Mariage Frères, Esprit De Noël, Black Tea Recipe

Warm the teapot or cup

Pour a small amount (about 50 ml) of freshly boiled water into your teapot or cup, swirl to warm the vessel, then discard the water.

Bring 250 ml filtered water to a near rolling boil (95–98°C / 203–208°F). If you do not have a thermometer, bring to a full boil and let sit 20–30 seconds.

While the water heats, lightly crush one green cardamom pod with the back of a spoon to open the seed chamber; break the cinnamon stick in half if not already done.

Add the 3 g (approximately 1 heaping teaspoon) of Mariage Frères Esprit de Noël loose black tea into an infuser, teapot, or directly into your warmed cup.

Add the prepared spice pieces: 1 whole clove, the crushed cardamom pod, 1/2 cinnamon stick, and 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel to the tea with the leaves.

Pour the 250 ml of just-off-boil water over the tea leaves and spices, ensuring everything is submerged.

Cover and steep for 4–5 minutes for a full-bodied cup. For a milder, more aromatic brew, steep 3–4 minutes. Do not exceed 6 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness from the black tea.

After steeping, remove the infuser or strain the tea into a cup to catch all spice fragments and orange peel.

Taste and, if desired, sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, stirring until dissolved. Add 30 ml milk or cream if you prefer a richer, chai-like finish; stir gently to combine.

Garnish with a thin orange slice or twist and half a star anise for presentation (optional). Serve immediately.

Discard spent leaves and spices after serving. If brewing for multiple servings, multiply ingredients proportionally (see servings note).