In My Holiday Mug: Christmas Tea
Have you ever smelled Christmas? It’s warm, welcoming, and sweet. It smells like cranberries, cinnamon, and citrus. Fresh pine lingers in the background as a hint of roasted turkey wafts from the kitchen. All the scents combined bring on feelings of joy, happiness, and excitement… Christmas is here!
If you have never had mulled holiday tea on Christmas you are straight-up missing out. For reals, it’s like Christmas in a mug! What I love most about steeping a beautiful mug of Christmas tea is how it makes my kitchen come alive. The rich cinnamon, the spicy cloves, the bright orange… it all muddles together to form something wonderful.
There are so many ways to make a comforting mug of mulled Christmas tea. Some like to add a splash of wine, while others may opt for the non-alcoholic kind. I am usually the latter. I like to drink my Christmas tea in the morning knowing I’ll be enjoying other Christmas delights (like spiked egg nog) later in the day! Everything in moderation right? Plus the little kiddies in your life can enjoy a warm mug!
Mulled Christmas Tea
This tea is Christmas in a mug. A strong earl grey becomes the base of this tea, while a raspberry & pomegranate herbal tea layers on the fruitiness. Rich cinnamon sticks and whole star anise and cloves add a touch of spiciness, and create a fragrance like no other. Make ahead of time and let it simmer on the stovetop for 1-2 hours; serve to your guests pipping hot with a cinnamon stick!
Ingredients
3 cups boiling water
2 decaffeinated earl grey tea bags
3 raspberry & pomegranate herbal tea bags
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise pods
8 whole cloves
Garnish: whole raspberries & pomegranate seeds
Directions
1. Place tea bags in a large saucepan. Pour boiling water over tea bags and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags from pot, gently squeezing out any water.
4. Add all remaining ingredients. Over medium-high heat, bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Carefully strain the tea and serve warm garnished with whole raspberries & pomegranate seeds.
Will you be serving a Christmas tea this holiday season?