Thermos & Tea Bags Brewing Guide
Make the easiest cup of tea with an insulated tea thermos. Low effort, travel-friendly, and effective—it’s the perfect option for when you’re on the go or just too busy to watch the stove.
Ingredients:
1 kratom tea bag (3 grams)
8–12 oz (240–360 ml) filtered water
Optional: 1 tsp lemon or lime juice
Optional: 1–2 tsp sweetener
Equipment:
Insulated mug thermos (8–12 oz capacity)
Electric kettle, stovetop kettle, or microwave
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
2 kratom tea bags (6 grams)
16–24 oz (480–720 ml) filtered water
Optional: 2 tsp lemon or lime juice
Optional: 2–4 tsp sweetener
Equipment:
Insulated tea thermos (16–24 oz capacity)
Electric kettle, stovetop kettle, or microwave
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
3 kratom tea bags (9 grams)
24–36 oz (720–1080 ml) filtered water
Optional: 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
Optional: 1–2 tbsp sweetener
Equipment:
Insulated tea thermos (24–36 oz capacity)
Electric kettle, stovetop kettle, or microwave
Makes 3 servings
Instructions
1. Boil Water: Bring water to a boil (212°F, 100°C) using any method you prefer. You can use an electric kettle, stovetop kettle, coffee maker, or microwave.
2. Prep the Tea: While the water is boiling, add tea bag(s) and lemon juice (if using) to your thermos.
3. Steep Your Tea: Pour boiling water over tea bag(s) and seal your thermos. Steep for at least 15–25 minutes, depending upon desired strength and flavor. The longer you brew, the stronger (and slightly more bitter) your tea will be.
4. Sweeten: Open thermos, sweeten to taste, and add any desired flavors or creamer. (Creamer is best when not using any lemon juice.)
5. Serve: Make sure you allow your tea to cool slightly or pour it into a separate mug before drinking it.
6. Optional Rebrew: You can typically rebrew your kratom tea bags to make a slightly weaker second thermos-full of tea. The strength of this second brew will depend upon the length and strength of your initial brew.
7. Teaware TLC: Clean your tea thermos thoroughly after each use to avoid residue buildup. This is especially important if you use your thermos with loose leaf tea, which can get stuck in tight spaces.
Check the care instructions for your teaware before putting your thermos in a dishwasher. Some thermoses have delicate coatings or fabric straps and should be washed by hand only.
Brew Better With the Right Gear:
Tea Thermos Brewing FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between a regular thermos and a tea thermos?
A: A tea thermos may have a strainer that can keep loose leaf tea, tea bags, or other ingredients from getting out as you drink your tea or pour it into another mug or glass. Also, the cap on some tea thermoses doubles as a tea cup/mug.
If you don’t have a specialty tea thermos, you can use any other type of insulated thermos.
Q: How do I prevent my tea from becoming too strong or bitter when brewing in a thermos?
A: Like other types of tea and herbs, kratom leaves contain tannins and other bitter compounds. Kratom tea has a long steep time, so it usually ends up being bitter.
If you don’t like bitter tea, we recommend brewing for a shorter amount of time, adding other herbs or sweeteners for flavor.
Also, one of our favorite tricks is making iced kratom tea, which often tastes far less bitter than hot kratom tea. If you plan to drink the tea over a long period, make sure to remove the tea bag after the steeping time is up.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to my kratom when brewing in a tea thermos?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients straight to your thermos. We recommend trying fresh ginger root, vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, or another type of tea. You may want to add them a few minutes before you finish steeping instead of at the beginning of your brew.
If you plan to drink the tea over several hours, be cautious with adding things that can spoil. Consider using long-lasting alternatives like plant-based milks, or add your milk or creamer right before drinking.
Q: What are the best practices for storing kratom tea in a thermos?
A: If you don’t plan on drinking your kratom tea within a few hours, it’s best to store the tea in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Transfer the tea to a jar for storage. (If you leave the tea in an insulated thermos, it may stay hot for hours in the fridge.)
Q: Where can I find more general brewing information (like alternative brewing methods, brewing temperatures, and added ingredients)?
Head back to the Kratom Brew Guide Home for more info on kratom brewing basics and alternative brewing styles.