Tea is like a gentle woman, while wine is like a fiery youth. However, not all types of tea can be paired with wine. When it comes to the most blendable tea, black tea is undoubtedly the top choice. Black tea undergoes a fermentation process that reduces tea polyphenols and tannic acid while producing aromatic substances like theaflavins and thearubigins. As a result, black tea is less bitter and more fragrant, making it perfect for blending. Westerners mostly enjoy blended tea, which is likely one of the reasons black tea is so popular among them.
Now it is winter, which is just the right season to drink black tea. Besides drinking it plain, we often blend black tea with milk, honey, or lemon juice. However, these are relatively light and refreshing ways to enjoy it. If you want a more stimulating taste, try adding some wine to it—it will absolutely amaze your taste buds.
There are many types of wine that can be blended with black tea, generally including whiskey, lime wine, rum, brandy, red wine, etc. When tea meets wine, it can create many wonderful flavors!
Some say eating ice cream in winter is the most exciting thing. For those who love pursuing such stimulation, why not try [Absolute Iced Tea]?
[Absolute Iced Tea]
Ingredients: 1 part Absolut Vodka, 2 parts iced black tea (or iced lemon tea, or elderflower tea)
Method: Pour all the above ingredients into a long drink glass filled with ice, stir gently, squeeze a little lemon peel juice, and enjoy.
Of course, in winter, most people probably prefer hot drinks. On cold days, have a cup of [Berry Tea]—it will definitely give you a warm and satisfying feeling.
[Berry Tea]
Ingredients:
1. Black tea (Darjeeling, Assam, or Keemun black tea)—5g
2. Hot water—300ml
3. Berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)—as needed
4. Brandy—60ml
5. Sugar or honey—as needed
Method:
1. Sprinkle brandy over the berries, then add honey or sugar, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
2. Brew strong black tea with hot water.
3. Place step 1 in a bowl and pour step 2 over it.
(Tip: If not using a microwave, gently mash the berries.)
There was once a Korean drama that swept across Asia called "Winter Sonata." For those seeking romantic ambiance in winter, don’t miss [Royal Black Tea].
[Royal Black Tea]
Ingredients: Black tea, sugar cubes, brandy
Method: 1. First, brew a pot of hot black tea. After brewing, pour it into a teacup. Place a small spoon with a hook in front over the cup, and put a sugar cube on the spoon.
2. Drizzle brandy over the sugar cube, allowing it to fully absorb. It is best to use brandy with a high alcohol concentration to ensure the next step goes smoothly.
3. Ignite the sugar cube to let the brandy burn slowly, melting the sugar. After the alcohol in the brandy completely evaporates, stir the melted sugar into the teacup with the spoon.
This is an extremely suitable tea drink for cold winter. The fragrant aroma of the burned brandy enhances the richness of the black tea, while the caramelized sweetness of the burned sugar cube sweetens the air.
Tip: When the brandy is burning, you can turn off some indoor lights to enjoy its blue fluorescent flame and the fragrance released as it flickers and burns—extremely romantic.
After reading this, are you eager to give it a try? However, please note that drinking alcohol generally accelerates heart rate and blood circulation, and drinking tea also promotes blood circulation. This may be beneficial for those with poor blood flow, but the combination of the two might be overwhelming for those with weaker heart tolerance. Suitability for consumption varies from person to person.