Did you know you’ve been stirring your tea wrong? Sorry, but according to etiquette experts, there’s only one right way to do it and the answer might surprise you.

The proper way to do it is to push your spoon back and forth, rather then stirring it in circles. This helps the sugar dissolve. Otherwise, the sugar just gets caught in a spinning vortex and settles at the bottom. You also risk splashing tea over the sides and your teaspoon hitting the cup which, of course, is another big no-no. 

As tempting as it might be, don’t scrape your spoon on the side of the cup, rather give it one sharp shake above your brew then pop the spoon down. There you have it! That wasn’t so hard, was it?

Milk or tea first?

A seemingly simple decision—adding milk to tea first or last— once carried profound implications. For the elite, pouring milk last was a display of fine bone china, as its delicate nature was less likely to crack when exposed to the heat of brewed tea.

Conversely, the working class poured milk first, a practice that prevented the inferior porcelain from shattering due to the sudden temperature change. This subtle act mirrored the intricate web of class distinctions woven into tea culture.

These days, the most accepted way is to pour tea first, then milk, as this allows you to adjust the strength of your brew.

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Saucer sophistication

When lifting your teacup, leave the saucer on the table and never bring it with you. The saucer serves as a convenient resting place for your cup between sips, while also helping to catch any accidental drips.

Pinkies down, please

Despite popular belief, extending your pinkie finger while holding a teacup is not a sign of proper etiquette. It’s an outdated notion that gained traction during the Victorian era. It’s another status thing. The well-to-do would eat delicate tea snacks with three fingers, and the lower class assumed that meant the pinkie and ring fingers were to stay raised. Tuck them under.

The sound of silence

While appreciating the flavours of your tea, it’s customary to maintain a level of quietude. Refrain from slurping or making loud noises while sipping. The experience is about savouring the intricate notes and aromas that the tea offers (and slurping is gross).

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