In many cultures, alcohol is the go-to beverage for romantic occasions. However, there are also longstanding traditions surrounding tea and weddings in Chinese culture, wedding "tea" (an afternoon tea event) is a part of some Western weddings, and many tea drinkers are now finding that sharing tea with a loved one can be every bit as romantic as sharing champagne.
Flowering Teas
Lindsey Goodwin
Also known as "blooming teas" or "display teas," flowering teas are hand-tied bundles of tealeaves that open into extravagant displays. Some contain flowers inside, while others open into sculptural forms made purely of tealeaves and tea buds.
Place your flowering tea in a clear pot or large wine glass, add hot water, and enjoy the show with your partner.
Place your flowering tea in a clear pot or large wine glass, add hot water, and enjoy the show with your partner.
Chrysanthemum Blossoms
Marko Goodwin
Technically a tisane / "herbal tea," chrysanthemum "tea" has an etherial look and gentle flavor that makes it perfect for steeping in a wine glass or elegant pitcher. I particularly recommend Dao Tea's Wild Chrysanthemum.
Alternatives to chrysanthemum flowers include chamomile flowers and osmanthus flowers.
Alternatives to chrysanthemum flowers include chamomile flowers and osmanthus flowers.
Rose Teas
A bouquet of roses may be trite, but a rose tea can capture the romance of roses with a little more spark and creativity.Roses have been used to scent and flavor tea in Southern China for hundreds of years. These days, they are blended into various teas (mostly black teas and white teas) for flavor, aroma and color. For a caffeine-free version of rose tea, try a rose "tea" by another name -- a rose tisane or rose blossoms.
Jasmine Pearl Teas
Marko Goodwin
Good quality Jasmine Pearls are made of hand-rolled tea buds that have been scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. They smell elegant, smooth and sweet, like a fine perfume, and they have a delicate aftertaste that lingers on the lips. Romantic? Heck, yeah!
Chocolate Teas
Love them or hate them, chocolate teas are becoming a popular flavored tea in North America and Europe. They can be a good alternative to the more traditional gift of a box of chocolates. However, if you're not opposed to the tradition of chocolate as a romantic gift, I suggest checking out these tea chocolates.Dessert Teas
Marko Goodwin
If you're looking for something sweet for your sweetheart, check out dessert teas. Dessert teas are sweet-tasting teas that are typically blended with vanilla, caramel, fruit or other sweet ingredients. For example, naturally sweet Cinnamon Plum Rooibos from Rishi Tea is a dessert tea.
Kama Chai Sutra Tea
Tavalon Tea's Kama Chai Sutra Tea is an invigorating blend of black tea, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla beans. It was created by Chris Cason, who was my co-judge for the Tea Recipe Contest here on About Coffee / Tea.Amore Tea
Art of Tea's Amore Tea is a romantic blend of organic white tea, roses and mint. A similar tea is are available from Rishi Tea: White Tea Rose Melange.Full disclosure: I have worked with The Art of Tea on a freelance basis.
