Winter in our beloved Oz is a tapestry woven with diverse threads, where you can chase snowflakes or soak up the gentle sunrays, depending on where you find yourself. For those of us who can feel the cool breeze through the air, it may be time to cosy up with a steaming cup of one of the winter teas. But before that (if you’ve not done it already), it’s high time to give your tea drawer a well-deserved makeover.
So unravel the world of best teas for cold weather and arm yourselves with an arsenal of winter teas to keep you warm and also bolster your immune systems.
Here’s a list of the 12 best teas for cold weather:
1. Green Tea
Starting off our list of winter teas with a popular one – green tea. This winter tea’s all about the way those tea leaves are processed. You see, they're plucked from the camellia sinensis plant, just like other teas, but here's the twist: green tea leaves are steamed before being rolled. This steaming process gives the leaves their vibrant green colour and fresh, grassy flavour.
Its delicate aroma is reminiscent of fresh grass and blooming gardens. But what’s that got to do with being one of the popular winter teas? Well…when the cold winds blow it provides a gentle warmth. Like most winter teas, sipping on a cup of green tea envelops you in a sense of tranquillity, melting away the winter blues and awakening a renewed energy.
2. Lemon ginger tea
Crafted from lemon and the mighty ginger root – part of the Zingiber officinale plant family that includes turmeric, galangal and cardamom – lemon and ginger tea has been revered for centuries for its medicinal properties. When winter's chill sets in, it's no wonder that lemon ginger tea becomes one of the go-to winter teas for many.
In the realm of winter teas, lemon and ginger tea is considered an effective remedy for soothing sore throats, tackling irritating colds and addressing various health concerns. But lemon ginger tea is more than that; its bold and slightly spicy flavour offers a one-of-a-kind experience that warms you well. With each sip, a burst of tangy citrus flavour uplifts your mood, while the ginger adds a subtle fiery kick.
3. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is like a warm hug for your taste buds on those chilly winter mornings. It's one of the few winter teas that taste like a dessert and offer a plethora of health benefits. Derived from the inner barks of Cinnamomum trees, this aromatic tea delivers a distinctive flavour that’s simply indescribable.
There’re few things comparable to sipping on a cup of any of the winter teas, especially this one, as you watch frosty landscapes outside your window. The comforting aroma and the bittersweet notes of cinnamon invoke visuals of cosy fireplaces and spiced treats.
To prepare one of the most festive winter teas to keep you warm, simply steep cinnamon sticks in boiling water or use teapigs tea temples for a quicker infusion.
4. Earl Grey Tea
Next up on our list of winter teas is a tantalizing blend of true tea leaves infused with the essence of bergamot orange, giving it a distinctive citrusy punch. To create Earl Grey tea, the dried rind of the bergamot orange is skilfully combined with black tea leaves, resulting in a brew that's bursting with flavour.
On a chilly winter morning cradling a steaming cup of one of the most regally named winter teas (*wink*) adds a touch of elegance and luxury to the morning. Now, every tea maker has their own unique way of crafting Earl Grey, so you might find subtle variations in its flavour profile. But one thing remains constant – it's one of those winter teas that's guaranteed to uplift your mood and bring a touch of brightness to your winter days.
5. Chai tea
Chai tea is where warmth and spices collide to create a masterpiece of flavours. When we talk about Chai tea, we're talking about one of the winter teas that's cherished in many corners of the globe.
We all enjoy a steaming cup of sweet milky goodness, infused with a fragrant blend of spices – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and sometimes a touch of black pepper, swirling together with black tea and milk. The concoction has all the traits of winter teas. It's like a cosy embrace on a chilly winter day, wrapping you in a blanket of flavour and comfort. In the cold weather, winter teas like Chai tea become an even more cherished companion.
6. Chamomile Tea
As one of the soothing winter teas, Chamomile tea is crafted from the delicate petals of the chamomile plant, offering a caffeine-free drink that can be enjoyed at any time of day. However, it holds a special place as a bedtime tea, helping to unwind and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
Chamomile tea is one of the cherished winter teas to keep you warm and calm. Its soothing properties help calm the mind and relax the body, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst the winter hustle. With its immune-boosting qualities, chamomile tea becomes a comforting companion and emerges as an inviting choice among the delightful array of winter teas.
7. Rooibos spiced tea
Another caffeine-free delight among the enticing assortment of herbal winter teas to keep you warm, is Rooibos spiced tea. This exquisite blend combines the finest super-grade Rooibos with tantalizing hints of orange, cloves and a medley of spices. Just the thought of it brings comfort and cosiness to mind.
Embrace the allure of winter teas with a cup of Rooibos spiced tea, affectionately known as red tea or red bush tea. The leaves undergo a meticulous process of harvesting, drying and oxidation, resulting in their vibrant red hue.
The spicy world of winter teas tantalizes your senses as you steep those leaves and unfold a beautiful ensemble of flavours. The natural sweetness of Rooibos mingles with the zesty notes of orange and the subtle warmth of cloves and spices.
8. Lemongrass tea
A herbaceous gem that graces the world of winter teas is lemongrass tea. It’s known for its abundance of antioxidants and delightful flavour and aroma – a popular ingredient in both teas and culinary creations. When brewed into a soothing cup of lemongrass tea, you'll be greeted with a pleasantly surprising blend of sweet lime and citrus notes, a perfect antidote to the chilly weather.
Unlock the therapeutic potential of lemongrass tea and cherish the medicinal properties within the field of winter teas. As the cold season sets in, this invigorating brew may offer respite, helping to ease the discomforts of colds and chest congestion, bringing comfort and relief to wintry days.
9. Liquorice and peppermint tea
Crafted from the root of the liquorice plant and the leaves of peppermint, liquorice and peppermint tea captures the essence of winter teas. Glycyrrhiza glabra, the scientific name of liquorice, reveals the intriguing origins of this beloved herb. Derived from the Greek words "glykos" and "rhiza," which translate to "sweet root," it perfectly depicts the spirit of this plant's remarkable flavour and aroma.
This herbal drink is a popular choice, particularly in the realm of winter teas, thanks to its soothing and comforting properties. When brewing liquorice tea, you enjoy a distinct and delightful aroma that exudes earthy and sweet notes. The exquisite aroma and flavours transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, inviting you to savour the essence of winter teas.
10. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, a radiant gem among winter teas, is crafted from the sun-dried petals of the hibiscus flower. With its fruity and slightly tart flavour, hibiscus tea offers an enjoyable and stimulating experience. The tangy notes awaken your senses and provide a much-needed burst of energy during the chilly season.
Not only is hibiscus tea a treat for your palate, but it also holds a treasure trove of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, this brew is believed to boost immunity and protect against common colds and flu.
11. Peppermint tea
As we near the end of our delightful array of winter teas, this gem demands some attention: peppermint tea. This invigorating brew is meticulously crafted by harvesting the leaves of the peppermint plant, a hybrid of water mint and spearmint.
But what truly sets it apart from other winter teas is its powerful weapon – menthol, the compound responsible for its refreshing flavour. When the cold weather sets in, reach for a steaming mug of one of the best teas for cold weather to experience its soothing magic. This mighty ingredient acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear congested noses and relieve those annoying winter coughs.
Among the delightful array of winter teas, this popular beverage stands out with its vibrant minty aroma and refreshing taste.
12. Mullein tea
The final one in our list of winter teas, Mullein tea quietly emerges as a comforting drink. This remarkable brew, crafted from the leaves and flowers of the Mullein plant is a hidden gem that has a rich aroma and herbal flavour with a subtle sweetness. While it may not be as well-known as some other winter teas, its medicinal properties and refreshing taste have earned it a revered status among the other winter teas. Like other winter teas, it’s comforting to drink Mullein tea during winter. From its soothing effects on the respiratory system to its immune-supporting properties, this herbal infusion can be helpful.
conclusion:
In the depths of cold weather, when the winds howl and frost blankets the land, there is solace to be found in a steaming cup of tea. From the invigorating warmth of ginger tea to the festive embrace of chamomile, the world of teas offers a vast array of flavours and benefits to uplift the spirits and soothe the body. So, as winter settles in, wrap your hands around a cup of one of the best teas for cold weather and enjoy the season.
faqs on winter teas
Q. What is a good tea for winter?
A. Well…it’s tough to choose one flavour from the best teas for cold weather, but we reckon there's nothing quite like a cup of spiced chai tea to warm you up. Its fragrant blend of spices, black tea and milk creates a cozy and comforting experience. So, it may be considered the highlight of winter teas.
Q. What is the best herbal tea for winter?
A. Lemon ginger tea is a revitalizing blend that combines zesty citrus notes with the invigorating warmth of ginger. It's a popular choice for cold weather due to its soothing properties, helping to ease sore throats and congestion. The combination of lemon and ginger offers an uplifting flavour profile, providing a burst of energy on chilly days.
Q. Which tea keeps the body warm?
A. While all hot teas can provide warmth, spiced teas like chai tea and lemon ginger tea excel in their ability to keep you cosy and toasty during winter. The combination of aromatic spices and invigorating flavours in these teas not only warms you up but also adds a delightful touch of comfort.
