With Christmas now well and truly on countdown I thought it might be nice to write a post on tea pairings with some of the festive foods we eat.

When drinking Lapsang have it with chicken or smoked salmon sandwiches or walnut cake or Stilton cheese, to enhance the flavour of the tea and/or food.

Of course, Christmas isn’t Christmas without chocolate but with different strengths of chocolate, this does mean there is a choice of pairings. With dark chocolate, try Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Gyokuro, or Oolong. With milk or white chocolate try Darjeeling, Dragonwell, or Oolong,

When drinking Earl Grey have it with fine pate or ham and mustard sandwich’s or Crème Brulee or Leicester cheese, to enhance the flavour of the tea and/or food.

When drinking Ceylon tea try having it with cucumber or tomato sandwiches or tarte au citron or mature cheddar cheese.

As a change from tea as per say why not try Fortnum and Masons Rose Sparking Tea, 0% ABV.

Fortnum’s Rosé Sparkling Tea is wonderfully crisp and elegant, yet notably drier than the original, with a pale pink hue and a subtle sweetness – using hibiscus alongside even more tea per litre than before.

Highlighting complex flavours and remarkable layers, the palate opens with notes of tropical fruits, cranberry, hints of ginger, and deep layers of Darjeeling – complemented by light, fresh Japanese Sencha. Delicate tannins from the teas and hibiscus lend firm, precise structure and herbal complexity, whilst a nose of raspberry Pavlova, sherbet, wild strawberries, elderflower and oolong delivers a wonderful freshness. The finish is long and satisfyingly round, with white tea, a touch of baked dough and delicate spice inviting the next sip.

Best served chilled as an aperitif, this celebratory brew is versatile enough to enjoy alongside a variety of food. It is particularly impressive with cured ham, smoked fish and summer salads.

Why not try a Christmas Coffee like this fragrant blend of Honduran also from Fortnum and Mason, Ethiopian and Indian beans is rich with warming notes of festive spice, dried fruits, dark chocolate and figs. Hand roasted in small batches by our master roaster, it’s nothing less than Christmas in a cup.

Introducing our all new coffee range, revamped and reimagined with a special Fortnum’s twist! Discover brand new blends suitable for all-day sipping, classic favourites polished for your pleasure, and new sets that make wonderful gifts for coffee connoisseurs. Quality, freshness and responsible sourcing assured.

You could then finish with a tea liquer like this one from Whistler’s Storm Assam Black Tea Liqueur from Master of Malt. Assam is a classic choice, and this fabulous liqueur captures all of its marvellous aroma and flavour in booze form! Produced by cold-brewing tea and infusing it with a neutral base spirit, this is ideal sipped neat over ice or for adding a glorious new element to cocktails. Whistler’s Storm Assam Black Tea Liqueur scored an impressive 90 points at the International Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2022.

Another very tasty tea liquer is the Monin Early Grey Tea Liquer – The MONIN Earl Gray Tea Liqueur is an elegant blend of black tea and bergamot and is perfect as an ingredient for sophisticated spritzers and tonics.

Source: Master of Malt Fortnum and Mason Amazon