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Barley Tea Hot

By • Updated October 2026
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Barley tea (known as boricha in Korea) is a warm, toasted-grain tisane that's completely caffeine-free and wonderfully comforting on chilly evenings. Unlike true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, this nutty, malty infusion is made from roasted barley grains and tastes clean, slightly sweet and faintly reminiscent of toasted bread. It's popular across East Asia and perfect for anyone seeking the ritual of a hot drink without the jolt of caffeine.

Because barley tea is usually brewed in larger batches and served throughout the day, keeping it warm becomes essential. A good tea warmer with a tealight candle lets you pour a generous pot, then maintain the ideal drinking temperature for hours without over-steeping or scorching. This recipe shows you how to make authentic hot barley tea at home using loose roasted barley grains—simple, soothing and endlessly re-brewable.

Barley Tea Hot
Prep Time2 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Servings4 cups
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp Roasted Barley Grains (Korean boricha or Japanese mugicha)
  • 1 litre Water (freshly boiled)
  • Optional: 1–2 tsp Honey or Brown Sugar, to sweeten
  • Optional: thin slice of fresh Ginger, for warmth
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 12
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g

Instructions

1
Boil Water: Bring 1 litre of fresh water to a rolling boil in a kettle or pan.
2
Add Barley: Place 4 tablespoons of roasted barley grains into a heatproof teapot or jug. Pour over the freshly boiled water and give it a gentle stir.
3
Steep: Cover the pot and let the barley steep for 5–8 minutes, depending on how nutty and toasted you prefer the flavour. The longer it brews, the deeper the malty taste.
4
Strain & Warm: Strain the tea into a clean teapot (or leave the grains in—they won't over-steep). Place the pot on a tea warmer with a lit tealight candle underneath to keep the tea gently warm without cooking it further.
5
Serve: Pour into cups and enjoy plain, or sweeten lightly with honey or brown sugar. Add a thin slice of fresh ginger if you want a subtle warming kick. Sip slowly and refill your cup from the warmed pot throughout the afternoon.

🫖 Equipment You'll Need

A tea warmer with a tealight stand is the secret to all-day barley tea without constant reheating. Because this tisane is typically brewed in larger quantities and sipped over hours, a candle warmer keeps the pot at a gentle, drinkable temperature—warm enough to be comforting, low enough to avoid scorching the delicate grain flavours. It's especially useful for caffeine-free herbal tisanes that don't turn bitter with prolonged warmth.

See our tea warmer picks →

Expert Tip: Re-Brew the Grains

Don't throw away the barley after the first steep. Korean households often re-brew the same grains 2–3 times, topping up with fresh boiling water each time. The flavour gets lighter but stays pleasantly nutty—perfect for keeping your tea ritual going all day without waste.

Related Learning

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Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags: Which Is Better?

Tea Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Quality Tea

Health Benefits of Tea: What Science Says

Best Tea Warmers & Candle Stands to Keep Tea Hot (2026)

The 5 Best Barley Teas (Mugicha) for Summer Hydration

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