Make cafe-quality winter tea at home

A drink that wraps you in an array of delightful flavors, winter tea can uplift any cold and gloomy evening. You do not need to peruse the menus of local cafes, though. You can very well make this specialty tea at home, with it being less costly but tasting just as good.

Anyone who has ordered warming winter tea from a cafe or restaurant knows it can be expensive. However, making such a delicacy at home can be both cost-effective and time-saving. And having most of the required ingredients in your kitchen cabinets is just a bonus. Don't worry; there's no need for lavish teas. Black tea is the ideal choice.

It's wise to replace green tea with black, pu-erh, or oolong tea in autumn and winter. According to traditional Chinese medicine, green tea is said to have a cooling effect on the body. While consuming it won't be harmful, it might not be the best choice for the colder seasons.

Why choose black tea? First, black tea infusions pair perfectly with various additives, from spices to dried fruits. And as we all know, these are the aspects winter tea lovers savor. When dealing with pu-erh teas, consuming them as they are is better. These infusions deserve special attention in winter as they are antibacterial and contain easily absorbed vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

Oolong tea is the perfect blend of green and black tea characteristics. Because of its bactericidal properties, oolong is an excellent choice for the cold seasons. Additionally, it's rich in minerals, vitamins, theophylline, and caffeine, which can help maintain energy levels during the short, chilly winter days.

Winter tea is primarily known for its unique taste that combines the spicy notes of various spices with the citrusy tones of oranges and lemons and the sweetness of honey or raspberry syrup. This combination tastes amazing on cool autumn-winter days and provides numerous health benefits.

• Ginger promotes warmth and has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, making it helpful in treating colds, coughs, and sore throats.
• Lemon is rich in vitamin C, bolsters the immune system, and fights free radicals.
• Honey has antibacterial properties and a soothing, sweet taste.
• Cinnamon stimulates circulation, reduces blood sugar levels, and has antibacterial properties.
• Cloves have antiseptic, analgesic, and appetite stimulant effects.
• Vanilla enhances aroma, helps to relieve stomach cramps, and has a calming effect.
• Raspberries are a source of vitamins, antioxidants, and salicylic acid, which have anti-fever and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rosemary is exceptional in winter teas for its ability to assist in tackling viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
• Dried fruits like plums, pears, apples, apricots, and quinces enhance the taste of winter tea, add sweetness, and are also a source of fiber.

Ingredients:

• 2.1 cups of boiling water,
• 2 teaspoons of loose tea (preferably black),
• 2 teaspoons of honey or raspberry syrup,
• Half an orange,
• A small piece of cinnamon bark,
• 0.4 inch of ginger root,
• 3 cloves,
• A sprig of rosemary.

Steps:

1. Rinse the orange and slice it.
2. Grate the ginger using a fine grater.
3. Transfer the ingredients to a pitcher or teapot. Add the cloves, cinnamon, and rosemary.
4. Brew the tea in a separate vessel, following the manufacturer's instructions. Once ready, pour it over the prepared ingredients, and stir.
5. Remember to add the honey to the tea only after the brew has cooled down slightly.