“The first glass is as bitter as life....

“The first glass is as bitter as life, the second is as strong as love, the third is as soothing as death.”

While the first glass is being enjoyed, the host will top up the tea pot again with more hot water, mint and sugar (typically no more tea leaves are added as the original leaves will continue to infuse the second and third pots). The first glass can taste quite strong but with each new brewing the flavors soften. Tradition dictates that three servings of tea are always offered, according to this proverb.