Cupán Tae

Ireland is a country of traditions. The most famous one is having a tea (or two, or three...). You won't find a work meeting, a convention, or other kind of event that doesn't allow for a morning or afternoon tea break on the schedule. Even in a job interview, the company would offer you a cup of tea. So don't reject it! Irish people take their tea very seriously.

Tea, whose slang is 'cha', was first imported to Ireland in the early 1800's where it became popular with the weathly people. In the mid 1800's, it spread to the rural people and all of Ireland was hooked. Small grocers were opened in the towns and villages and they started exchanging butter and eggs for tea and sugar. As far as you know, nowadays Irish people usually brew strong tea and adding some milk. This is an old-fashioned tradition. The tea that was available to the average Irish citizen was usually of poor quality and brewed strong, therefore it was consumed with plenty of milk.

If you want to know further information of the History of Irish Tea, check it out.

How to brew the best 'cupán tae'?

'Cupán tae' means cup of tea in Irish Language.

1) Fill your kettle with some fresh water (don't reboil)

2) Boil it. 

3) Drop a tea bag into a cup.

4) Pour some water from the kettle into the cup until 3/4 full

5) Allow it to steep for two to three minutes.

6) Use a teaspoon to remove the tea bag.

7) Pour some drops of milk into the cup.

8) If sugar is desired, place one full teaspoon of sugar into the cup with and stir thoroughly.

9) You might like adding some biscuits, a piece of cake or some mini-cupcakes ( as I did) on a plate along with your tea.

10) Enjoy!