second, you should never add too much milk or sugar to your tea. A little bit goes a long way and too much can ruin the flavor.
Finally, when you are finished adding milk and sugar to your tea, be sure to give it a stir so that everything is evenly mixed.
Decent Tea-Drinking Etiquette
When it comes to tea-drinking etiquette, there are a few important tips that you should always keep in mind. Make sure to always use a clean cup, avoid loud slurping noises, and be mindful of how much sugar or milk you add to your tea. These simple tips will help to make your tea-drinking experience much more enjoyable for both you and those around you.
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