When you are hosting a group for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, tea can be the perfect beverage to bring everyone together. It is warm, comforting, and endlessly customizable for both cozy and festive moments. Brewing for a crowd does not have to be complicated. With a few smart tricks, you can make big batches of tea that taste just as fresh and balanced as a single cup.
Below, we will walk through how to brew bulk tea for both hot and cold service, along with a few ideas for crowd-friendly mocktails that add color and cheer to your holiday table.
Brewing Hot Tea for a Group
Hot tea is the simplest way to serve guests, especially if you want something to sip throughout the evening. The key is to get the water-to-leaf ratio right and to keep it warm without over-steeping.
What You’ll Need:
- Loose-leaf tea (1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water)
- A large teapot, stockpot, or insulated beverage dispenser
- A fine mesh strainer or reusable tea bag
- Hot water (just below boiling for green or white teas, boiling for black and herbal teas)
Instructions:
- Measure your tea. For every gallon of water, use about ½ cup of loose-leaf tea.
- Heat the water. Use the correct temperature for your tea type. Boiling water for black or herbal teas, and slightly cooler for green and white teas.
- Steep carefully. Add tea to the hot water and let it steep for the usual amount of time (3–5 minutes for black and green, 5–7 for herbal).
- Strain or remove the leaves. Once steeped, strain out the leaves to prevent bitterness.
- Keep warm. Transfer to an insulated dispenser or slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
Pro tip: If you are serving throughout the evening, make a strong concentrate using half the water, then dilute with hot water as needed. This keeps flavor consistent without brewing multiple pots.
Brewing Cold or Iced Tea for a Crowd
Cold tea can be elegant and refreshing, especially if you are hosting a Thanksgiving brunch or Friendsgiving lunch. Cold-brewing also brings out smooth, naturally sweet flavors with less bitterness.
What You’ll Need:
- Loose-leaf tea (1 tablespoon per 16 ounces of water)
- Cold, filtered water
- A large pitcher or glass jar
- A fine mesh strainer
Instructions:
- Add tea to the water in your pitcher or jar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Strain and serve over ice, or pour into a dispenser for easy self-service.
Cold-brewed teas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Herbal blends like Hibiscus Lavender or Secret Garden Mint are particularly beautiful when served this way.
Making Batch Tea Mocktails
Holiday gatherings are the perfect time to introduce guests to creative tea mocktails. These can be made ahead in pitchers or punch bowls and dressed up with fresh fruit, herbs, or sparkling water.
Minty Mojito Cooler
- 4 cups cold-brewed Secret Garden Mint Herbal Tea
- 1 cup white grape juice
- 2 cups sparkling water
- Fresh mint and blackberries for garnish
Serve in a clear glass dispenser for a bright, festive look.
Hot Apple Chai Punch
- 6 cups brewed Apple-achian Chai Herbal Tea
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
Keep warm in a slow cooker or insulated pot, and ladle into mugs throughout the evening. The natural sweetness of the chai and apple cider creates an inviting holiday aroma.
Serving Tips for Tea at Thanksgiving
- Offer both one hot and one cold option so guests can choose their comfort level.
- Label each tea so guests know what they are drinking.
- Provide small add-ins such as honey, lemon, or cinnamon sticks for customization.
- If your gathering lasts all day, keep a kettle of hot water nearby for quick refills.
The Joy of Sharing Tea
Serving tea in large batches allows you to bring calm, connection, and creativity to your table. It invites conversation and gives guests something to gather around between courses. Whether it is a spiced chai simmering on the stove or a sparkling cranberry mocktail in a glass pitcher, tea transforms hosting into an experience that feels intentional and memorable.
At Full Moon Tea Company, we believe that tea is more than a beverage. It is a shared ritual that turns a busy day of cooking and gathering into something soothing and special.
