How to choose the right tea for high tea? This is a big question. Whether you’re planning a fancy high tea party or simply want to enjoy a special tea moment, finding the best teas is the most important to making it unforgettable. But How to find the right taste that suits your taste buds and makes your moment more special.
Let me help you in choosing the right cup for you also gonna share some tips that you should consider while choosing your tea and some tea options that you can go with if they sound good to your taste buds.
Also read – 20+ high tea sandwiches ideas for high tea
Tips to selecting Teas for High Tea
While choosing the right tea for your high tea it is important to keep these factors in mind that the tea you choose enhances the overall experience and complements the other elements of your high tea menu. Here are some key factors that you should take care of:
Flavor Profile and Aroma:
High tea is a time to enjoy a variety of flavors. Consider offering a diverse selection of teas with different taste profiles, such as floral, fruity, earthy or spiced. Guests with various preferences will like having options.
Caffeine Content:
The caffeine content of tea is also important. Some people prefer teas with higher caffeine content, while others might prefer caffeine-free or low-caffeine options to avoid disrupting their afternoon.
Quality of Tea Leaves:
Go for high-quality loose-leaf teas instead of tea bags. Loose-leaf teas often have more complex flavors, contributing to a more refined and enjoyable tea experience.
Seasonality:
Consider the time of year and the seasonality of the teas you choose. For instance, floral teas like jasmine or rose may be ideal for spring, while spiced teas like chai might be more suited for autumn and winter.
Guest Preferences:
Take into consideration the preferences of your guests. Some might be tea enthusiasts appreciate rare or specialty teas, while others may prefer classic and familiar options. So you must include both in your tea menu.
Tea Pairings with Savory and Sweet High Tea Treats:
High tea typically includes a combination of savory finger sandwiches, scones, and a variety of pastries and cakes. Choose teas that complement these treats, enhancing their flavors and creating a well-balanced experience. For example, black teas like Darjeeling or Assam go well with sandwiches, while floral or fruity teas may complement pastries.
The 19+ Best Teas for High Tea
The 10 best teas for high tea to encompass a different selection of flavors and aromas, that complement the savory and sweet treats typically served during high tea.
Classic Earl Grey:
A timeless favorite, Earl Grey is a black tea infused with the essence of bergamot orange, giving it a subtly citrusy twist that pairs well with scones and pastries.
Darjeeling tea:
Known as the “Champagne of Teas,” this delicate tea from the Darjeeling region of India has a light and floral flavor, perfect for pairing with finger sandwiches and lighter desserts.
Assam Tea:
A robust and full-bodied black tea from Assam, India, this tea stands up well to the addition of milk and sugar, making it an excellent choice to accompany hearty scones and savory treats.
Jasmine Pearl Green Tea:
Hand-rolled young green tea leaves scented with jasmine flowers produce a fragrant and delicate brew that pairs beautifully with light, floral pastries.
Ceylon Orange Pekoe:
This refreshing black tea from Sri Lanka has a clean, brisk taste that complements a wide range of high tea treats, making it a versatile choice.
Masala Chai:
A spiced black tea from India, masala chai is infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, making it a flavorful option to pair with rich desserts.
Silver Needle White Tea:
A rare and delicate white tea made from the young buds of the tea plant, Silver Needle offers a subtle sweetness that pairs well with pastries.
English Breakfast Tea:
A classic blend of black teas, English Breakfast tea is a robust and full-bodied choice that pairs well with various high tea treats, from scones to sandwiches.
Raspberry Rose Oolong:
This oolong tea is scented with the essence of ripe raspberries and rose petals, providing a fruity and floral infusion that complements a wide range of sweet treats.
Chamomile Lavender Herbal Tea:
For those seeking a caffeine-free option, chamomile and lavender herbal tea offers a soothing and relaxing experience that pairs well with delicate desserts and scones.
Matcha Green Tea:
A vibrant and powdered Japanese green tea, matcha is a showstopper at high tea. Its rich, grassy flavor pairs excellently with desserts like matcha-flavored cakes, macarons, and green tea-infused sweets.
Rooibos Vanilla:
This caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa boasts a natural sweetness and a comforting aroma of vanilla. Rooibos Vanilla is a wonderful choice for those looking for a dessert-like tea to accompany their high tea treats.
Lemon Ginger White Tea:
A blend of delicate white tea leaves, zesty lemon, and warming ginger, this tea strikes a perfect balance of flavors.
Bergamot Rose Black Tea:
Combining the floral essence of roses with the citrus notes of bergamot, this black tea offers a unique twist on the classic Earl Grey, ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to high tea.
Lavender Earl Grey:
Elevate the Earl Grey experience with the aromatic addition of lavender flowers. This tea provides a relaxing and indulgent complement to pastries and finger foods.
Coconut Almond Chai:
A delightful twist on traditional chai, this tea blends the bold spices with the creamy sweetness of coconut and almond, making it an excellent accompaniment to both sweet and savory high tea dishes.
Sencha Green Tea:
A staple in Japanese tea culture, Sencha offers a grassy and vegetal flavor that pairs wonderfully with light, delicate pastries and sushi-inspired high tea treats.
Apple Cinnamon Herbal Tea:
The comforting combination of apple and cinnamon in this herbal tea creates a warm and inviting brew that pairs beautifully with desserts and scones.
Hibiscus Berry Tea:
Bursting with vibrant color and berry flavors, hibiscus tea adds a refreshing and tart dimension to high tea, making it a splendid option for fruit-based desserts and scones.
Chocolate Mint Black Tea:
For chocolate lovers, this blend of black tea with indulgent chocolate and mint creates an unforgettable tea experience that complements a wide range of sweet treats.
Tips for Brewing and Serving Tea at High Tea
Brewing and serving tea at high tea is an art that requires attention to detail to ensure the best possible flavor and presentation. Here are some tips to enhance the tea experience during your high tea event:
Use High-Quality Loose-Leaf Tea:
Use high-quality loose-leaf teas instead of tea bags. Loose-leaf teas offer more complex flavors and aromas, providing a superior tea-drinking experience.
Pre-Warm Teapots and Cups:
Warm the teapots and teacups before brewing the tea to maintain the optimal temperature of the tea for a more extended period.
Measure the Tea Leaves:
Use the appropriate amount of tea leaves per cup to achieve the desired strength. Typically, 2.5 grams of tea leaves is used for 250 ml of water.
Also read – How to brew black tea perfectly
Choose the Right Water Temperature:
Different types of tea require specific water temperatures for brewing. Green and white teas generally need cooler water around 80°C, while black and herbal teas require hotter water around 100°C.
Mind the Brewing Time:
Over-brewing or under-brewing tea can significantly impact its flavor. Follow the recommended brewing time for each type of tea to achieve the best taste. For example, black tea typically brews for 5 minutes, while green tea only 3 minutes.
Accompany with Hot Water:
For guests who prefer weaker tea, have a small pot of hot water available for them to dilute their tea to their desired strength.
Use Strainers:
Provide small tea strainers to prevent loose tea leaves from entering the teacups while serving, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable tea experience.
Offer Milk, Sugar, and Lemon:
Provide accompaniments like milk, sugar, honey, and lemon wedges to allow guests to customize their tea according to their taste preferences.
Use Elegant Teaware:
Serve tea in elegant teapots, teacups, and saucers to enhance the visual appeal and sophistication of the high tea experience.
Replenish Tea Regularly:
Keep an eye on teapots during the high tea event and refill tea frequently to ensure that guests always have freshly brewed tea available.
By paying attention to these tips, you can create a delightful and refined tea experience that complements the overall ambiance of the high tea event, leaving guests enchanted and satisfied.
