Winter is a time for getting cosy, enjoying films and sipping tea in front of the fire. It’s also the season we find ourselves paying more attention to our health as we fend off the colds that come around with the chilly weather. Here, we have eight tea flavours that are ideal for the winter season, helping you stay warm, well and uplifted. 

1. Christmas tea 

This festive spicy blend is built on a base of black tea and typically includes additions like orange peel, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s fragrant, flavourful, and the perfect tea to get you in the mood for Christmas. Serve black, and with a spoonful of honey if you like your tea sweet.

2. Chai

Also based on strong black tea, chai is another warming comfort drink that staves off the winter blues. Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black peppercorns are all used to flavour it, and it’s usually served with a splash of milk and sweetened with sugar. 

3. Echinacea tea

If you’re looking for wellness benefits from your tea during winter, try a soothing cup of echinacea tea. Packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it boosts your immune system, helps to reduce the duration of cold and sore throat symptoms, and helps to prevent cold sores. Add a splash of almond milk if you find the flavours a little too intense. 

4. Lemon & ginger

Lemon and ginger tea is another option for those looking to optimise their health over the colder months. With Vitamin C to boost immunity and ginger to aid digestion and fight inflammation, it’s a comforting choice that helps to promote overall wellness. Serve without milk. 

5. Chocolate tea

If you love hot chocolate but are looking for a lighter, less rich alternative, chocolate tea is the perfect drink. With notes of roasted cocoa, and hints of caramel and vanilla, this black tea is a comforting option for wintry mornings or after a brisk walk. A little milk will make it creamier, or add sugar to sweeten it further. 

6. Lapsang souchong

For those who enjoy bold, intense flavours, lapsang souchong is a wonderfully full-bodied tea to beat the winter cold. Dried over pine fires, it’s rich and smoky with notes of pine and a subtle natural sweetness - perfect for drinking in front of a roaring fire. Drink with milk to mellow the intense flavour and/or honey to sweeten. 

7. Vanilla rooibos

Naturally caffeine free, rooibos is rich in antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and support heart health. It’s a smooth, naturally sweet option with vanilla and nutty notes, and can be drunk in the evening thanks to being stimulant-free. Serve with or without milk, according to taste. 

8. Peppermint tea

Peppermint has a zingy, refreshing flavour that’s sure to pep you up if the long nights are getting you down. It’s also great for digestion and improving your focus. Add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten.

Tea with the tiger

Christmas may be a time for hot drinks and duvet days, but it’s also a time for family theatre near me. If your kids love the interactive element of pantomimes, they’ll also enjoy seeing The Tiger Who Came to Tea live on stage. This tiger play is based on the picture book by Judith Kerr and has singing, dancing, magic and clumsy chaos designed to delight children aged three and up. Take a look at the latest dates and venues of our tiger shows  and book today.