When the days grow shorter and the first frost settles on the windows, a pot of tea takes on a different role. It becomes a small ritual of the season, something to share after a walk in the snow or to linger over while the gifts are being wrapped. Few houses understand this better than Dammann Frères, one of France's oldest tea houses, whose heritage dates back to 1692. Its Christmas blends bring orange, spice and gingerbread to the teapot. Here is a short guide to the holiday teas we carry, with ideas for brewing, pairing and giving them.
Christmas Tea N°155: The House Classic
If one tea says Christmas at Dammann Frères, it is Christmas Tea N°155, the signature Christmas blend of the house. It is a smooth black tea with orange peel, flavored with maraschino, caramel and pineapple, with sweet orange essential oil. The result is subtly fruity and full of nuance: the warmth of orange and pineapple first, then hints of maraschino and caramel.
The 100 g red canister with its golden star is made to sit under the tree, while the red pocket of six tea bags slips easily into a stocking. Brew it at 90°C (194°F) for 4 to 5 minutes, and try it with a splash of milk on a winter afternoon. It is lovely with gingerbread, stollen or a slice of Yule log, and it is the base of our warm alcohol-free Christmas tea punch.
Christmas Tea Vert N°223: A Lighter Festive Cup
For those who prefer green tea, Christmas Tea Vert N°223 is the green-tea companion to the house's famous Christmas Tea. Pieces of apple and orange peel meet cinnamon, vanilla, apple and bitter almond, lifted by essential oils of blood orange and ginger. Spicy and gently woody, it is a lighter cup for the afternoons of the holiday season.
Green tea asks for a little more care: water at 80°C (176°F) and 3 to 4 minutes of steeping keep it bright rather than bitter. Serve it with an apple tart, a baked apple or spiced cookies, with a spoonful of honey if you like.
Caffeine-Free Cups for Winter Evenings
After a festive dinner, or late in the evening, two blends without tea leaves come into their own.
Rooibos de Noël N°250 is a naturally caffeine-free rooibos blended with orange peel, ginger, pink peppercorns and clove, and scented with gingerbread, bitter orange and cherry. Rounded, subtly woody and gently spiced, it is an evening cup for the whole family. Brew it at 90°C (194°F) for 4 to 5 minutes, or turn it into a Christmas rooibos latte.
Tisane de Noël N°467 is a warming, indulgent herbal infusion that gathers cinnamon, lemon balm, cocoa beans, licorice, ginger and cardamom, with notes of chocolate and a touch of pepper. Pour boiling water over it and let it steep for 6 minutes. It is a caffeine-free alternative to dessert, with a chocolate truffle alongside, and the heart of our spiced herbal hot chocolate. As it contains licorice, people with high blood pressure should avoid drinking it in excess.
Noël à Paris Tea Jelly: Christmas Tea on a Spoon
Dammann Frères also turns tea into something to spread. Noël à Paris Tea Jelly is prepared from Noël à Paris, the festive black tea blend the house flavors with cherry, gingerbread and bitter almond. Smooth and velvety, it offers indulgent notes of almond, cherry and spiced gingerbread.
Spread it on a buttered brioche or a crêpe for a holiday breakfast, spoon it over fromage blanc or vanilla ice cream, or serve it on canapés, as in our foie gras and spice bread bites. Because of its bitter almond flavoring, it contains almonds.
How to Brew Christmas Tea Well
A festive blend deserves a little attention. A few simple habits make all the difference:
- Mind the temperature: 90°C (194°F) for the black tea and the rooibos, 80°C (176°F) for the green tea, and boiling water for the herbal infusion.
- Watch the clock: 4 to 5 minutes for Christmas Tea and Rooibos de Noël, 3 to 4 minutes for Christmas Tea Vert, 6 minutes for Tisane de Noël.
- Warm the pot: rinse the teapot or cup with hot water before brewing so the tea stays warm longer.
- Add milk thoughtfully: a splash suits Christmas Tea N°155, and the rooibos makes a fine latte; the green tea is best plain or with a little honey.
- Store with care: keep the tins tightly closed, away from light, heat and moisture, so the aromas last through the season.
Small Gifts with a French Accent
Christmas teas make thoughtful presents for almost anyone on your list:
- Under the tree: the red and green canisters with their golden stars are ready to give as they are.
- In a stocking: the pockets of six tea bags are small enough to slip in alongside a few treats.
- On the holiday table: a pocket at each place setting makes a charming favor for your guests.
- A breakfast basket: pair a tin of Christmas Tea with a jar of Noël à Paris Tea Jelly for a festive morning.
Ready to bring a French Christmas to your teapot? Explore our Christmas collection and the full range of Dammann Frères teas, and enjoy the season one cup at a time.
