Cozy Thanksgiving Teas

It’s that time of year, when we gather with friends and family to enjoy meals together. Whether you have a large, traditional feast or something unique, tea can be an important part of your holiday.

There are a variety of warming, flavorful, even spicy teas perfect for preparing the meal, dining, and the lingering conversational time afterward. (Try our Pumpkin Spice Scone Recipe for the perfect treat to pair with a cup of tea!)

If you are the host, power up with a classic black tea like Organic Yunnan Golden Buds. These thin, black-and-gold leaves might not look so strong, but brew them up and—whew!—they’ll surprise you. An infusion the color of pumpkin, aromas of chocolate and tobacco, and a finish like a dash of fine cocoa powder and a whiff of pine smoke. This is a classic, single ingredient, organic black tea from the Yunnan Province in China. Very enjoyable.

During your meal you may offer subtle or full-flavored teas, depending on your menu. Try Honey Mead Black Tea for and intense, honeyed, almost ice-wine experience. Muscat grape notes come forward in this tea, and a hint of fruit compote and floral gardenia linger. This tea will pair perfectly with a turkey and cranberry stuffing, lamb stew, or even chicken curry.

Try Roasted Yerba Mate to achieve a perfect simplicity. This mate will pair with any traditional Thanksgiving favorites (and much more). It has an autumnal character and roasty, earthy flavor. Roasting the leaf gives it a sweeter tone, almost a caramel note, which balances the leaves’ natural astringency.

After the meal, while lingering over conversation, try the unique Caramel Chai Pu-erh. Pu-erh is known to aid in the digestive process so it would be the perfect addition to your menu. It is akin to traditional chai in its spices, but instead of black tea, it’s made with shou pu-erh tea. Shou pu-erh is an incredibly dark, smooth, full-bodied tea, and it takes classic chai to a whole new level with its opulent flavor. Caramel bits add a satiating sweetness, cloves provide a deep warmth and ginger amps up the spice factor.

Combine dessert with Toasted Caramel Rooibos for a caffeine-free finish. This rooibos is subtle and satisfying.Naturally sweet, organic rooibos is bolstered by subtly sweet notes of toasted brown rice, buckwheat and caramel. A perfect balance of sweet and salty. It has a buttery, rich aroma and a soft, sweet flavor that keep you coming back for more.

For a gourmet appetizer, try our Tea Roasted Nuts recipe with Keemun Mao Feng black tea and a spicy kick!