15 Perfect Tea Pairings for a Memorable Afternoon Tea Experience
Afternoon tea is a beloved tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. It's a time to gather with friends and family, indulge in delicious treats, and of course, sip on warm cups of tea. But with so many types of tea to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to serve. In this article, we'll explore 15 of the best teas to serve with afternoon tea, from classic black teas to refreshing herbal blends. Whether you prefer a bold and robust flavor or a delicate and floral taste, there's sure to be a tea on this list that will perfectly complement your afternoon tea experience.
Discover the Top 15 Tea Selections to Pair With Your Afternoon Tea
If you're planning an afternoon tea gathering and want to impress your guests with perfectly paired tea and treats, look no further than these 15 delicious tea blends and their ideal sweet and savory accompaniments.
15 Tempting Tea Blends for Your Afternoon Tea Ritual
There are many different types of tea that can be served with afternoon tea, here are some of the top teas to enjoy with sweet treats, scones and dainty finger sandwiches:
Earl Grey: A classic black tea infused with bergamot oil.
Darjeeling: A black tea grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, known for its floral aroma and musky spiciness.
English Breakfast: A blend of black teas that is robust and full-bodied, often served with milk and sugar.
Assam: A strong and malty black tea from the Assam region in India.
Ceylon: A black tea grown in Sri Lanka, with a medium body and a slightly floral aroma.
Keemun: A Chinese black tea with a smooth and slightly smoky flavor.
Jasmine: A green tea scented with jasmine flowers, known for its delicate aroma and flavor.
Dragonwell (Longjing): A green tea from Hangzhou, China, with a nutty flavor and a light, refreshing taste.
Sencha: A Japanese green tea with a grassy, slightly astringent flavor.
Genmaicha: A Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice, giving it a nutty, popcorn-like flavor.
Milk Oolong: A partially oxidized Taiwanese tea with a creamy flavor.
Masala Chai: A spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Rooibos: A South African herbal tea with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Mint: A refreshing and calming herbal tea with a menthol flavor.
Chamomile: An herbal tea made from dried chamomile flowers, known for its calming and soothing properties.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Blended, Scented and Flavored Teas
1. Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is a classic choice for afternoon tea due to its distinctive, aromatic flavor. The addition of bergamot oil to black tea gives Earl Grey its unique citrusy notes, which pair well with a variety of sweet and savory treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with lemon curd or marmalade to bring out the citrus flavors in the tea.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Earl Grey with smoked salmon, cucumber, or goat cheese to balance the tea's bitterness.
For mini desserts, pair Earl Grey with lemon or orange-flavored cakes or cookies, or opt for a classic pairing like shortbread or macarons. The bold yet versatile flavor of Earl Grey makes it a perfect complement to any afternoon tea spread.
2. Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea, also known as the "champagne of teas," is a fragrant and floral tea that is a great choice for afternoon tea. Its delicate taste and aroma make it a perfect accompaniment to light and subtle treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with apricot or peach jam to bring out the fruity notes in the tea.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Darjeeling with cream cheese, cucumber, or chicken salad for a light and refreshing pairing.
For mini desserts, pair Darjeeling with delicate and subtly flavored treats like shortbread, fruit tarts, or light sponge cakes. The light and delicate taste of Darjeeling tea makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subtle tea flavor and a lighter afternoon tea experience.
3. English Breakfast Tea
English Breakfast tea is a rich and robust blend of black teas, making it a great choice for afternoon tea. Its full-bodied flavor and slight bitterness pair well with a variety of sweet and savory treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with classic strawberry or raspberry jam, or opt for a more savory option like cheddar or bacon scones.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try English Breakfast tea with ham and cheese, tomato and mozzarella, or roasted vegetable tartlets.
For mini desserts, pair English Breakfast tea with rich and indulgent treats like chocolate brownies, fruit cake, or bread pudding. The bold and full-bodied flavor of English Breakfast tea can stand up to stronger flavors, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more substantial tea experience.
4. Assam
Assam tea is a strong and malty tea from the Assam region in India, making it a great choice for afternoon tea. Its bold and full-bodied flavor pairs well with rich and hearty treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with flavors like caramel or maple to bring out the tea's natural sweetness.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Assam tea with beef and horseradish, roasted root vegetable tartlets, or mushroom and onion quiches.
For mini desserts, pair Assam tea with treats that have a strong flavor, like dark chocolate truffles, sticky toffee pudding, or fruitcake. The strong and robust flavor of Assam tea can hold its own against stronger flavors, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more robust and hearty tea experience.
5. Ceylon
Ceylon tea, also known as Sri Lankan tea, is a bright and bold tea that is a great choice for afternoon tea. Its crisp and citrusy flavor pairs well with light and refreshing treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with lemon or orange marmalade to complement the tea's natural citrus notes.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Ceylon tea with smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg salad, or tomato and basil tartlets.
For mini desserts, pair Ceylon tea with light and zesty treats like lemon bars, coconut macaroons, or citrus cupcakes. The bright and refreshing flavor of Ceylon tea makes it a perfect choice for those who prefer a lighter and more refreshing tea experience.
6. Keemun
Keemun tea is a Chinese black tea that has a rich and smoky flavor, making it an excellent choice for afternoon tea. Its smooth and slightly sweet taste pairs well with a range of sweet and savory treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with apricot jam or honey to bring out the tea's natural sweetness.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Keemun tea with roasted chicken and avocado, smoked ham and cheddar, or bacon and egg quiches.
For mini desserts, pair Keemun tea with sweet and nutty treats like baklava, pecan pie, or almond cookies. The complex and slightly smoky flavor of Keemun tea makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a more unique tea experience.
7. Jasmine Green Tea
Jasmine green tea is a fragrant and delicate tea that is a wonderful choice for afternoon tea. Its light and floral taste pairs well with light and delicate treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with peach or apricot preserves to complement the tea's natural floral notes.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Jasmine green tea with cucumber and cream cheese, chicken and grape salad, or goat cheese and tomato tartlets.
For mini desserts, pair Jasmine green tea with light and refreshing treats like fruit tarts, lemon cakes, or green tea ice cream. The fragrant and delicate flavor of Jasmine green tea makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle and gentle tea experience.
8. Dragonwell
Dragonwell tea, also known as Longjing tea, is a Chinese green tea that has a nutty and buttery flavor with a subtle sweetness, making it an excellent choice for afternoon tea. Its smooth and mild taste pairs well with light and refreshing treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with raspberry or blueberry jam with a selection of scones to balance the tea's nutty flavor.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try this tea with cucumber and mint, smoked salmon and dill cream cheese, or mushroom quiches.
For mini desserts, pair Dragonwell tea with nutty and buttery treats like shortbread cookies, pistachio macarons, or almond biscotti. The nutty and buttery flavor of Dragonwell tea makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more delicate afternoon tea experience.
9. Sencha
Sencha green tea is a Japanese green tea that has a light and refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness. It's a perfect choice for afternoon tea as it pairs well with light and delicate treats.
For scones, consider pairing them with light honey or apricot jam to enhance the tea's natural sweetness.
For savory sandwiches or pastries, try Sencha green tea with smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and avocado, or chicken and apple.
For mini desserts, pair Sencha green tea with light and fruity treats like strawberry shortcake, citrus tartlets, or green tea mochi. The light and refreshing taste of Sencha green tea makes it a great choice for lighter sweet treats.
10. Genmaicha
Genmaicha tea, also known as "popcorn tea," is a unique Japanese green tea that is blended with roasted brown rice. It has a nutty and toasty flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of afternoon tea treats.
For scones, try pairing Genmaicha with sweet sticky fig or apricot jam to complement the tea's nutty notes.
Savory sandwiches or pastries that pair well with Genmaicha include roasted chicken with sesame and soy sauce, or tofu with teriyaki sauce and mixed vegetables.
For mini desserts, consider pairing Genmaicha with nutty or chocolatey treats like chocolate chip cookies, almond cake, or peanut butter fudge. Genmaicha's unique flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy something a little different than traditional green teas.
11. Milk Oolong
Milk Oolong tea is a popular Taiwanese tea that is known for its creamy and buttery taste. This unique flavor profile makes it a great option for afternoon tea, especially for those who prefer a sweeter, more indulgent taste.
For scones, try pairing Milk Oolong with fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry to balance out the tea's creamy flavor, and serving with coconut scones.
As for savory sandwiches and pastries, consider pairing Milk Oolong with smoked salmon and cream cheese or brie cheese with fig jam.
For mini desserts, opt for creamy and buttery desserts like shortbread cookies or panna cotta. Alternatively, serve with sweet coconut macaoons. The smooth and rich taste of Milk Oolong makes it a great option for those who enjoy a sweeter, more indulgent tea, and its creamy taste complements a variety of sweet and savory treats.
12. Masala Chai
Masala chai is a spiced tea originating from India that has gained popularity worldwide due to its bold and warming flavors. Its strong black tea base is infused with a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Masala chai is perfect for afternoon tea as it provides an energizing boost and a pleasant aroma that pairs well with sweet or savory treats.
For scones, try pairing Masala Chai with ginger or cinnamon scones for a spiced and aromatic combination. Apricot or mango jam can be a great pairing for Masala Chai, as their sweet and tangy flavors balance well with the spicy tea.
Savory sandwiches and pastries that pair well with masala chai include samosas, spinach and paneer (Indian cheese) quiches, and curried chicken or tofu salad sandwiches.
Mini desserts that pair well with masala chai include cardamom cookies, chai spiced cupcakes, pistachio cake, gulab jamun, and chai spiced shortbread.
If you love the flavors and aromas of chai, you may also love this recipe for making an indulgent Masala Chai Latte at home.
13. Rooibos
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea from South Africa. It has a naturally sweet, honey and nutty flavor and is a great caffeine-free option for afternoon tea.
Pair with scones that have a hint of sweetness, such as cranberry or orange scones. Strawberry or raspberry jam would be a perfect addition to enhance the fruity notes in the tea.
For savory options, consider pairing rooibos tea with smoked salmon or cucumber sandwiches.
As for mini desserts, a chocolate cake or shortbread cookies would complement the earthy notes of rooibos tea.
14. Mint
Fresh mint tea is a refreshing and invigorating choice for an afternoon tea. Its cool and crisp flavor is perfect for pairing with light, fresh, and fruity desserts.
For desserts, a classic pairing for fresh mint tea is a fruit salad or fresh berries served with whipped cream.
Pair with light and buttery scones and a dollop of raspberry jam with or without traditional clotted cream.
Savory options that go well with fresh mint tea include cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon canapes.
If you love the refreshing taste of mint tea, you may also love to explore making traditional Moroccan Mint Tea at home using fresh spearmint, Gunpowder Green Tea and sugar.
15. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is an excellent choice for an afternoon tea as it is naturally caffeine-free and has a calming effect on the body. Its delicate floral flavor and aroma make it a perfect pairing for light and refreshing snacks.
Scones with honey or lemon curd are a great choice to accompany chamomile tea, as are light and savory cucumber sandwiches.
Savory afternoon treats to enjoy with chamomile tea include goat cheese and honey crostini, bruschetta with tomato and basil, or roasted vegetable quiches.
For mini desserts, consider lemon bars or shortbread cookies with a touch of lavender to complement the floral notes of the tea.
Perfect Tea and Food Pairings for Your Afternoon Tea
The right tea and food pairings can take your afternoon tea experience to the next level. From classic teas like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to unique blends like Milk Oolong and Genmaicha, there are many great options to choose from. Pairing these teas with the right scones, jams, savory sandwiches/pastries, and mini desserts and petit fours can enhance the flavors and create a truly memorable afternoon tea. So, the next time you're planning an afternoon tea, consider trying out some of these tea and food pairings for a delightful and satisfying experience.
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