Teas to Try This Winter – How to Brew the Perfect Homemade Tea

It's that time of year where the days get cooler and you find yourself curling up on the couch more often. Although the frost of winter may make outdoors a little less inviting, there is never a better time to embrace the icy days by mellowing out, getting comfy and enjoying a warm cup of tea. So, pull out your fluffy slippers and robe, pop the kettle on and by the time it's finished boiling you'll have the know-how to brew the perfect homemade tea that will keep you cosy this winter!

Turning the Chill into Chilling Out

Just like a loving mother's hug or nestling deeper into a pile of pillows and blankets, the feeling of enjoying a warm mug clasped between your palms easily takes the edge off the cool season. Simple, quick and oh so calming, brewing yourself a tea is the ultimate way to slip into comfort and take a moment to relish in the ritual. Not only does tea taste delicious and warm you from the inside-out, the act of taking a moment of mindfulness can calm your nervous system. Allow yourself to feel the pleasant benefits of self-care while you keep yourself toasty.

Soothing Brews

Sink into relaxation while sipping between the steam. When it comes to selecting the perfect tea, there are an abundance of aromatic and invigorating blends to choose from. Here are some of our favourites, their benefits and how to brew the perfect cup.

Chai Tea

Spiced and fragrant, chai tea is a delicious winter treat - there's just something that seems so fitting about enjoying cinnamon in the colder months!

Boasting a host of amazing health properties, chai tea is rich in antioxidants, can reduce inflammation, improves digestion and reduces blood sugar levels.

How to Brew:

1. Scoop 1 tsp of tea leaves into a teapot for every 1 cup of water
2. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and allow to steep for 5 minutes
3. If you wish to, add honey and lashings of milk to taste for a sweet creamy blend

The Perfect Vessel:

Our Avanti Imperial Cast Iron Teapot features a removable stainless steel strainer which is perfect for brewing and serving loose leaf teas. The cast iron composition also ensures your tea stays hot until the last drop!

Lemon and Ginger Tea

A match made in heaven, lemon and ginger are the perfect pair to help you fight off feeling sick while tasting tantalisingly light and tangy.

Lemon and ginger tea is a time-tested combination that possesses potent immune boosting properties thanks to its high level of antioxidants and vitamin C. This blend also relieves nausea and benefits skin while combating high blood sugar!

How to Brew:

1. Squeeze 1/4 of a lemon into a tea cup
2. Peel and finely slice 1cm of ginger root then add to cup
3. Fill the cup with boiling water and allow to steep for 3 minutes
4. Add honey for a sweetened tea

The Perfect Vessel:

Our Maxwell &Williams White Basics Diamonds Tea Cup and Saucer is the perfect size for a helping of lemon and ginger tea. Its divinely rippled ceramic surface fits the delicate nature of this brew while the matching saucer protects your fingers from the heat.

Fruit Tea

These spritely tea blends are technically known as tisanes. Bright and naturally sweet, fruit teas consist of a mix of dehydrated fruits, herbal tea leaves and florals.

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, fruit teas can assist detoxification and support the immune system - just be sure to select a quality fruit tea that is non-sweetened.

How to Brew:

1. Scoop 1 tsp of tea into a teapot for every 1 cup of water
2. Pour boiling water over the tea and allow to infuse for 5 - 10 minutes
3. Gently stir before serving to fully release the flavour

The Perfect Vessel:

Our Avanti Nouveau Stainless Steel Teapot is a great choice for fruit teas as its generous 1 litre capacity allows the fruit morsels to swell while brewing. It also includes a strainer for infusing loose blends.

Chamomile Tea

Melt into a restful slumber with a cup of calming chamomile tea. This subtly flavoured tea will have you cuddled up and snug in no time.

Perfect for a range of health concerns such as menstrual pain, diabetes, osteoporosis, inflammation and immunity, chamomile tea also promotes rejuvenating sleep with its soothing properties.

How to Brew:

1. Scoop 1 tsp of loose chamomile flowers into an infuser
2. Pour boiling water over the flowers and allow to infuse for 5 - 10 minutes
3. Add a dollop of honey if desired

The Perfect Vessel:

Our Maxwell & Williams Teas & C's Zanzibar Lidded Mug with Infuser allows you to brew and sip with its removable infuser while the handy lid keeps in the warmth.

Explore the rest of our Tea and Coffee crockery and Tea Cups range to find the most beautiful cups, saucers and kettles that will enhance your tea brewing experience.

Shop now