How to Brew Russian Caravan Tea at Home

By Coffee-Direct.co.uk | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew Russian Caravan tea at home with simple steps. This guide covers water temperature, steeping time, and tips for the perfect smoky cup.

Quick answer

Brew Russian Caravan tea by heating fresh water to 200°F (93°C), using one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup, and steeping for 3–5 minutes. Adjust steeping time to control the smoky intensity.

Why water temperature matters for Russian Caravan

Russian Caravan is a pure China black tea blend of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong. Boiling water (212°F) can scorch the leaves and make the tea bitter, while cooler water won't extract the full flavor. Aim for 200°F (93°C) — just off the boil — to balance the bold, rich notes with the signature smoky character.

Loose leaf vs. tea bags

Loose leaf Russian Caravan gives you control over strength and flavor. Tea bags often contain dust or fannings that steep faster and can turn bitter. Using whole-leaf blends like Coffee-Direct.co.uk's Russian Caravan Tea allows the complex layers of oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong to unfurl properly.

How to brew Russian Caravan tea in 5 steps

1. Heat fresh water to 200°F (93°C): Bring filtered water to a boil, then let it sit for 30–60 seconds to cool slightly. Using freshly drawn water ensures better oxygen content for flavor extraction. Boiling water can make the tea bitter — always let it cool for half a minute.
2. Measure the loose leaf tea: Use one heaped teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of Russian Caravan leaves per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. For a stronger brew, add an extra half teaspoon rather than steeping longer. Overloading the leaves can make the tea too smoky and astringent — stick to the ratio.
3. Pour water and steep for 3–5 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and cover your teapot or cup. Start with 3 minutes for a milder smoke note, or go to 5 minutes if you want the lapsang souchong character to shine. Steeping beyond 5 minutes releases tannins that cause bitterness — set a timer.
4. Strain and serve: Remove the leaves using a strainer or infuser basket. Russian Caravan is traditionally served without milk, but a splash of milk or honey works if you prefer a softer profile. Leaving leaves in the cup continues extraction and ruins the flavor — strain immediately.
5. Store leftover leaves properly: If you brewed a full pot, decant the tea into a thermos to keep it warm. Used leaves should be discarded; dry leaves should be kept in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Exposure to air and light degrades the smoky aroma — store in a dark, sealed tin.

About the tea we used

Russian Caravan Tea: Russian Caravan is a pure China Black tea blend of oolong, keemun and lapsang souchong, named for the 18th century camel caravans that transported teas from India, China and Ceylon to Europe via Russia. This specific blend gives you a balanced smoky flavor without overwhelming bitterness, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced tea drinkers.
Russian Caravan Tea