Cheers to a heady combination of celebratory teas from around the world!
That time of year has come around again, bringing with it the sounds and sights of festivals; celebrations of various kinds, and occasions to raise glasses.
In a season when colourful alcohol- based drinks assume their familiar place in homes and abroad, here’s a welcome reason to toast with a few festive teas from around the world that elevate and promise good tidings for the coming year with the strength of their spices and fruity ingredients.
It is widely believed that the little lime can do wonderful things for our lives, and the Jamaican phrase “cut and clear” refers to its power to remove obstacles and to bring good luck. Along with ginger and jasmine, both of which attract good luck, abundance and prosperity, this powerful tea packs more than a powerful punch taste-wise.
Lime Ginger Iced Tea (makes 4 glasses)
INGREDIENTS
*6-8 tbsp lime ginger syrup, sweetened
*2 jasmine green tea bags
*800 ml water
*4-6 kaffir lime leaves, depending on their size; 2 for garnish
*Crushed ice
METHOD
*To a brewing pot add the lime ginger syrup
*Pour bubbling hot water into the pot and stir well
*Tear the kaffir lime leaves and gently crush between fingers to release their aroma. Add the leaves to the pot. *Add the tea bags to the pot and let them steep for at least an hour.
*Allow the brew to cool down completely.
*Refrigerate the brew for several hours or overnight.
TO SERVE
*extract the lime leaves from the brew
*add the crushed ice to a tall glass
*pour in the brewed tea
*garnish with lime leaves
Roses symbolise new beginnings, as the belief goes. So does fennel. This unusual aromatic milky blend of spices and chocolate is sure to usher in the New Year on a very sweet note.
White Chocolate Chai (makes 4 mugs) INGREDIENTS
*950 ml 1Ness dairy-free milk
*170g vegan white chocolate, chopped roughly; 50g for garnish, finely shaved *4 masala tea bags
*1/8 tsp sea salt
*dried rose petals, for garnish
*Raw sugar, if required for added sweetness
METHOD
*Over a medium flame heat the milk in a pot till it begins to steam bubble gently. Then turn off the flame *Add the tea bags to the milk and let them steep for a few minutes.
*Remove and discard the tea bags after extracting excess liquid from them
*Place the masala tea back over a medium flame.
*Blend in the chopped chocolate chunks till the liquid is smooth and creamy
*Add the sea salt and stir lightly
*Refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight, if serving cold
TO SERVE, WARM OR COLD
*Use a milk frother or a simple whisk to make the chai frothy
*Pour the chai into mugs
*Garnish with the chocolate shavings and rose petals
Uzvar is a traditional Ukrainian winter drink made with fresh and/or dried fruits, honey, and spices. It is one of the 12 dishes served at a Christmas Eve dinner. For added depth and aroma, tea bags have been tagged on to the original recipe.
Cloves are believed to ward off the evil eye, and this popular Eastern and Central European blend of cinnamon, cardamom and clove is sure to create a shield of warmth within and without.
Uzvar (makes 4 cups) INGREDIENTS
*1 small medium fresh apple (red or green); sliced and halved *50g raisins, black or golden
*25g dried apricots
*3 prunes
*25g dried strawberries
*25g mixed dried fruit
*1 cinnamon quill, plus 1/8tsp powder *6 cloves
*6 cardamom pods
*2 tbsp vegan honey, depending on desired sweetness
*800 ml filtered water
*2 spiced apple-vanilla flavoured tea bags
METHOD
*add the fruits to a comfortable-sized bowl and pour enough room temperature water to cover them.
* Allow the fruits to soak for at least 15 minutes before draining them in a colander.
* Rinse the fruits under running water.
*Add the drained fruits, 800ml water, and spices to a cooking pot.
*Bring the contents to a slow boil, cover the pot and allow the fruits to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. *Turn off the heat, add the tea bags and allow to rest covered for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight, before serving. *Add more honey, if required
*Serve warm or chilled
TO SERVE
Remove the tea bags and whole spices
To serve warm, heat the mixture gently over low heat.
Pour the liquid and fruits into cups.
Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon powder in each cup, before serving with dessert spoons.
This hot spiced and scented tangy tea has a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Oranges are considered symbols of good fortune and newness. In the past, orange and red fruits were also viewed as magical, possibly because of their vibrant colours. With its glowing yellow colour and enveloping aroma, pineapples symbolize joy. Historically also, pineapples have represented hospitality.
Christmas Tea (makes 4 cups)
INGREDIENTS
* a small pinch of cinnamon
* a small pinch of ground cloves * a
*pinch of ground ginger
* 1 tbsp orange peel, coarsely grated
*1/2 cup raw sugar
*700 ml water
* a splash of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
*1/4 cup orange juice
*1/4 cup pineapple juice
*1/4 cup cranberry juice
*orange flavoured tea bag
METHOD
*Combine the water, spices, orange peel and sugar in a pot and set to contents to gently boil for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. *Turn off the heat and add the tea bag.
*Cover the pot and let the contents simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes.
*Remove the tea bag.
*Add the lemon juice, and the orange and pineapple juices.
*Stir the mixture to combine it well.
TO SERVE *Christmas tea is traditionally served hot, in mugs
*Garnish with a few twirls of orange peel
