Davis Bay Tea Recipe

Brew strong black tea

Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 heaping teaspoons (or 2 tea bags) of strong black tea and steep 4–5 minutes for a robust flavor. Strain into a heatproof container and keep warm. After brewing, add 1 cup hot water to adjust strength if desired.

Infuse milk with cardamom

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup half-and-half, and 3 lightly crushed green cardamom pods. Warm over medium-low heat until just below simmer (small bubbles forming at edges), about 4–6 minutes. Do not boil. Stir occasionally to prevent film forming.

Finish the milk

Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes so cardamom aroma develops. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve to remove cardamom pods and any solids; reserve the infused milk warm.

Sweeten the tea

While the brewed tea is still hot, stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference. If you prefer honey, stir in 1 teaspoon honey after the tea has cooled slightly (so heat doesn’t degrade honey's flavor).

Combine tea and milk

Pour 2 cups of the sweetened brewed black tea into each of two warmed cups (about 1 cup per serving), then add 1/2 cup of the warm cardamom-infused milk to each cup (ratio: about 2:1 tea to milk). Stir gently to combine. Optionally add a very small pinch (about 1 grind) of freshly ground black pepper to each cup to accentuate warmth.

Brighten with citrus

Grate about 1/4 teaspoon lime zest very finely and stir a pinch into the tea (or float a thin lemon/lime slice on the surface) to add a subtle bright note reminiscent of Davis Bay coastal freshness.

Top each cup with a light sprinkle (about 1/4 teaspoon split between cups) of crushed cardamom seeds and place a thin lemon or lime slice on the rim or floated in the cup. Serve immediately while warm.