Everyone has enjoyed a hot cup of tea. Perhaps your first encounter was with your Mum enjoying a nice cup of tea, or an experience with a delicious iced fruit tea. It’s a chance to sit down, relax, and unwind during a break in a busy day, or to share a quiet “cuppa” with friends on the weekend. One of life’s affordable luxuries, drinking tea calms, refreshes, and is immensely satisfying for the body & soul.

Fresh tea though, is a big step up in aroma and flavour over that sourced from a supermarket. And you don’t have to be a connoisseur to notice the difference. The secret is in the freshness!

Tea Drop is a tea merchant with a difference. We insist on excellence and believe that every cup of tea should tell a story. Our commitment is to the craft of tea-making. We search for the finest tea leaves from around the world, chosen for their flavour profile, crispness, and freshness.

Why is fresh tea the better choice: 

"Tea in your cup will carry fresher quality solely dependent on the time frame between “bush to cup". Fresh tea brought to you in that lesser time frame will carry the better aroma and the fuller flavour of the tea at production than a tea which has spent more time on a supermarket shelf, which is usually of lesser quality by the time it reaches you. Fresher tea definitely tastes more refreshing with body, character and bright coloured brew, than tea that has spent its time on a supermarket shelf."

Large tea brands by necessity, store their teas in warehouses for many months with added shelf storage time. In the process of store house trading, the number of transit vehicles moving mass-produced tea to supermarkets also exposes it to humidity and high temperatures. "Inevitably, the tea suffers with less flavour by the time it reaches you."

As artisanal tea producers, we work completely opposite to how larger tea providers and supermarket brands operate. We absolutely minimize the time frame taken between processing and sending the tea to you.

Quality over quantity:

"As tea specialists, we emphasize and focus on the selling of ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’. We pay close attention to the clean and crisp flavour of fresh tea. To achieve this, we only produce, package and distribute a limited amount of tea, with the focus on freshness, quality, and taste.

We make sure the conditions are perfect for growing and picking. We handpick all of our leaves and take time and care at all stages of the packaging and delivery process to ensure crispness and flavour, to bring to you, the most flavoursome and satisfying tea possible. Our master blender, who draws on decades of family tradition, knowledge and skill, tests and approves every batch.

The finest customer service

To buy tea directly from our online tea store means receiving the full customer experience. We send our packages with minimum shipment time to make sure you get the freshest product. Not only are our leaves ethically sourced and checked for quality, but you also will receive a range of extra tea material and samples of our other products to try. You will also be able to contact our tea specialists with questions you may have on your tea experience.

Experience the freshness, different flavour characteristics with some of our fave brews.

 

We wait all year long to decorate our Christmas trees, unwrap presents and engage in some festive baking. Since medieval times the scent of cinnamon along with cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and cloves is how we know its Christmas.  

So if you are obsessed with cinnamon rolls as we are and love the flavours of chai, with this recipe you can taste Christmas all year long.

What you need:

Dough

• 580g all-purpose flour
• 100g granulated sugar
• 6g fine sea salt
• 84g butter
• 235ml lukewarm milk
• 7g instant yeast
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk

Filling

• 190g powdered brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons Tea Drop Traditional Chai Latte Powder
• 84g butter

Frosting

• 115ml Heavy cream
• 90g powdered brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons Traditional Chai Latte Powder

How to rock and roll?

1. In a large bowl add flour, salt, softened butter and eggs.
2. In a separate bowl warm up the milk and add sugar and yeast and stir till it dissolves. (Warm milk not hot -  we do not want to kill the yeastlings)
3. Begin mixing the flour mixture by slowly adding the milk mixture to it. You can use a standard mixer bowl to speed up and the process but we did it the old fashion way and used our hands to knead the dough. (this takes time and can get messy)
4. Knead the dough till it loses its stickiness and doesn’t stick to the surface.
5. Roll up the well kneaded dough into a ball and let it sit in the bowl covered with a plastic wrap. Let it rise for an hour or until doubled.
6. Now whisk together the brown sugar and the Traditional Chai Latte powder
7. Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough out into a large and thick rectangle with even edges.
8. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
9. Sprinkle evenly the chai sugar.
10. Tightly roll up the dough, forming a thick log and cut into 12 evenly sized pieces. Each about 2 inches thick.
11. Lightly grease a baking dish and fill it with the rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for 30 minutes.
12. Remove plastic wrap. Bake the rolls in a pre-heated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown at 170 ˚C.
13. In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Traditional Chai Latte powder and powdered sugar until smooth.
14. Go ahead and drizzle on your chai cream frosting over the freshly baked rolls while it’s still warm.

        Happy Holidays! 

As avid chocolate lovers, we can confidently say that drinking chocolate is a favourite after tea. Not only is it rich and delicious, but it also has a long and fascinating history that dates to ancient civilizations. With Easter quickly approaching, we can't think of a better way to celebrate the occasion than with a warm cup of drinking chocolate.

Drinking Chocolate and Its History

Drinking chocolate, also known as hot chocolate, is a beverage made from melted chocolate or cocoa powder and milk or water. It has been enjoyed for thousands of years and was first consumed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs in Central America. They believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods and used it in religious ceremonies and as a form of currency.

When the Spanish arrived in Central America in the 16th century, they introduced chocolate to Europe, where it quickly became popular among the wealthy. Over time, drinking chocolate evolved and new variations were created, including the addition of sugar, spices, and whipped cream.

Today, drinking chocolate is enjoyed all over the world and is a beloved treat during the Easter season.

How to Make Homemade Drinking Chocolate

Making homemade drinking chocolate is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:  2 cups of milk (or your preferred choice) - 4 oz of chocolate (chopped or in chip form) - 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)

How to make:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.
• Add the chocolate and stir until it's melted and combined with the milk.
• If desired, add sugar and continue stirring until it's completely dissolved.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately.
• This basic recipe can be customized to your liking by adding different flavors such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Pairing Drinking Chocolate with Easter Treats

Drinking chocolate is the perfect complement to any Easter treat. Whether you're enjoying a slice of carrot cake or a handful of jellybeans, a warm cup of drinking chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few of our favorite pairings:

• Dark chocolate drinking chocolate with a slice of chocolate cake.
• White chocolate drinking chocolate with a lemon tart.
• Spicy drinking chocolate with a cinnamon roll.
• Mint drinking chocolate with a chocolate egg.

Where to Buy Quality Drinking Chocolate

While making homemade drinking chocolate is always a treat, sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy a pre-made cup.  When shopping for drinking chocolate, you must always look for a brand that uses high quality ingredients and has a rich smooth, texture.

Tea Drop’s premium drinking chocolate comes perfectly blended with the finest West African cocoa powder and raw Australian cane sugar for a melt-in-the-mouth drinking experience, complete with hints of fruit and raw sweetness. Indulgent, silky from the high cocoa butter content, the flavour of deep, classic chocolate lingers on your taste buds.

Unique and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes for Easter

While a classic cup of homemade drinking chocolate is always delicious, why not switch things up and try a unique and festive recipe for Easter? Here are a few our favorites:

• Cadbury Crème Egg Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40gs of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate, 2 Cadbury Creme Eggs & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. 2. Add the chocolate and Cadbury Creme Eggs and stir until they're melted and combined with the milk. 3. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. 4. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

• Carrot Cake Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40g Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate, 1/2 cup of carrot juice , 2 tbs of Tea Drop chai concentrate & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:  In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. 2. Add the chocolate, carrot juice, and chai concentrate and stir and combine with the milk. 3. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. 4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!

• Marshmallow Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40g of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking chocolate, 4 marshmallow squares & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.  Add the chocolate and marshmallow and stir until they're melted and combined with the milk. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and more marshmallows and enjoy!

Try out one of the above drinking chocolate recipes and let us know which one is your favourite!

Drinking Chocolate Gift Ideas for Easter

If you're looking for a unique and delicious Easter gift, consider giving the gift of drinking chocolate. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• A gift basket filled with Tea Drop’s Artisan Drinking Chocolate, Honey Spice Sticky Chai and Easter candy.
• A set of festive mugs and Tea Drop’s Artisan Drinking Chocolate & Parisian Vanilla
• A hot chocolate bomb kit with instructions for making homemade hot chocolate bombs.

Tips for Serving the Perfect Cup of Drinking Chocolate

Serving the perfect cup of drinking chocolate is all about attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you achieve chocolate perfection:

• Use high-quality ingredients.
• Heat the milk slowly to prevent scorching.
• Stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Serve in a pre-warmed mug.
• Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or other toppings of your choice

Why Drinking Chocolate is the Perfect Addition to Your Easter Celebration

Drinking chocolate has a rich and fascinating history and is the perfect addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you're enjoying a classic cup of homemade hot chocolate or trying out a unique and festive recipe, drinking chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pair it with your favorite Easter treats, give it as a gift, or serve it up as the perfect ending to your Easter meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, drinking chocolate is a delicious and decadent way to celebrate the holiday season.

 

 

There is a good reason why tea has always been referred to as the elixir of life. It is one of the richest sources of antioxidants called polyphenols which have numerous health benefits. 

"Did you know that tea can boost and support your immune system, helping to keep you protected from those pesky cold and flu bugs?" It also keeps you hydrated which is crucial for the regulation of body temperature, prevention of infections and delivering nutrients to cells.

With the cold and flu season around the corner, it's time to start preparing our body for optimal immunity. There is nothing like a hot cup of tea, after a cold, rainy day and when you’re under the weather.  

Give your immune system a boost, naturally with our fave winter teas.

Green Tea

Our delicate green teas boast a refined and vibrant range of flavour profiles with all the healthy benefits of antioxidants. Make it a daily addition to your health routine, to get you through the colder days.

"Try our favourite immune-boosting green teas:"

• Genmaicha
• Original Matcha

Peppermint tea is known for its decongestive powers and aids in easing nasal congestion from colds. The peppermint leaves contain menthol and when inhaled through the hot steam of the tea through each sip, helps us to breathe easily when congested.

Blended with the purest and freshest peppermint leaves, experience the calming nature of our Peppermint tea.

Turmeric

Fondly known as the golden healer, our turmeric latte compromises an ancient medley of spices with powerful  anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help to regulate the immune system and protect your body from colds. 

Try our delicious smooth Turmeric Latte.

Lemongrass

 

Naturally uplifting, lemongrass is flavourful and nutritious giving your immune system a much needed boost.

Press the reset button with a delicious cup of our Lemongrass Ginger. 

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is beneficial for those who are after a relaxing state of calm. It has a powerful antioxidant that activates the brain receptors and encourages a restful night of sleep, when you are having trouble sleeping due to a sore throat and stuffy nose. 

Try our perfect blend of Chamomile Blossoms, rose petals and lavender buds to give you a good night's rest this winter.

Ginger

From digestion to reducing inflammation and easing pain, ginger is definitely one tea worth adding to your daily routine.

Try our favourite ginger tea Malabar Chai.

Berries

Naturally sweet and flavourful, our berry teas are rich with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients helping your body get through the cold and flu season.

Try one of our favourite berry teas to help you through this winter: 

• Fruits of Eden
• Kiwi Berry

As the temperatures start to rise, many of us look for ways to stay cool and refreshed. One of the best ways to do so is by sipping on a glass of iced tea. Iced tea is a classic summer drink that has been around for generations. However, there are so many different types of tea to choose from, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best for making iced tea. In this article, we will share with you the best tea for iced tea, how to infuse them, and some delicious recipes to try out.

What is Iced Tea

Iced tea is a refreshing and flavourful drink that is perfect for hot summer days. It's made by brewing tea and then chilling it with ice. Iced tea can be served plain or with added flavors such as lemon, honey, or mint. Iced tea is a popular and healthy drink, and there are many different varieties to choose from.

The Best Tea for Iced Tea - Black, Green, and Herbal Infusions

The best tea for iced tea is a matter of personal preference. However, there are three types of tea that are commonly used. These are black tea, green tea, and herbal infusions.

Black tea is the most popular tea used to make iced tea. It has a robust flavour and can hold up well to the addition of sweeteners and other flavours. Some popular black teas for iced tea include Ceylon black tea, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey.

Green tea is lighter and more delicate tea than black tea. It has a slight vegetal flavour and is often used to make iced tea that is a bit more refreshing. Some popular green teas for iced tea include Jasmine, Sencha, and Dragonwell.

Herbal tea is not technically tea, but rather an infusion of herbs, fruits, and flowers. It's a great option for those who want a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea. Some popular herbal teas for iced tea include mint, chamomile, hibiscus and various fruit teas.

Benefits of Drinking Iced Tea

In addition to being a refreshing drink, iced tea also has several health benefits. Fresh brewed iced tea is always better than carbonated drinks and processed juices. It will keep you hydrated and it’s a great source of antioxidants, which can help boost metabolism. Iced tea also contains less caffeine than coffee, making it a great alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. Additionally, the goodness of fruits in the tea and garnishing helps keep the immune system and skin healthy.

Infusing Iced Tea with Fruits and Herbs

One of the best things about iced tea is that it's incredibly versatile. You can infuse it with fruits and herbs to create a unique and flavourful drink. Some popular fruits and herbs to add to iced tea include lemons, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, mint, and basil. To infuse your iced tea, simply add the fruit or herbs to the tea while it's steeping. You can also add the fruit or herbs directly to the glass for a more intense flavor and as beautiful garnishing.

5 Delicious and Creative Iced Tea Recipes

Southern Sweet Tea: This is a classic iced tea that is sweet and refreshing. To make it, brew our South Melbourne Breakfast black tea and add sweetener of your choice. Add lemon slices and chill with ice.

Green Tea with Mint and Lemon: This is a refreshing and healthy iced tea that's perfect for a hot summer day. Brew Japanese Sencha green tea, add fresh mint leaves, and stir in honey. Chill with ice and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Lemongrass and Ginger Iced Tea: This iced tea is packed with flavour and antioxidants. Brew Lemongrass Ginger tea, add fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a handful of mint leaves, and sweeten with honey. Chill with ice and garnish with a slice of orange.

Strawberry Basil Iced Tea: This iced tea is fruity and herbaceous. Brew English Breakfast black tea, add fresh strawberries and basil leaves, and sweetener of your choice. Chill with ice and garnish with a strawberry and a sprig of basil.

Peach Iced Tea: This is a classic iced tea with a sweet and fruity twist. We use oolong tea for this recipe. Brew Sweet Peach tea, add sliced peaches, and sweeten with honey. Chill with ice and garnish with a peach slice.

How to Make Iced Tea with Fruit Infusions

• Brew your tea using your favourite method.
• While the tea is still hot, add your preferred fruit or herb. You can also add sweeteners of your choice at this point.
• Let the tea steep for a few minutes until it's cool enough to add ice.
• Pour the tea into a glass full of ice and garnish.

Tips to Make Perfect Iced Tea Every Time

• Use loose leaf & brew it twice as strong. Eg: If you normally use 1 tsp of Lemongrass Ginger for a hot tea, use 2 tsp for your cold tea. And if you use a standard 230 ml of hot water, drop that down to 150 ml of hot water.⁠
• Go beyond standard green or black teas. Try fruit teas, rooibos teas and flavoured teas. Try different flavours. You never know what you will enjoy. ⁠
• Sweeten with juice or lemonade. Great alternative to sugar.⁠
• Go wild with fruit. ⁠
• Play with herbal infusions. Like fruit, herbs bring a lot of flavour. ⁠
• Just experiment. Unlike coffee, with iced tea if there’s a flavour you like, you can replicate it. You can have fruity, floral, savory, sweet, umami.

Your Perfect Iced Tea Recipe Awaits You!

Iced tea is a classic summer drink that is perfect for staying cool and refreshed. Whether you prefer black, green, or herbal infusions, there's a perfect iced tea recipe out there for you. Try infusing your tea with fruits and herbs for a unique and flavourful twist. Remember to use high-quality tea leaves and fresh ingredients for the best results. Cheers to a refreshing summer ahead!

Try out one of our iced tea recipes and let us know which one is your favourite!