Full disclosure: up until recently, I’d never had eggnog. (Cue GASP).
On a whim, I picked up some coconut milk eggnog from the grocery store pre-Christmas last year– why, even though I’d never had it and was kinda grossed out by the thought? Who knows. But man, am I glad I did– because you guys, (coconut milk) eggnog is DELISH.
Come this year, I’ve been eggnog latte-ifying any tea I can get my hands on. So when I saw this holiday blend from 52 Teas sitting in my latest samples, you can bet your bottom dollar that the first way I brewed it was as a latte.
Right off the bat, this tea is spicy and malty, with notes of vanilla and large, visible spices in the dry leaf. That signature spicy eggnog flavor perfectly translates to the cup, and it’s strong enough to hold up to a significant amount of steamed eggnog poured on top. In the midst of the stereotypical holiday flavors, this blend stands out as a wonderful holiday treat that would still be delightful all year round. I don’t think this one will last me past December this year, however– I’ve got too many more delicious eggnog chai lattes to make!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Flavored Tea
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
This tea is no longer available but these holiday teas are!
Christmas Spiced Tea by Fortnum & Mason
Hello Tea Friends,
This tea was actually a gift from my wonderful sister in law who knows I have a passion for tea. You cannot imagine my excitement when I received this; not only does it come in a beautiful tin but there is nothing finer than a Christmas tea to get you into the festive spirit.
Opening the tin revealed the blend which was decorated with a large star anise piece on the top. It’s so beautiful! The blend itself is a little festive as it has red safflower petals decorating a dark brown blend. It bares a soft yet spicy scent, like cinnamon and clove.
Brewing Parameters: 1.5 tsp in a large mug with boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
Once steeped a dark brown liquid with a red hue sits in my glass that bares the same generic spice scent as it’s raw form.
The first few sips reveal a dark base, wooden and thick with some bitterness with a delicate spicy after taste. Specifically clove, cinnamon and cocoa nib which is probably where the bitterness comes from. I imagine it would be reduced with a bit of sweetener.
The spice is not actually as strong as I expected, it’s more subtle against the black tea base. In a way it’s nice, sometimes ‘in your face’ flavoured teas are too much. There is also some dryness in the after taste though the spice lingers a while.
I would say while this was more of a subtle spice it was Christmas-esque and suited for all day drinking. I imagine a pot of this on Christmas morning would go down a treat! It’s subtlety may even win over some plain tea drinkers.
Until next time, Happy Steeping!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black blend
Where to Buy: Fortnum & Mason
Description: Warm yourself up this Christmas with the exotic flavours which have been added to this Fortnum’s blend. This Christmas Spiced Tea has a festive seasonal flavour from zesty clementine and bold spices. With the addition of delicious cocoa nibs, this tea finishes any Christmas afternoon treat.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Ginger Bread Man by Bruu Tea
Hello tea friends!
With Christmas almost here and the cold weather set in I’m drawn to the festive teas. This one was from my late November tea club box and I’m only just getting around to trying it.
Ingredients: Rooibos, Almond Pieces, Pistachios, Orange Peel, Coriander, Flavouring, Pink Peppercorn.
Opening the packet I am drawn in by the scent of ginger biscuits. It’s the most ginger biscuity thing I have ever smelt that was not actually ginger biscuits. It’s incredible! Ginger with baked bread and sugar but also a touch of spice.
Steeping instructions: 1tsp // 100°C // 3-5 mins
Once steeped the tea is golden red in colour and bares a sweet yet spicy ginger biscuit and Rooibos scent. Very similar to that of the raw scent.
The first few sips reveal a very sweet and gingery note that lingers in the after taste. When I say ginger it’s more like a ginger candy than raw ginger, sometimes blends are too much on the ginger front but this is such a sweet ginger and it’s very nice. Very biscuit like! Also a touch of dryness in the after taste.
After those initial first few sips it remains sweet and with a touch of actual Rooibos flavour with a creamy orange and ginger and peppercorn spice. The whole blend was well done, it doesn’t taste too much like Rooibos at all which is favourable with me.
I can’t say much other than it tastes like sweet and creamy ginger biscuits with a dry after taste. It truly does.
Bruu Tea have done some good blends but this may be my favourite so far. It’s very delightful and festive.
Until next time, Happy Steeping!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos blend
Where to Buy: Bruu Tea
Description:
The rich, naturally woody taste of rooibos is already a perfect treat for cold days, but the added tastes of gingerbread and orange in this blend allow you to truly spoil yourself. Caffeine-free and incredibly festive, this decorative infusion makes a wonderful gift – for others or yourself!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Christmas Black Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co.
Christmas Black Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co is another impressive flavored black tea offering in their online shop! Thus far – I have enjoy EVERY SINGLE tea I have tried from Kent & Sussex and my enjoyment continued with this holiday tea!
The ingredients in Christmas Black Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co include Black Tea, Almond, Cinnamon, Cloves and Orange. I also like the set-up of description and ingredients on their online shop of each tea because it SHOWS each ingredient, visually, and I’m a very VISUAL Person so I do appreciate this presentation of ingredients on their website!
The black tea base – itself – was a mellower-medium strength black but it could be because of the juicy orange and perfectly-done spices that worked in harmony with this flavored tea. Christmas Black Tea from Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co was citrusy, spicy, nutty, and totally holiday-esque! Another YUMMY-Thumby-UP for Kent & Sussex! A true gift!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Kent & Sussex Tea & Coffee Co.
Description
Christmas Black Tea is a wonderful seasonal blend of Black China Teas with the scents and flavours of Christmas time. Delicately scented with sweet orange cinnamon and a touch of clove.
Brewing instructions: Brew with boiling water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes to release a spicy aroma and tangy flavour. Have a sip close your eyes and you might hear the Reindeer’s and the Sleigh Bell’s!
Christmas Black Tea.
Contains Allergen: Nuts – almonds
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Snowflake from Aromatica Fine Teas
Snowflake from Aromatica Fine Teas is a 1st Place Winner of the North American Tea Championships 2011 and contains black tea, coconut flakes, and almond bits and smells delicious!
Snowflake from Aromatica Fine Teas is one of the companies best sellers and I can see why! The black tea base is a heftier strength and brews to a reddish brown color while the aroma is heavy on the coconut followed by a good deal of almond.
There are sweet, creamy, nutty, and dark cocoa-type black tea flavors that swirl around as you sip this Snowflake from Aromatica Fine Teas. If you like coconut you will most likely enjoy this flavored black tea. The slivers of coconut are really potent and tasty and so is this tea! Yum! Double Yum, even!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Aromatica Fine Teas
Description
North American Tea Championship: 1st place – Flavored Black Tea category – 2011 Fall – Hot Teas Division.
A fabulous almond coconut tea. Brew it in steamed milk for a Tropical Fog. Ceylon and China black tea, coconut rasps, flavour, almond flakes.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
