How to Pour the Perfect Cup: A Guide to Tea Ratios

One of the unique advantages of the SAKI Turkish Tea Maker Pro is customizable strength. Because you brew a strong concentrate in the top pot and keep hot water in the bottom, you can mix every single cup differently.

This means you can serve a mild cup to a guest and a strong cup for yourself from the exact same batch.

Here is how to master the ratios for Light, Medium, and Strong tea.

The Concept: Mixing Your Drink

Think of the tea in the upper pot as an espresso shot or a concentrate. You should never drink it straight. The goal is to dilute it with hot water from the lower kettle to hit your preferred flavor profile.

1. The "Light" Pour (Mild & Sweet)

• Best for: Beginners, evening drinking (less caffeine), or those who prefer green/herbal tea profiles.
• The Ratio: 1/4 Concentrate + 3/4 Water.
• How to Pour:
  1. Pour a small amount of concentrate into the glass (fill it about 25% of the way).
  2. Fill the rest of the glass to the rim with hot water from the bottom kettle.
• The Color Check: The tea should look golden yellow or light amber, similar to apple juice.
• The Taste: Gentle, floral, and sweet. Zero bitterness.

2. The "Classic" Pour (The Standard)

• Best for: Daily drinking and most guests. If you aren't sure what to serve, pour this one.
• The Ratio: 1/3 Concentrate + 2/3 Water.
• How to Pour:
  1. Fill the glass roughly one-third of the way with concentrate.
  2. Top it off with hot water.
• The Color Check: This is the ideal Turkish standard. The color should be a transparent, deep ruby red.
• The Taste: Robust and rich, but smooth.

3. The "Strong" Pour (Bold)

• Best for: Morning caffeine kicks or people who love strong black coffee.
• The Ratio: 1/2 Concentrate + 1/2 Water.
• How to Pour:
  1. Fill the glass half-full with concentrate.
  2. Fill the remaining half with hot water.
• The Color Check: The liquid will be dark mahogany, almost opaque like weak coffee.
• The Taste: Intense, tannic, and bold. (Most people pair this strength with a sugar cube to balance the bite).

Pro Tips for Serving

• Trust Your Eyes: Don't worry about measuring cups. Hold the glass up to the light. If it looks too dark, add water. If it looks too pale, add a splash more concentrate.
• Sugar & Lemon: It is traditional to serve Turkish tea with 1–2 cubes of beet sugar. A small wedge of lemon is also acceptable.
• No Milk: Unlike English Breakfast tea, Turkish tea is acidic. Adding milk will cause it to curdle slightly and ruin the clarity. Always serve it black.