How to Prepare Tea On The Go: Tips, Tools, & Techniques

As someone who loves tea (perhaps a bit too much), it’s not uncommon to get that innate craving for a cup of my favorite brew whilst away from home. Whether that be traveling, working, or enjoying the outdoors, sometimes it just seems like the right moment. If this is you too, dont worry, you’re not alone. But wait! You don’t actually have to compromise on your tea quality or ritual. All you need is a bit of preparation beforehand, and you’re good to go. So In this post, I’ll show you some tips and tricks to prepare tea on the go with ease and convenience.

Why Should You Prepare Tea On-The-Go?

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If you are someone who loves drinking tea throughout the day (and slightly addicted), you should consider on-the-go tea making. Preparing tea on the go may seem like a trivial task, but it actually has many advantages. Especially if you are a tea enthusiast with a busy schedule who wants to enjoy their daily tea ritual wherever they are. So first things first, let look into some of the main reason why you might want to prepare tea on-the-go:

Reasons to Prepare Tea On-The-Go:

• Saving time. One of the most annoying things is finding a café and queuing up, just to get a mediocre tea. If you prepare tea on-the-go, you can avoid wasting time looking for a places or waiting for your order. You can make your own tea in minutes with your own equipment and ingredients.

• Saving Money. Nobody likes buying a cup of tea from a café for like $5, just to find out it’s a cheap ‘everyday’ tea bag. You might as well just buy a box of the same tea bags for half the price and prepare the tea yourself!

• Enjoying quality tea anywhere. You don’t have to settle for low-quality tea bags or instant tea that may not suit your taste or preferences. Maybe you have some fancy loose leaf at home, or hard-to-find flavors? Why not bring your own tea leaves or bags that you know and love and prepare them to your liking!

• Maintaining a tea ritual even in a busy lifestyle. You don’t have to give up your tea habit or routine just because you are on the move. If you want to enjoy the soothing and relaxing effects of tea, but think it’s too difficult with your busy lifestyle. Think again, because it’s more simple than it seems – making tea a part of your day, no matter where you are.

• Treatment for motion sickness. Did you know that certain types of tea can help you cope with motion sickness while on-the-go? I’m someone who suffers from motion sickness quite badly in the car. However, there are certain types of herbal teas like ginger tea and peppermint tea that can relieve you off nausea. Find out The Best Tea for Motion Sickness: 4 Natural Treatments.

Essential Tools and Accessories for Tea On The Go

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To prepare tea on-the-go, you will need some basic tools and accessories to make your tea-making process easier and more convenient. Whilst out and about, It’s always best to choose accessories and tools that are small, lightweight, and easy to pack. I will include some of the must-have items for on-the-go tea preparation below. You may not need all of these items, depending on your circumstances, but they are great for all your travel needs!

1. A Travel Kettle

The main issue for wanting to prepare tea on-the-go is heating the water. Thankfully, these days, there’s always a plug socket nearby. So using a portable travel kettle is a must for many travellers or workers in need of a fresh brew. A travel kettle is a small and portable electric kettle that you can use to boil water for your tea, ideal for places where you have access to a power outlet. For example, hotels, offices, or airports.

Whats great about travel kettles today, is their size and portability. You can buy many travel kettles that are about as big as a portable speaker or travel-flask, meaning they will fit perfectly in a bag. Additionally, they can heat water faster and more efficiently than a microwave or a stove. Some travel kettles even have temperature settings that allow you to adjust the water temperature according to the type of tea you are brewing. Here’s some great (and cheap) recommendations you could try:

2. A Portable Tea Infuser

For you loose leaf lovers out there; A portable tea infuser. This is an essential item for steeping loose-leaf tea in hot water. They can come in all shapes and sizes, such as baskets, balls, sticks, etc.

You can even buy infuser bottles which hold the tea leaves, letting the water flow through them. These types of bottles are perfect if you have easy access to a source of hot water without the need for a portable kettle (also great for cold-brewing). However, I advise you to avoid these infuser-combo bottles if you’re using a portable kettle. Theres no point having both, since they will be bulky and take up unnecessary space. Instead, a travel mug would be more appropriate to prepare tea.

3. A Durable Travel Mug or Thermos

Obviously, a mug is must-have to sip your hot brew. But if you prefer to use a thermos instead, thats fine. However, if you’re using a travel kettle, opt for a travel mug instead as it helps save space (and it gives you that homely tea drinking experience).

If you decide not to use a travel kettle, then a thermos is probably the better option. You can just top-up the thermos with hot water whenever you get the opportunities, whether at home, work, or wherever.

A travel kettle and mug combination is great though, especially if you’ll be travelling around a lot. Something like a metal or plastic mug would suffice, and even better if it is foldable or has a lid! The mug is perfect for all situations as you can use it to hold a portable tea infuser for loose leaf, or even prepare a mesh tea bag to make your tea on-the-go.

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In addition to all of these items, you may also want to consider some compact tea sets or utensils that are convenient for travel, such as a collapsible silicone teapot, a folding tea spoon, or a travel tea caddy.

Selecting The Right Tea to Prepare:

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Another important factor to consider when brewing tea on-the-go is choosing the right tea for the job. You should consider factors like the type, packaging, and ease of use of the tea. These can all affect the overall taste, quality, and ease of use of the tea. Here are some tips on choosing the best tea to prepare for travel:

1. Picking the Right Tea Leaves for the Right Mood

The type of tea you choose obviously depends on your personal preference and the effect you want to achieve. But it’s important to think about your schedule for the day and what you want to get out of drinking tea on-the-go. For example,

• If you want a refreshing and energizing tea to wake you up and make you focus, you may opt for a green tea, a black tea, or a mate tea.
• If you want a calming and soothing tea to relax and watch the sunset with, you may go for a herbal tea, a rooibos tea, or a chamomile tea.
• If you want a rich and complex tea to read books with and contemplate life, try an oolong tea, a pu-erh tea, or a white tea.

2. Tea Brewing Method

Bear in mind that the type of tea you choose requires specific packaging which can affect the freshness and convenience of your tea. We will discuss storage tips later, but for now, you should decide which type of tea you will prepare to bring with you. For example,

• if you want a fresh and flavorful tea, you may prefer loose-leaf tea. However, you will need an infuser and to store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
• If you just want a convenient and easy-to-use tea, you may opt for pre-portioned tea bags that are individually wrapped and sealed.
• Another option for a quick and hassle-free tea is instant tea that is powdered or granulated and dissolves in water.

Some Brewing Techniques to Prepare For:

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Now that you have your equipment and tea selected, you need to prepare yourself for brewing on-the-go. Brewing tea on-the-go can be slightly different and more challenging than at home. You may have to adapt to different situations and environments, but it can actually be a bit of a thrill!

For me, sitting on a bench in the countryside being able to prepare my own tea is actually very satisfying and rewarding! Whereas, in an airport, you should be a bit more attentive and careful. To be as efficient as possible, you should make yourself familiar with the different brewing methods and techniques. Here are the 2 possible methods for on-the-go brewing:

1. Boiling Water Method:

It sounds stupid having to tell you this, but obviously boiling water and pouring it over your tea is the first method. This is the simplest and most traditional method of brewing tea. If you have travel kettle, just pour the boiled water over your tea leaves or bags in a portable tea infuser or a durable travel mug (just be careful).

The main reason for covering this is because you should be aware of the water temperature and the steeping times for each type of tea, especially if your travel kettle has temperature control. See below for a quick guide on temperatures and timing. You can also check out our post on Loose Leaf Tea: How to Improve The Quality And Flavour in 4 Steps for more details.

• For green tea, you should use water at about 80°C and steep for 2-3 minutes.
• For black tea, you should use water at 100°C and steep for 3-5 minutes.
• For white tea, you should use water at about 80°C for 2 minutes
• For oolong tea, you should use water at about 90°C for 3-4 minutes
• For herbal tea, you should use water at 100°C for 3-5 minutes
• For pu-erh tea, you should use water at 100°C for 2-3 minutes

2. Cold Brew Method:

This is a very easy, convenient and refreshing method of brewing tea. Plus, cold-brewing is perfect if it’s a hot day. All you need to do is prepare your tea leaves or bags in a water bottle and fill it with cold water. You can then leave it in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Check out our guide on Cold Brew Tea for all the details.

Cold brewing is ideal if you’re feeling lazy on a hot day, since you can just carry it around in your bag whilst it brews. If you have a thermos bottle or travel kettle, the temperature should keep the water cold too. Over time, it will slowly extract the flavor and aroma of the tea without releasing the bitterness or the caffeine. You can then enjoy your cold brewed tea straight from the bottle or over ice with some sugar/honey!

Additionally, you could experiment with lemonade or cream soda to make it even more mouth-watering. Try our Strawberry and Cream Cold Brew Tea: The Best Summer Recipe.

On-The-Go Storage Tips

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Another important thing to prepare for on-the-go tea making is the storage capabilities. Storing tea leaves or bags while traveling can be tricky, as you may have to deal with factors like temperature, humidity, and light that can affect the quality and freshness of your tea. You should know how to store your tea properly to ensure it stays in good condition. Here’s a some few tips on how to prepare tea for storage whilst on-the-go:

• Use airtight containers or resealable bags: Prepare your tea leaves or bags in airtight containers or resealable bags that can prevent air, moisture, and odors from entering. This will help preserve the flavor and aroma of your tea and prevent it from going stale or moldy.

• Keep away from heat and light: Store your tea in a cool and dark place, such as a cupboard, a drawer, or a backpack. This will help prevent the tea from losing its color and taste due to exposure to heat and light. You should also avoid storing your tea near sources of heat, such as stoves, radiators, or car windows. If you can get your hands on small tin/tea caddy (like those ones used for tobacco), it’s perfect for storing tea leaves without taking up much space.

• Avoid spillage: You should prepare your tea in a way that prevents spillage or leakage, especially if you are using loose-leaf tea or mesh tea bags. You can use containers or bags that have secure lids or closures, or wrap your tea in plastic or paper. I would recommend keeping a small pack of tissues on-hand. You can also use a travel tea caddy that has separate compartments for different teas.

How to Prepare Tea in Different Environments

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How you prepare and brew your tea all depends on the environment you’re in. Brewing tea in different settings can pose unique challenges, as you may have to cope with varying conditions and resources. Although, the more you practice making tea on-the-go, the more you will understand each situation better. I think it’s important to know how to adapt to new situations (and it’s quite fun too!). The feeling of having a nice cup of tea in a unique and new environment is such a great feeling! So here are some considerations:

• At the office/workplace:

If you are brewing tea at the workplace or office, you may or may not have access to a kitchen that can provide you with hot water. If not, you can use a travel kettle, a portable tea infuser, or a tea bag to make your tea on-the-go. You can also bring your own mug, thermos, or water bottle to brew and drink your tea. In this situation, perhaps you would want to choose a tea that can help you relax, focus, or energize, depending on your mood and workload. Or if it’s impossible to boil water, you could even opt for cold-brewing!

• In the Car:

If you are brewing tea in the car, you may have to deal with limited space and safety issues. And since you cannot heat water for your tea in the car, you should prepare a thermos with hot water before setting out. If you want to save even more time, you could brew your tea before setting out and leave the hot steeped tea in the thermos. Once you reach your destination, try and refill the thermos or travel kettle with more hot water for the journey back!

Make sure to bring a durable travel mug or a thermos that can fit in your cup holder and prevent spills. You can also use a tea bag or a mesh tea bag that can be easily disposed of, if you want. Again, you may want to choose a tea that can help you stay alert and refreshed, such as a black tea, a green tea, or a mint tea.

• During outdoor activities:

If you are brewing tea during outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, or skiing, you may have to deal with the lack of hot water or electricity. Like before, you can pre-prepare your hot water beforehand and leave it in a thermos for later. Or depending on the situation, you may want to bring a portable stove or solar cooker with a metal teapot or mug.

Likewise, you can use a fire to heat water for your tea, if possible. One of my favorite hobbies is wild-camping, and it’s such an amazing feeling to be able to prepare your tea on a campfire! Sound good? Learn more about tea and camping in our post: Tea and Tales: Brewing Adventures in the Great Outdoors Camping.

You can also use a collapsible silicone teapot, a portable tea infuser, or a tea bag to brew your tea. Additionally, choosing a tea that can help you warm up and hydrate might be a good move, such as a ginger tea, a lemon tea, or a honey tea.

Recommended Tea Blends When On- the-Go

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There are so many tea blends to choose from, and only you’ll know whats best for you. However, certain teas work particularly well for on-the-go preparation. Some tea has specific effects, some are easier to prepare, and some offer a delightful flavor. Just in case you need some inspiration, here’s some of my top recommendations for on-the-go tea:

Popular Tea Blends When On-The-Go:

• English Breakfast: This is a classic blend of black teas that has a robust and full-bodied flavor. It’s perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up. You can enjoy this tea plain or prepare with milk and sugar. Discover the best English Breakfast teas in the UK.

• Earl Grey: This is a popular blend of black tea and bergamot oil that has a citrusy and floral aroma. It’s ideal for a refreshing and soothing kickstart to your morning/afternoon. You can drink it hot or cold, with or without milk. Try our Earl Grey Lemonade – A Simple And Zesty Recipe.

• Jasmine Green: This is a delicate blend of green tea and jasmine flowers that has a sweet and fragrant taste. It is great for a relaxing and calming moment in the countryside with a nice view! You can brew it with water at 80°C and steep it for 2-3 minutes. Learn more about some of the best Jasmine tea blends.

• Chai: This is a spicy blend of black tea and various spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It’s wonderful for a warming and invigorating treat for those cold days on the move. Try my all-time favorite Winter chai blend, Gingerbread Chai from Bird & Blend.

• Mint: This is a refreshing blend of green tea and mint leaves that has a cool and crisp flavor. It’s excellent for a cleansing and energizing drink to clear your mind. You can brew it with water or ice and enjoy it hot or cold. Or mix it up our Iced Cucumber Mint Recipe.

Tea Personalization and Tips to Prepare

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One of the best things about preparing tea on the go is that you can personalize your tea experience by experimenting with different teas, different brewing techniques, and customisation. Come prepared and bring your favourite sweeteners and ingredients to add that extra touch. It makes the whole experience much more fun and enjoyable when you can customise it to perfection! Here’s a few tips:

• Add some sweeteners, milk, lemon, or other ingredients:

You can enhance the flavor and texture of your tea by adding some sweeteners, such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup. And if possible, you can also prepare the tea with some milk, cream, or plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. In fact, plant-based milks are ideal, since cows milk goes off quickly without being refrigerated. Check out The Best Non Dairy Milk to Compliment Your Tea.

You can also bring some lemon, lime, orange, or other fruits, to give your tea a zesty and refreshing twist. Even better, bring some herbs, spices, or flowers, such as lavender, rose, or vanilla, to give your tea a unique and aromatic touch!

• Try some recipes for iced tea or cold-brews

You can also prepare some recipes for different types of cold tea drinks that can be easily made-on the-go. For example, you can make an iced tea by brewing your tea with hot water and then cooling it down with ice cubes or refrigerating it. And as mentioned before, you can cold brew your tea by steeping the tea leaves in cold water. Check out these iced tea recipes you could try!

• Incorporate mindfulness into the tea preparation process:

Lastly, and most importantly, you should use your on-the-go tea preparation as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and enjoy the present moment. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of the tea making process, such as the boiling water, the steeping tea, the steam, and the warmth. Savor the taste, aroma, and texture of your tea, and appreciate its benefits for your body and mind. Master the art and read our guide on how Brew Your Way to Mindfulness: Tea and Meditation.

Some of the most invigorating moments in my life have been enjoying a hot brew out in the big wide world. Whether that be on my lunch break, or camping in a forest, it’s such a rewarding experience. I urge you to try something new and prepare your tea in the most unusual place possible!

Conclusion

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To prepare your tea on-the-go can be a convenient and enjoyable way to enjoy your daily tea ritual. Some places are more challenging than others, but it’s completely doable wherever you are! All you need is some simple tools and accessories, such as a travel kettle or thermos, a portable tea infuser, and a durable travel mug. Whether you use pre-prepared tea bags or loose leaf, you can make it work!

We hope this post has given you some useful ideas and tips on how to prepare tea on-the-go. We invite you to try making tea on-the-go and share your feedback, questions, or suggestions in the comments section. We’d love to hear your favorite places to drink tea!

Discover More Tea-Related Articles:

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• Can You Add Milk to Herbal Tea? The Best Combinations
• How to Make Black Soybean Tea – Japanese Kuromamecha
• What to Do With Old Tea Leaves And Tea Bags – 9 Useful Ways
• How to Make Walnut Tea – The Traditional Tea of Gilgit Baltistan
• Blood Orange Iced Tea: A Simple Recipe For The Sweet Tooth

Sources:

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• The Ultimate Guide to Tea Preparation | Tea Forte
• How Long to Steep Tea: A Complete Guide – ArtfulTea