Good question! There are a multitude of solutions, from simplest ones through to those that require more time and skill.
At the simplest end of the spectrum you can simply add tea leaves to a (tall) glass or mug and then add the water, boiled to the correct temperature.
At the opposite end of the spectrum you can adopt the Chinese, Japanese and Korean "chayi" or "cha-dao" method, which may take a lifetime to perfect.
In-between there are a number of versatile methods. One of the most common is using a teapot. Teapots are available in a wide range of sizes and materials. Most modern teapots are available with removable filters which make them ideal for preparing a wide range of large and small leaf teas. Glass or ceramic teapots are easy to clean and do not retain any flavour or aroma, so you can use one teapot for whichever tea you want to brew.
Another alternative is to use a coffee press, but retain this press for brewing tea only! Coffee presses are a great method for straining the tea liquor and will allow for multiple infusions.
Here at Wan Ling Tea House, we prefer using the Gong Fu method using a gaiwan or Yixing purple clay teapot. Our Tea Brewing Guide contains step-by-step information on how to brew tea using the Gong Fu method, including the number and duration of infusions and length of infusions,