Organic Winter House Cocktail Black Tea

Some cups bring people together. Our Winter House Cocktail black tea is one of them. Built around a robust organic Assam, it's enriched with a carefully assembled bouquet of warming spices: Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, clove, lemongrass and orange peel, with a delicate floral touch of rose petals.

This blend was crafted as a true cocktail, where every organic ingredient plays its part without overshadowing the others. The result: a rich, generous infusion that warms without weighing you down. An elegant winter tea, best savoured from a generous cup, by the fire or at a frost-edged window.

Our founder Julien Huot created it for those who love spiced flavours without excess, and who are looking for a warm alternative to the traditional Christmas tea. our full-bodied black teas to continue exploring this aromatic world.

The Aromatic Profile of the Winter House Cocktail

This blend unfolds in three stages, much like a fragrance. The first sip reveals clear, familiar notes: Ceylon cinnamon, soft and woody, opens the tasting, accompanied by clove with its characteristic spiced depth.

Through the mid-palate, orange peel and lemongrass bring an unexpected citrus brightness. This contrast between the warmth of the spices and the liveliness of the citrus is what sets this cocktail apart from a classic spiced tea. Cardamom adds its mentholated, almost camphor-like quality, which lightens the whole.

The finish is long and lingering, underpinned by the full-bodied structure of the Assam. Rose petals leave a delicate, almost velvety floral signature that softens the spiced aroma. Together, they form a well-balanced brew, neither too sweet nor too sharp, with a truly indulgent range of flavours.

This composition draws on the traditions of winter blending found across many tea cultures. To compare with other profiles, take a look at the standout black teas according to experts.

If you enjoy citrus and spice notes, our ginger lemon black tea offers a livelier, more invigorating alternative, while our liquorice black tea plays on a deep, anise-tinged sweetness.

How to Brew the Winter House Cocktail

A little care goes a long way when preparing this spiced tea, to honour the balance of the blend. Both the spices and the Assam black tea welcome very hot water, but a controlled steep keeps any unwanted bitterness at bay.

Water: bring low-mineral water to a full 100°C (a rolling boil). Filtered or spring water will bring out the aromas better than heavily chalky tap water.

Dosage: use 12 to 15 grams of leaves per litre, roughly 2 to 2.5 grams for a 200 ml cup. A level tablespoon is generally enough.

Time: steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your taste. Three minutes gives a lively, fruity cup where the citrus leads; five minutes yields a fuller, more structured infusion where the spices and clove come forward.

Equipment: a porcelain teapot or a wide stainless steel permanent filter works best. Orange peel pieces, cinnamon sticks and rose petals need room to open up and release their full aromatic complexity.

Enjoy it as it is, or add a splash of plant-based milk (oat, almond) for a more indulgent chai-style cup. A touch of honey or raw cane sugar also works beautifully, without masking the blend's spiced signature.

For an iced version in the shoulder seasons, double the dose, steep for 6 minutes in 90°C water, then pour over ice with a fresh orange slice. A surprisingly lovely discovery. You might also enjoy our green tea vs. black tea guide to help you choose by time of day.

Storage

Store this blend in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Spices tend to scent their surroundings, so a well-sealed tin is essential to preserve the freshness of the Assam and the intensity of the aromas. For the best flavour, enjoy within 18 months of opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a winter tea?
A winter tea like our House Cocktail offers something above all: sensory comfort. A warm cup, enveloping spices, a moment to pause. It's a seasonal ritual that invites you to slow down, perfect for making the most of cold days.

How do you brew a winter tea?
Bring the water to 100°C, use 12 to 15g per litre and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Enjoy it plain, with a splash of plant-based milk for a chai-style version, or with a slice of fresh orange to bring out the citrus notes.

What are the best winter teas?
The finest winter teas pair a full-bodied black tea base with warming spices: cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger. Our House Cocktail adds a note of citrus and rose that brings freshness and elegance, setting this blend apart from classic winter mixes.

What flavours work best in a winter tea?
Warming, enveloping flavours tend to shine: soft cinnamon, deep clove, mentholated cardamom, orange peel, ginger. Floral (rose) and citrus notes provide a fresh counterpoint that balances the whole and keeps it from feeling heavy.

Where can you buy quality winter tea?
Look for independent houses that select organic leaves and work with artisan compositions. black tea and exploring our Thés & Traditions selection will give you a good sense of the quality standards worth seeking out.