Restaurants›Little Hen›The Queen's Guard Recipe

The Queen's Guard Recipe

Inspired by Little Hen

Time30m

Serves1

Black tea - rose, lavender & rose geranium. A classic English garden in a cup.

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Ingredients

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Tea Blend (makes about 40 g, enough for ~20 single cups or several pot servings)

1.06 oz (30 g) black tea (assam or robust english breakfast, whole leaf)0.21 oz (6 g) dried rose petals (organic, culinary grade)1/8 oz (3 g) dried lavender buds0.04 oz (1 g) dried rose geranium leaves (or rose geranium petals)

To Brew (per 1 cup / 240 ml)

1.01 cup (240 ml) filtered water2 tsp tea blend (from above)1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)2.03 tbsp (30 ml) milk (dairy or plant, optional)

Method

Make the Tea Blend

Weigh and prepare ingredients

Weigh out the black tea, dried rose petals, lavender buds, and rose geranium. Use a digital scale for accuracy; gently crumble any large rose petals or geranium leaves with your fingers to help the aroma release.

Combine and mix

Place the black tea in a clean, dry bowl. Sprinkle the rose petals, lavender and rose geranium over the leaves. Use a spoon to gently toss until the botanicals are evenly distributed through the tea leaves.

Rest and store

Transfer the blended tea to an airtight container and let it rest for at least 24 hours in a cool, dark place to allow the floral notes to marry with the black tea. The blend will keep for several months when stored properly.

Brewing a Cup

Heat water

Bring 240 ml filtered water to a rolling boil (about 100°C / 212°F). Use freshly drawn water for the best flavor.

Measure tea

Place 2 teaspoons of the Queen's Guard tea blend into a teapot, infuser, or tea-for-one vessel. If you prefer a stronger brew, use 2.5–3 tsp.

Steep

Pour the boiling water over the tea. Steep for 3.5 to 4 minutes for a robust cup with pronounced floral notes. For a lighter floral character, steep 3 minutes. Avoid steeping longer than 5 minutes to prevent excessive bitterness from the black tea.

Strain and taste

Strain the tea into your cup. Taste and adjust: add honey or sugar if desired (start with 1 tsp), or a splash (about 30 ml) of milk for a creamier finish. Stir gently to combine.

Serving suggestion

Garnish optionally with a single fresh rose petal or a few lavender buds for presentation. Serve hot. The tea also makes a delicate iced tea: brew double strength, cool to room temperature, then pour over ice and dilute to taste.