8th November 2023
The Best Teas To Enjoy Over Christmas And When
Our one Litre TeaiereTM and Double Walled Glass Cups is perfect for larger groups
Christmas is a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. What better way to do that than with a cup of characterful and flavourful tea? With so many different types of tea available, it can be hard to know which ones to choose.
That's where we come in. In this article, we'll share our top picks for the best seasonal teas to drink this Christmas and the best times to drink them.
Meet our award winners:
Our one Litre TeaiereTM and Glass Cup and Saucers are perfect for larger groups.
JING Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea.
What is Christmas Tea?
Our Christmas tea selection is perfect for enjoying with family and friends or simply for a peaceful moment of mindfulness just for yourself away from the Christmas frenzy.
At JING, Christmas is all about inviting your loved ones into the fascinating and distinctive world of seasonal tea, where they’ll unwrap a whole new taste experience. The great thing about our teas is that you can gift them to just about anyone, suited to their preferences, from a caffeine-free colleague to an 'already has it all' partner. Beginning a journey that will let them explore even more flavours is an ideal way to gift something unique and special.
We have a wide range of teas and tea gifts to choose from, so there's something for everyone to enjoy and we’ve pulled out our top picks as well as who will enjoy them below.
For this pairing, we suggest using an equal combination of girolle, chanterelle, and shiitake mushrooms cooked in a little butter with no or a light seasoning. Mushrooms are typically strong in umami with some vegetal flavours and a little sappiness.
Organic Jade Sword™ – is an exceptional green tea bursting with sweet, spring-fresh flavour. The umami qualities of the mushrooms perfectly complement the umami character in the tea, whilst accentuating Jade Sword's TM subtle sweetness. This creates a refreshing contrast and a beautifully soft mouthfeel.
Yellow Gold – is a sumptuous Chinese oolong with floral notes of meadow grass, linseed, and golden syrup that is highlighted by the umami flavour of the mushrooms. The infusion renders a full-bodied sweetness, countering the savoury mushrooms and rich egg yolk.
Try our simple recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 slices of sourdough bread
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4 large eggs
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8 oz of washed girolle, chanterelle, and shiitake mushrooms
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Toast the sourdough slices.
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Slice the mushrooms. In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and a pinch of salt until the water has been drawn out and the mushrooms are browning. This should take around 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
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Poach the eggs in simmering water with a touch of vinegar for about 3-4 minutes for runny yolks.
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Place the sautéed mushrooms on the toasted sourdough and top with a poached egg.
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Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley or a pinch of pepper.
JING loose leaf caddies make the perfect stocking fillers.
The Best Christmas Teas To Try This Season
Here are our top four Christmas teas this year:
Mince pies paired with Red Dragon.
Chai
Are you getting those wintery cravings for Christmas spices and warming, rich flavours? This is one for black tea drinkers, mulled wine lovers or anyone who enjoys highly aromatic flavours. Inspired by the traditional Masala Chai we’ve enjoyed on the streets of Kolkata, our Chai is a deliciously aromatic combination of rich and malty Assam tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger spices.
Red Dragon
The world of single garden tea is full of distinctive, new and characterful tastes, awe-inspiring nature, wild places and incredible craftspeople. Our Red Dragon is unique and enticing black tea which will transport you to the lofty and misty single Ximeng Garden in Yunnan, China. With its complex, malty yet fruity character and hints of milk chocolate in the finish, it is perfect for adventurers who loves to explore.
JING Red Dragon
Simple Mince Pie Recipe:
Ingredients:
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200g all-purpose flour
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115g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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50g granulated sugar
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A pinch of salt
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1 egg yolk
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2-3 tablespoons cold water
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240g mincemeat
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Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Pastry:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, a pinch of salt, and sugar.
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Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
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Stir in the egg yolk.
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Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
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Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Mince Pies:
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Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch (3mm) thickness.
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Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles large enough to fit into the base of your muffin tin.
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Gently press the pastry circles into the cups of a muffin tin, forming the pie crusts.
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Fill each pastry cup with about 1-2 tablespoons of mincemeat.
Create the Lids:
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Roll out any remaining pastry dough and cut out smaller circles to use as pie lids.
Bake the Mince Pies:
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Place the pastry lids on top of the mincemeat-filled cups.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the mincemeat is bubbling.
JING loose leaf caddies make the perfect stocking fillers.
Earl Grey
The story behind this unique tea is steeped in tradition, while its invigorating citrus character has withstood the test of time. To ensure the perfect balance of flavour and texture, our Earl Grey is a masterful blend of full-bodied Ceylon black tea from Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, with a touch of natural bergamot extract that tempers the inherent richness of the tea. Our Earl Grey will make a wow-factor gift for a tea drinker who wants to experience the best taste of a much-loved classic.
Peppermint
The story behind this unique tea is steeped in tradition, while its invigorating citrus character has withstood the test of time. To ensure the perfect balance of flavour and texture, our Earl Grey is a masterful blend of full-bodied Ceylon black tea from Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, with a touch of natural bergamot extract that tempers the inherent richness of the tea. Our Earl Grey will make a wow-factor gift for a tea drinker who wants to experience the best taste of a much-loved classic.
Gingerbread Loaf & Tea Pairing
With Chai.
JING Peppermint Leaf
Classic gingerbread is rich and spicy. A classic staple for festive celebrations. Preparing this recipe with friends or family could be a fun and interactive experience and best enjoyed with our Chai tea for an aromatically spiced experience.
JING Chai – is a comforting blend of natural spices inspired by the streets of Kolkata with malty and rich Assam black tea. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom beautifully echo the spices found in gingerbread. This pairing provides a warming, uplifting finish – perfect to share over the festive season.
How To Make A Gingerbread Loaf. Our Easy Recipe:
Servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients:
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180g all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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115g unsalted butter, softened
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100g granulated sugar
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·160g molasses
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1 large egg
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120ml hot water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan.
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Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
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Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until well combined.
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Add Hot Water. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
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Pour the gingerbread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the gingerbread loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
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Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Option to garnish with almonds and dried fruit.
JING Sparkling Jasmine Pearls is best served chilled.
What Teas to Drink & When Over Christmas
The Christmas Party – Jasmine Sparkling Pearls
Get your celebrations started with a bang with our bestselling sparkling tea. It’s a completely sugar-free alcohol alternative bursting with refreshing green tea depth and enchanting jasmine aromas.
JING Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea.
Christmas Eve - Earl Grey
Warm up after a mad dash to catch the last train or a long journey home with a cup of rich and uplifting Earl Grey. For sharing with family or friends infuse in our 1-Litre TeaireTM for the best full-flavoured cup.
JING Earl Grey.
Christmas Morning – Organic Yunnan Breakfast
With a comforting strength, deep flavours of honeyed malt and ripe plum and an indulgent chocolate finish, Organic Yunnan Breakfast will make an enlivening and adventurous start to your Christmas Day.
Christmas Evening - Chamomile Flowers
Looking to unwind and put your feet up? Our late-summer chamomile blooms with mellow, straw-like complexities will soothe and relax you.
JING Chamomile.
Boxing Day – Assam Breakfast
Get the festivities started all over again with a cup of our award-winning Assam Breakfast. Its rich and full honeyed malt flavour will give you both strength and comfort you are looking for this season.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our guide to hosting with tea this Christmas.
Our Organic Ceremonial Matcha is traditionally stone milled.
Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Our Organic Ceremonial Matcha is traditionally stone milled and is produced by Tea Maker Kenji Tofuku in the verdant single garden of Kirishima Chuou Garden, Kagoshima, Japan to organic practices.
What the judges said:
“The colour is beautifully vivid. The nose is delicate with lots of fresh grass. Whilst the texture is quite thin, the flavour is elegant, with gorgeous acidity and a light but lengthy finish. We loved how refined and restrained this was.”
1 Star award winner JING Organic Ceremonial Matcha Loose Leaf.
We use only the freshest buds of chamomile.
Chamomile Tea Bags
Our Chamomile Tea Bags aromatic flavour and soothing experience shone through. Sourced from only the freshest buds of chamomile, this tea ensures a calming and comforting tea experience.
What the judges said:
“This is a simple, fresh and floral tea, the ultimate calming herbal infusion. It does exactly what it says it does, clear, authentic and brightly soothing. Unlike many chamomile teas it seems to stimulate your saliva glands rather than leave you with a dry mouth – this may well be a tribute to the freshness of the flowers.”
1 Star award winner JING Chamomile Tea Bags.
Our Peppermint is naturally dried to bring out its essential oils.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Our Peppermint Tea Bags have also been recognized for their invigorating and refreshing taste. Made from pure peppermint leaves, this tea is a perfect choice for those seeking a vibrant herbal infusion.
What the judges said:
“This minty infusion is fresh tasting and clean on the palate and has good length of flavour. With a menthol aroma this brew reflects the care that has been taken over processing this product.”
1 Star award winner JING Peppermint Tea Bags.
Our Peppermint is naturally dried to bring out its essential oils.
How the awards are judged
The rigorous judging process involves a panel of selected chefs, cooks, buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, food critics, and writers who blind taste each product with meticulous attention to detail.
What do the Great Taste stars mean?
The Great Taste Awards, the largest and most trusted food & drink accreditation scheme, has long been a beacon of culinary excellence. Fostering a platform that supports and promotes food & drink producers, it provides buyers and food enthusiasts in the UK and beyond with trustworthy recommendations for exquisite tasting food.
You can find our new award winners online, as well as some newly starred products at incredible partners all over the world from Gails to Cathay to the Savoy...
