Tea parties are designed to be exquisite affairs where every sip and bite matters. Tea Pairings take your tea party to the next level by matching the right tea to your tea party menu. This is the perfect way to impress your guests by tantalizing their taste buds with complementary flavors and aromas.
In this post we take you on a short journey into the art of tea pairings, and together we will explore the perfect combinations for a memorable tea party.
Savory Delights Pairings:
Add a new dimension to your savory course, by suggesting paired teas that will bring out the best of your beautiful menu choice.
Our menu suggestions:
Finger Sandwiches: Light and delicate cucumber sandwiches or savory smoked salmon can be beautifully complemented by a floral and refreshing green tea, such as Jasmine or Sencha.
You can find our tea party sandwich recipes here.
Quiches and Tarts: The buttery richness of quiches and savory tarts pairs wonderfully with a classic Earl Grey or a bold Assam tea, to add a hint of citrus or maltiness.
Cheese Platter: Whether it’s a creamy Brie or a sharp Cheddar, cheese lovers will appreciate the balanced complexity of an oolong tea like Tieguanyin (Oolong tea) or a lightly oxidized Darjeeling, which cuts through the richness with a floral and fruity profile.
Sweet Treats Tea Pairings:
Pairing teas with sweet treats at a tea party is a joy. Here are our menu suggestions:
Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam: The quintessential tea party indulgence, English scones are elevated when paired with a traditional English Breakfast tea or a robust Ceylon tea, whose malty notes compliment the richness of the cream and sweetness of the jam.
Pastries and Petit Fours: Delicate pastries and petit fours find their match in a fragrant and slightly sweet tea like Moroccan Mint or a floral Jasmine Pearl tea, enhancing the intricate flavors without overpowering them.
Chocolate Desserts: For chocolate lovers, a rich and robust black tea such as Keemun or a smoky Lapsang Souchong creates a harmonious balance, bringing out the depth of flavor in decadent chocolate desserts.
Our other favorite pairings:
Fresh Fruit: Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and melons pair beautifully with a delicate white tea like Silver Needle or Pai Mu Tan, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruit to shine.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: The nutty and earthy flavors of almonds, walnuts, and dried apricots find harmony with a smooth and mellow tea such as a Golden Monkey black tea or a nutty Hojicha green tea.
The secret to good tea pairing lies in experimentation and discovering combinations that delight your guests. By offering a selection of teas and food, your tea party will surely be a resounding success, leaving guests enchanted and eager for more.