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Hosting a tea party is a lovely tradition that combines elegance, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of savoring fine teas and treats. Whether it’s a formal afternoon affair or a casual gathering with friends, a well-curated selection of teas can elevate the experience, making it memorable for all attendees. The right teas not only complement the assortment of goodies typically served but also cater to the diverse tastes of your guests. In this article, we explore eight perfect teas that will add charm and flavor to your tea party, ensuring a wonderful experience for everyone.
“Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors.”
– Alice Walker
Traditional Black Teas
Traditional black teas, sometimes referred to as British Legacy Teas, are a classic choice for afternoon tea. As afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition, it’s only fitting that these selections take center stage. Their bold flavors complement a wide range of foods, particularly creamy, sweet desserts like scones with clotted cream, making them a perfect match for your tea party.
Learn more – “Black Tea: What Is It, How It’s Made, Brewing Tips & More”
Black tea is a type of tea that has undergone more oxidation than green, oolong, and white teas, giving it a stronger flavor and darker color. It’s known for its robust taste profiles, varying from sweet and malty to floral and fruity.
Assam Blends
Assam tea and Assam blends are personal favorites of mine. I’m drawn to their malty richness, which makes them a delicious choice that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet bites.
Description:
Assam blends, including popular varieties like English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, and Scottish Breakfast, are celebrated for their robust flavor and malty notes. Grown in the lush, humid climate of the Assam region in India, these teas boast a full-bodied, rich taste that stands out among black teas. The deep, amber hue and strong, invigorating flavor make Assam blends a perfect choice for those who appreciate a hearty cup of tea.
Pairing Suggestions:
Assam teas pair wonderfully with a variety of classic tea-time treats. The boldness of the tea complements the buttery, crumbly texture of scones, especially when served with clotted cream and jam. Pastries, such as croissants or danishes, or classic cookies like shortbread, also make an excellent match, as their light sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tea’s malty depth.
For a punchy, bold option, Scottish Morn from Harney & Sons is one of my favorite Assam blends. It brews a very strong cup of black tea, which holds up well to cream and sugar, and is a tasty choice with rich, sweet desserts.
Harney & Sons Scottish Morn Black Tea (4 oz tin)
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Darjeeling
Description:
Darjeeling tea, often called the “Champagne of teas,” is known for its delicate and floral aroma. Cultivated in the scenic foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling tea offers a light, muscatel flavor (this term refers to the grapey flavor often associated with Darjeeling) with subtle hints of fruit and flowers. This tea’s refined and elegant profile makes it a favorite among connoisseurs and a sophisticated choice for any tea party.
Pairing Suggestions:
Darjeeling tea pairs beautifully with light and elegant treats. Cucumber finger sandwiches are a classic choice, their refreshing crunch complementing the tea’s floral aroma. Smoked salmon and cream cheese bites provide a savory balance that enhances the tea’s refined character. Lemon or orange desserts add a zesty contrast that highlights Darjeeling’s subtle fruity notes. These pairings all add to the elegance of a sophisticated tea party.
Earl Grey
Earl Grey is another personal favorite of mine. The citrusy flavors of bergamot add a refreshing touch to any tea party, beautifully balancing and cutting through the sweetness of tea-time treats.
Description:
Earl Grey tea is a distinctive blend of black tea infused with the citrusy essence of bergamot oil. This aromatic combination creates a refreshing and sophisticated flavor profile that has made Earl Grey a beloved classic. The bright, slightly tangy notes of bergamot perfectly complement the boldness of black tea, offering a balanced and invigorating cup that is both elegant and unique.
Pairing Suggestions:
Earl Grey’s citrusy notes pair wonderfully with a variety of sweet treats. Shortbread cookies, with their buttery richness, create a lovely contrast to the tea’s bright flavors. Lemon tarts or lemon bars amplify the bergamot’s citrus essence, making for a zesty pairing. For an added touch of elegance, try lavender-infused treats such as lavender scones or cakes. These combinations bring out the floral undertones of the bergamot, offering a sophisticated and aromatic experience.
Learn more – “Earl Grey Tea: What Is It, How To Brew It, & More”
Mmmm, Earl Grey tea – it’s one of the most popular teas in the Western world, but have you ever wondered what makes Earl Grey so special? Well, grab your cup of tea and join me as we explore…
My favorite Earl Grey is an elegant black, oolong, and white tea blend with an extra-strong bergamot flavor.
Buy Now → Green Teas: A Unique Twist for Afternoon Tea
Green teas can be a fun and unique addition to an afternoon tea, especially if you’re looking to introduce something different or cater to guests who prefer lighter, less caffeinated options. However, I find the grassy, sometimes minerally flavors of green tea can be a bit challenging for food pairing, especially with sweets. The key is to choose the right type of green tea and pair it thoughtfully with food.
Genmaicha
Description:
Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blend made with roasted brown rice. It offers a unique, toasted, nutty flavor with mild green tea notes, and while it’s not caffeine-free, it contains less caffeine than most black or green teas, making it a good choice for later in the afternoon.
Pairing Suggestions:
Genmaicha pairs particularly well with both sweet and savory items. Its toasted notes complement desserts that are less sweet or have a nutty flavor, like almond cookies or sesame biscuits. On the savory side, it works beautifully with light quiches, smoked fish, or cheese pastries, adding a comforting and warm depth to the tea-time selections.
Learn more – “Genmaicha Green Tea: How to Brew It, How It’s Made, and More”
Discover Genmaicha Green Tea! Genmaicha is a blend of green tea leaves and roasted brown rice, giving it a nutty and aromatic flavor that will surprise your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a new tea to try or just want to mix up your routine, genmaicha is an excellent choice!
This fun and festive genmaicha will bring a playful vibe to any tea party!
Harney & Sons Genmaicha Tea, 16 oz loose leaf
Buy Now →Hojicha
Description:
Hojicha is another Japanese green tea, but unlike the typical green teas, it is roasted, giving it a nutty, slightly smoky flavor. It is low in caffeine, making it perfect for those more sensitive to caffeine in the afternoon.
Pairing Suggestions:
With its roasted, caramel-like flavor, Hojicha is an excellent match for sweet treats like scones with jam or cakes, as well as savory bites like cheese pastries or mushroom tarts. The rich, toasted profile of Hojicha complements these foods by adding a warm, slightly sweet finish that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors.
Matcha
Description:
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It has a vibrant green color and a rich, umami flavor with a slight bitterness, which can be balanced beautifully with sweet treats.
It’s worth noting that matcha isn’t brewed like traditional teas. Instead, the powder is whisked directly into hot water to create a frothy, vibrant green cup of tea. This preparation can be more labor-intensive than simply steeping a tea bag or leaves, so depending on the vibe of your gathering, it could either be a fun ritual that adds to the experience or a bit more hassle than it’s worth.
Pairing Suggestions:
Matcha pairs wonderfully with creamy, subtly sweet desserts. Consider serving matcha-flavored treats like matcha macarons, matcha butter cookies (here’s a tasty-looking matcha butter cookie recipe from Nio Teas), or even a matcha-infused cake. These desserts enhance the tea’s umami notes and create a cohesive theme.
More Tasty Options
Black Or Green Tea Floral Blends: A Delicate and Feminine Touch
Floral blends, such as the Reading Nook Tea Blend with Rose, Lavender, and Chamomile are a wonderful choice for an afternoon tea, offering a delicate and aromatic experience that adds a lovely, feminine touch to your gathering. Black or green teas infused with flowers like rose, jasmine, or hibiscus bring a subtle sweetness and a beautifully fragrant bouquet, making them a perfect addition to a tea party. These teas are not only beautiful to look at, but also provide a soothing and gentle flavor that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
The soft, floral notes of these blends pair wonderfully with light and airy tea-time foods. Rose tea, with its gentle sweetness, complements buttery pastries and light cakes, enhancing their flavor without overpowering them. Jasmine tea, known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile, pairs beautifully with delicate finger sandwiches or fruit-based desserts. Hibiscus, with its tangy and vibrant taste, is a refreshing complement to sweet treats like scones or lemon tarts. Incorporating floral blends into your tea party creates an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.
A beautiful rose, lavender, and chamomile black tea blend from Plum Deluxe
Reading Nook Tea Blend with Rose, Lavender, and Chamomile
Buy Now →Herbal Tisanes: A Soothing Alternative
Herbal tisanes, often called herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, or lavender blends, offer a fun alternative to traditional teas, particularly for guests who prefer a caffeine-free option. These naturally soothing infusions are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to offer a lighter option after a strong black tea or simply cater to guests who are sensitive to caffeine, herbal tisanes provide a versatile and thoughtful choice.
The floral and aromatic flavors of herbal teas pair beautifully with a variety of tea-time foods. Chamomile, with its mild, honeyed notes, complements delicate pastries and buttery shortbread. Peppermint, with its refreshing and invigorating taste, can cut through the richness of creamy desserts, offering a palate-cleansing contrast. Lavender blends, with their floral and slightly sweet profile, can add an elegant touch to scones or lightly sweetened cakes. Incorporating herbal tisanes into your tea party not only broadens the flavor palette but also ensures that every guest can find a tea that suits their taste.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the classic British-style cream tea, perfect for a simple tea party
Discover the details of British-Style Cream Tea. Dive into this classic tradition, learn its history, and how to enjoy it at home. Ready for a cuppa?
Learn more about brewing tea with “A Beginner’s Guide To Brewing Loose Leaf Tea”
In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Western-style tea brewing – a style that’s both approachable for beginners and offers plenty of breadth for the most discerning tea enthusiasts.
What’s In Your Cup: An Easy Guide To The 6 Main Types Of Tea
Let’s start with the basics. There are 6 main types of tea – white, green, yellow, oolong, black, and dark tea. Each type has its unique characteristics and flavors.
Wrapping Things Up
Incorporating a mix of traditional black teas, unique green teas, and herbal blends can elevate your afternoon tea, offering a diverse experience for your guests. Whether you stick to the classics like Assam and Earl Grey or introduce modern twists like Hojicha and Matcha, the right pairings will ensure that your tea party is both memorable and tasty. So brew up your favorite teas, prepare some yummy treats, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of afternoon tea.
I want to hear from you!
What is your favorite tea to serve at a tea party? How about any really bad combos? I want to hear all about it!
