There are proper ways to do everything and, of course, how to drink your tea isn’t an exception. Afternoon tea is one of our most cherished British traditions – and while it’s easy to associate it with fancy gestures like lifting your pinkie or swirling your cup, proper etiquette is far more nuanced. If you want to seem like you know what you’re doing, here are ten key rules you need to sip the right way.
1. Keep that little finger down
As we just mentioned, this is one of the biggest misconceptions about afternoon tea, as this quite old-fashioned habit can come across as pretentious or even rude. Keep your pinkie relaxed and down while holding your teacup – there is absolutely no need to appear overly fancy!
2. Hold your teacup correctly
Now here’s what you should do instead. Properly holding a teacup actually requires some finesse. Place your thumb and index finger on the handle, while your middle finger rests below the handle for support. Avoid looping in your fingers through the handle, though. This not only looks more elegant but also feels more comfortable.
3. Stir gracefully
Yes, turns out you can stir your tea wrong. It’s not just about mixing; it’s about doing so quietly. Move your spoon back and forth from the 6 o’clock to the 12 o’clock position a few times. Avoid swirling your tea or tapping your spoon against the cup, which can create unnecessary noise. Once stirred, place your spoon on the saucer – not in the cup.
4. No cradling
Unlike Eastern traditions where cups without handles are held with both hands, British tea etiquette insists that you always hold your cup by the handle. Never cradle the teacup in your hands, even if you’re trying to warm them!
5. Pour in the milk after the tea
While some people insist on pouring milk before the tea, modern teacups are durable enough that this isn’t necessary. Add milk after pouring your tea so you can control the amount more easily. And remember, milk is usually added to our classic and beloved black tea only – not green, white, or herbal teas.
6. No cream for you
Cream may be great for coffee but is far too heavy for tea (though the Frisians in Germany would disagree). Stick to milk when needed, and preferably whole milk. Lighter milk options can dilute the flavour, leaving your tea tasting weak and flat. Never use cream in your tea, as it overpowers the delicate taste of black tea.
7. Respect the teaspoon
Yes, you heard us. Never put the teaspoon into your mouth. Once you’ve finished stirring your tea, place the spoon on the saucer behind the cup. Also, avoid licking or using the spoon as a tool to slurp your tea.
8. Don’t blow on your tea
Some people are just more heat-resistant than others. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones, you got to have patience. Don’t blow on it – this can be seen as rude. Simply wait for your tea to cool naturally before taking a sip. Small, quiet sips are key to enjoying your tea with grace.
9. Handle your scone with care
Scones are, of course, a vital part of afternoon tea, and eating them has its own etiquette. Never cut your scone in half. Instead, break off a bite-sized piece and spread it with cream or jam. Avoid dunking scones into your tea—it’s messy and inappropriate for such a refined setting.
10. Dress the part
Out of all of these, thigh might the most fun part. Afternoon tea is often considered a special event, so dress smartly for the occasion. Smart casual attire to make the experience feel more memorable, for example. After all, part of the joy of afternoon tea is the sense of refinement that comes with it.We hope your cup of tea hasn’t cooled down by the time you’ve tried to include all these rules into your occasion. Unless you’re a candidate for rule #8, in which case: enjoy!
