Organic Christmas Black Tea

Some teas are worth waiting all year for. This is one of them. As soon as the first chill arrives, its warm scent of orange peel and cinnamon stirs something familiar inside us, something almost tender.

Built around an organic Assam black tea with its characteristic malty roundness, this indulgent blend weaves together cinnamon sticks, apple, rose petals and a touch of cardamom. A recipe crafted for long winter evenings, year-end celebrations and the quiet joy of sharing a steaming teapot.

This creation is part of our Christmas tea collection, a seasonal range imagined each year by Julien Huot, founder of the house, to capture the magic of December in a cup. Explore our other indulgent teas to keep the festive spirit going.

The aromatic profile of our Christmas Black Tea

This infusion stands out for a rare balance between boldness and warmth. The organic Assam black tea base brings a round, lightly malty structure that cradles the spices and fruit around it.

The moment you open the bag, the aroma reaches you: a warm blend of candied orange, cinnamon and a gentle whisper of cardamom. It's the smell of spiced bread fresh from the oven, of winter markets, of evenings by the fire.

This blend was conceived like a pastry chef's composition, where every ingredient finds its place without overpowering the rest. Natural orange and cinnamon aromas delicately reinforce the raw ingredients, for a lasting aromatic signature.

Top notes

The first sensations are bright and fruity. Orange leads the way, fresh and almost effervescent, lifted by pieces of organic apple that bring a gently tangy sweetness. A subtle floral note, carried by the rose petals, softens the opening and lends the blend an elegant dimension.

Heart notes

Cinnamon settles in gradually, warm and enveloping. It mingles with the cardamom, which adds a more complex, lightly camphor-edged spice that calls to mind the desserts of the festive season. This is where the Christmas character comes into full bloom, evoking the taste memory of spiced bread, cinnamon shortbread and spiced apple compote.

Base notes

On the finish, the Assam black tea takes center stage again. Its malty roundness lingers with a comforting, lightly woody warmth that extends the experience well beyond the last sip. A cup that truly warms you from within, with no bitterness, and all the honest character that defines great Assam teas.

The liquor pours a deep, burnished copper with amber highlights. Visually, it already invites you to settle in. To explore further, take a look at our winter spice black tea, another indulgent signature from the house.

How to brew our Christmas Black Tea

Getting the most from this blend takes a little care. The spices need heat to release their essential oils, and the Assam black tea handles fully boiling water without turning bitter.

How much tea?

Use 12 to 15 grams of leaves per liter of water, roughly one well-heaped tablespoon for a 17 fl oz (50 cl) teapot. A generous measure allows the orange peel, cinnamon and apple to express themselves fully in the cup, and to hold their own against the strength of the Assam.

Water and temperature?

Use soft, low-mineral water at 100°C (212°F). This is the ideal temperature for drawing out the full aromas of the black tea and spices. Water that's too cool will keep the cinnamon and cardamom in the background, and the blend will lose its comforting character.

If your kettle has no temperature setting, bring the water to a full boil and pour immediately over the leaves. Filtered, low-calcium water will bring out the nuances of the blend even more clearly.

How long to steep?

Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the intensity you prefer. At 3 minutes, you get a bright cup where orange and apple take the lead. At 5 minutes, the cinnamon fully opens up and the tea gains depth. Adjust to your own taste and the mood of the moment.

And for an indulgent twist?

This tea lends itself beautifully to variations. Add a splash of warm milk or a plant-based drink for a comforting chai-style version, perfect for the late afternoon. A spoonful of orange blossom honey will extend the citrus note. A fresh orange slice studded with cloves makes a lovely festive finishing touch.

For a surprising iced version, brew at double strength, let it cool, then pour over ice with an orange slice. A great idea for a New Year's Eve brunch. Also take a look at our Christmas tea recipe guide for more ways to enjoy this blend throughout the winter.

What to serve it with?

This Christmas tea pairs naturally with the sweet pleasures of the season: thickly sliced spiced bread, cinnamon shortbread, dark chocolate mendiants, Yule log cake. Its spiced roundness also works wonderfully with foie gras on brioche, as an alternative to champagne at winter gatherings.

At afternoon tea, it's a beautiful match for a slice of candied fruit loaf or a warm apple tart. These simple moments are what make the festive season magical. Explore our winter guide for more seasonal pairings and serving ideas.

Storage

To preserve the full aromatic richness of this blend, keep it in its original tin or in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, moisture and strong odors. Avoid the refrigerator, which introduces moisture and absorbs surrounding smells.

A cupboard away from heat, cooking sources and open spices is all you need. Stored properly, the black tea will hold its full aroma for 18 to 24 months. Once opened, enjoy it within six months to make the most of the freshness of the orange peel and the liveliness of the cinnamon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I brew the Christmas Black Tea?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per liter of water at 100°C (212°F) and steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. A shorter steep highlights the orange and apple; a longer one lets the cinnamon and Assam fully express themselves.

What are the ingredients in the Christmas Black Tea?
This organic blend brings together Assam black tea, apple pieces, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, rose petals, cardamom and natural orange and cinnamon aromas. All ingredients are organically grown.

Where can I buy the Christmas Black Tea?
You'll find it in our online store and at our partner stockists. The Christmas collection is seasonal: available each year from autumn, generally until stocks sell out after the holidays.

What does the Christmas Black Tea taste like?
The dominant flavors are orange and cinnamon, underpinned by the malty roundness of the Assam, the gentle tartness of apple, the depth of cardamom and a floral touch of rose petals. A cup that is at once fruity, spiced and wonderfully indulgent.

What are the benefits of the Christmas Black Tea?
This is above all a tea for pleasure, crafted for warmth and togetherness on winter evenings. Its generous aromatic character makes it an ideal companion for shared moments, from afternoon tea with the family to a festive dessert, in an atmosphere that feels truly welcoming.