When Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College published her book, “Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea,” she had no idea it would stir up an international controversy between the U.S. and the U.K., writes Suryatapa Bhattacharya and Gareth Vipers for The Wall Street Journal.

In her new book released this week, she examines the science and history behind making the perfect cup of tea.

It is her recipe for a perfect cuppa that has caused quite a stir.

In particular, her suggestion to avoid making tea in the microwave and using a little bit of salt to make tea less bitter has put the special relationship between the two countries in jeopardy.

The U.S. Embassy in London weighed in with a flippant comment on X:

“An American professor’s recipe for the ‘perfect’ cup of tea has landed our special bond with the United Kingdom in hot water…we cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our Special Relationship. The U.S. Embassy will continue to make tea the proper way —by microwaving it.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet Office was quick to respond with:

“We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly…Tea can only be made using a kettle.”

Read more about the bitter tea debate spurred on by Michelle Francl’s book in The Wall Street Journal.

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