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How to Steep Tea Like Tim Hortons: Tea Recipe for Perfect Home Brewing

May 7, 2025

5 Mins Read

Tim Hortons uses orange pekoe black tea as the base for their famous steeped tea. This specific tea variety gives their drinks that distinct flavor profile that fans recognize instantly.

The brewing method also plays a key role in creating their signature taste.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to steep tea like Tim Hortons at home. You’ll learn the right water temperature, steeping time, and the perfect amounts of cream and sugar to use.

Key Takeaways

• Tim Hortons uses Orange Pekoe black tea as their base, which you can replicate with Red Rose Orange Pekoe tea bags.
• Steep your tea for exactly 3 minutes at 180°F to avoid bitterness while extracting full flavor.
• Use heavy cream (about 2 tablespoons equals “one cream”) and 1 teaspoon of sugar per “one sugar” for authentic taste.
• Loose tea leaves create better flavor than tea bags because water circulates more freely around them.
• The recipe makes four cups in just five minutes, with each cup containing about 66 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 4 grams of sugar.

The Secret to Tim Hortons’ Steeped Tea

Tim Hortons creates its famous steeped tea with a simple yet specific formula. The key ingredients include Red Rose Orange Pekoe tea bags, a splash of heavy cream, and just the right amount of sugar.

This combination yields a smooth, rich flavor that millions of Canadians crave daily. The brewing process matters too – Tim Hortons steeps their tea for exactly three minutes, allowing the orange pekoe leaves to release their full flavor without becoming bitter.

You can recreate this beloved drink at home with basic items from your kitchen. Each cup contains about 66 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 4 grams of sugar per serving. The recipe makes four cups of perfectly steeped tea in just five minutes total.

Many tea lovers on Reddit and TikTok have tried to match the unique taste of “Timmies” tea, but the right ingredients and timing make all the difference in capturing that distinct Tim Hortons flavor.

Steps to Perfectly Steep Tea at Home

Making tea like Tim Hortons requires attention to detail and the right technique. Follow these steps to create that perfect cup of steeped tea you love from Timmys right in your own kitchen.

1. Select quality loose leaf tea similar to Tim Hortons’ blend – Orange Pekoe or Ceylon tea works best for that authentic flavor.
2. Heat fresh water to exactly 180°F using an instant-read thermometer to avoid bitter tea.
3. Measure one teaspoon of loose tea leaves per cup into your teapot or steeper.
4. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and cover your teapot to trap heat.
5. Set a timer for exactly 3 minutes – this timing creates the perfect balance of flavor without bitterness.
6. Remove the tea leaves completely after steeping to stop the brewing process.
7. Add milk, honey, or sugar to taste, just as you might order at Tim Hortons.
8. For iced tea, double the amount of tea leaves and pour over ice after steeping.
9. Try cold brewing by placing tea leaves in cold water and refrigerating for 8-12 hours for a smoother taste.
10. Store your loose tea in an airtight container away from light to maintain freshness.

Now that you know the exact steps for brewing, let’s explore some special tips to truly capture that Tim Hortons flavor at home.

Precise Temperature Control

PARIS RHÔNE Electric Kettle with Temperature Control

Hits 180°F exactly and holds it for hours—the Tim Hortons-perfect temperature without guesswork.

Tim Hortons' steeped tea depends on precise 180°F water—too hot and you scorch the leaves, too cool and you get watery results. This kettle includes that exact temperature as one of its 13 presets, so you hit the mark every time without a thermometer. Eight reviewers specifically praised the range of temperature options, and the 4-hour hold function means you can brew multiple cups throughout the morning without reheating.

⚠️ Skip this if you have a compact kitchen with limited counter space—several reviewers noted it's bigger than expected. The 1.7L capacity is great for households but overkill for single-cup brewers.

Our Verdict Check Price (paid link)

Tips for Achieving Tim Hortons-Level Flavor

Creating that signature Tim Hortons steeped tea flavor requires attention to specific details. These tips will help you match the unique blend and taste that makes Tim’s tea so popular across Toronto and beyond.

1. Use loose tea leaves instead of tea bags for better flavor extraction. Loose leaves allow water to circulate freely, releasing more complex flavors than standard tea bags.
2. Increase the amount of tea leaves rather than extending steep time. This creates a stronger, richer flavor without the bitterness that comes from over-steeping.
3. Add heavy whipping cream for authentic Tim Hortons richness. The standard “one cream” equals about 2 tablespoons, giving that signature smoothness to your cup.
4. Measure sugar precisely with 1 teaspoon equaling “one sugar” in Tim Hortons speak. This balance of sweetness complements the robust Assam tea base perfectly.
5. Try cold brewing for iced tea variations by soaking tea in cold water for 8-12 hours in your refrigerator. Check at the 8-hour mark to find your ideal strength.
6. Consider water quality as it affects tea flavor significantly. Fresh, filtered water makes a noticeable difference in your final cup of steeped tea.
7. Warm your mug before adding tea to maintain proper temperature throughout your drinking experience. This small step preserves the tea’s full flavor profile.
8. Adjust brewing based on personal preferences since everyone enjoys their teatime differently. Some prefer stronger brews while others enjoy lighter flavors.

Bold Milk Tea Drinker

Tea India CTC Assam Loose Leaf Black Tea

The Tim Hortons upgrade—robust Assam that brews fast and loves cream and sugar.

Tim Hortons uses a robust Assam base that stands up to cream and sugar without disappearing—this CTC Assam delivers exactly that flavor profile in loose leaf form. The CTC (crush-tear-curl) processing creates small granules that brew fast, matching the 3-minute steep time you're already using. Fifteen reviewers noted how quickly it reaches full strength, usually in just 1-3 minutes.

⚠️ Skip this if you're expecting elegant, curled leaves—CTC processing creates granules that look like dark coffee grounds. Also avoid for evening drinking; reviewers confirm it packs serious caffeine.

Our Verdict Check Price (paid link)

Conclusion

Brewing tea like Tim Hortons at home saves money while letting you enjoy that familiar taste whenever you want. You now have the exact steps to create that perfect cup with the right tea, temperature, and steeping time.

Using fresh, filtered water and quality tea bags produces the best results. Feel free to adjust cream and sugar amounts to match your taste preferences. Your kitchen can now become your personal Tim Hortons, with perfectly steeped tea ready whenever the craving strikes.

FAQs

1. How can I make Tim Hortons steeped tea at home?

You can recreate Tim Hortons steeped tea by using English breakfast tea bags or loose leaf teas. Heat fresh water to just below boiling, add your tea, and steep for 3-5 minutes for the perfect cup of tea with that classic Timmy’s flavor.

2. What type of tea does Tim Hortons use?

Tim Hortons primarily uses orange pekoe tea, which is a tea leaf grading rather than a flavor. This black tea creates their signature robust taste that many tea lovers enjoy.

3. Can I make iced tea using the Tim Hortons steeping method?

Yes! Steep your tea stronger than usual, then pour over ice. For the best results, let it cool slightly before adding ice to prevent dilution.

4. Do I need special equipment to make Tim Hortons tea?

No special equipment is needed. A regular teapot or mug works fine for making Tim Hortons steeped tea at home. Some fans use a Keurig K-cup system with Tim Hortons tea pods for convenience.

5. How long should I steep tea to match Tim Hortons flavor?

Steep your tea for 3-4 minutes to match the Tim Horton’s standard strength. The timing matters greatly in creating that signature taste without bitterness.

6. What can I add to my homemade Tim Hortons tea?

You can customize your tea with lemon, milk, or sweeteners just like at the store. For specialty versions, try adding whipped cream on top or mixing in fruit juices for a refreshing twist on the classic beverage.

References

1. https://feedgrump.com/tim-hortons-steeped-tea-recipe/ (2024-01-19)
2. https://www.republicoftea.com/blog/tea-library/tea-101-how-to-steep-tea/tl-006/?srsltid=AfmBOorRfAP4ouQemRBNeLqXhVSW_IH1e-lYYszwz2YzJeznSm3lS9-j
3. https://theteacupoflife.com/2015/04/tim-hortons-steeped-tea-now-made-with.html (2015-04-21)