By Laura Rancie.
One way to infuse sophistication into your holiday gatherings is by exploring the world of homemade artisanal spice blends for Summer teas and ice-cold drink blends. Move beyond the ordinary and embrace a symphony of flavours for your taste buds to elevate your holiday experience with these four tasting combos. Use your tastebuds to mix and match to your desired flavour, adding more or less of any ingredient.
Chai Elegance:
Begin your chai journey with your own blend that transcends the conventional. Combine robust black tea leaves with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and a hint of clove. The key is in the balance – a dance of spices that harmonises rather than overpowers. Garnish with a touch of star anise for an added layer of complexity.
Go from a hot black chai tea into an iced cold chai, by mixing the above spices with a bit of boiling water, then filling to the top with almond milk and ice cubes. Keep in fridge until needed. To make it sweeter, add a dash of pure maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Christmas Wonderland White Tea:
For those seeking a lighter touch, opt for a white tea. This ethereal blend combines delicate white tea leaves with fragrant jasmine blossoms, dried orange peel and a whisper of rosemary. The result is a subtle and refreshing concoction.
Spiced Citrus Infusion:
This spiced citrus infusion marries cinnamon and cloves with the zesty Summery notes of orange and lemon peel. This vibrant blend is perfect for those who prefer a tangy twist to their holiday beverages. Add a dash of honey for a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavour profile.
Refreshing Herbal Medley:
This herbal medley is a great one to have on rotation. Not only is it caffeine-free, but also completely dairy and sugar-free. Blend chamomile, lavender and mint with a hint of nutmeg and sage. This infusion offers a serene and calming experience, making it an ideal choice for lazing by the pool reading a good book, with glass and ice cubes in hand.
Gingerbread Delight:
Celebrate the more traditional flavours of the season with a gingerbread delight blend. Infuse black tea with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of vanilla. The result is a holiday concoction reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Serve with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of fancy-schmancy. This one would be great served hot or cold, with almond or coconut milk for extra smoothness.
This holiday season, redefine your festive traditions by embracing DIY spice blends for Christmas teas and drinks. Elevate your gatherings with thoughtfully crafted homemade combinations that create a sense of warmth and indulgence, tweaked just how you like them.
