I definitely recommend steeping for longer than suggested. I just kept the bag in while I was drinking it. It got more flavorful and DEFINITELY more spicy as time went on (which I loved!). This made for an incredibly easy cocktail night. Also, we ended up buying these as holiday gifts for several of our friends, and they all loved them as well. We are already planning on gifting more for any occasion (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.)!!