Welcome to the delightful (and delightfully simple) world of DIY tea blending! At Route 636 Tea Co., we cherish the unique flavors of our single origin teas, each offering a distinctive taste reflective of their origin. However, blending a single origin tea can introduce new and exciting flavor profiles while still honoring its roots. Blending a single origin tea can enhance the inherent flavors and characteristics unique to its place of harvest. This practice allows the base tea to shine while complementing it with natural additions that respect and elevate its original profile, creating a harmonious and personalized tea experience. On that note, let's dive into the art of creating your own tea blends, featuring our very own Route 636 Tea Co. teas.
Why Blend Teas?
Blending teas allows you to:
- Customize your tea to suit your taste preferences.
- Enhance the inherent flavor of the tea.
- Experiment with different flavor combinations.
- Enjoy the health benefits of various herbs and spices.
- Experience the joy of crafting something uniquely yours.
Getting Started
Before we begin, here are a few tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, spices, and organic dried fruits work best.
- Experiment in small batches: This way, you can tweak your blend without wasting ingredients.
- Keep it simple: Start with two or three additional ingredients before getting more adventurous.
Without further ado, here are a few recipes to get you started.
DIY Tea Blend Recipes
1. Assam Black Tea Blend
Base Tea: Assam Black Tea by Heritage Tea
Flavor Profile: This blend offers a robust, malty flavor with a warm, citrusy twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Assam Black Tea
- 1 tsp dried orange peel
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon chips
- 1/2 tsp cloves
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then enjoy!
2. Vangedi Black Tea Blend
Base Tea: Vangedi Black Tea by Amba Estate
Flavor Profile: A floral and aromatic blend with sweet vanilla undertones.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Vangedi Black Tea
- 1 tsp dried rose petals
- 1/2 tsp green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean pieces
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then enjoy!
3. Amber Black Tea Blend
Base Tea: Amber Black Tea by Hariyali Cooperative
Flavor Profile: A soothing blend with sweet apple and warm cinnamon notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Amber Black Tea
- 1 tsp dried apple pieces
- 1/2 tsp chamomile flowers
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon chips
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then enjoy!
4. White Tea Blend
Base Tea: White Tea by Darjeeling Orthodox Small Growers Welfare Society
Flavor Profile: A delicate and refreshing blend with floral and fruity hints.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp White Tea
- 1 tsp dried lavender buds
- 1/2 tsp lemon verbena
- 1/2 tsp dried blueberries
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 3-4 minutes, then enjoy!
5. Oolong Tea Blend
Base Tea: Oolong Tea by Jhen Tea
Flavor Profile: A fragrant and invigorating blend with peachy sweetness and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Oolong Tea
- 1 tsp dried peach pieces
- 1/2 tsp jasmine flowers
- 1/2 tsp ginger root (dried and chopped)
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, then enjoy!
6. Firewood Green Tea Blend
Base Tea: Firewood Green Tea by Assam Heritage Tea
Flavor Profile: A refreshing and tropical blend with cooling mint and citrusy lemongrass.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp Firewood Green Tea
- 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
- 1/2 tsp lemongrass
- 1/2 tsp dried mango pieces
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To brew, use 1 tsp of the blend per cup of boiling water.
- Steep for 2-3 minutes, then enjoy!
Final Tips
- Label Your Blends: Always label your creations with the ingredients and date.
- Write Down Your Recipes: So you can recreate, or tweak, them next time.
- Store Properly: Keep your blends in a cool, dark place in airtight containers.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and adjust to your taste.
Blending your own teas is a wonderful way to explore the diverse world of flavors and aromas that tea has to offer. At Route 636 Tea Co., we believe in the beauty of single origin teas, and blending them can enhance your tea-drinking experience.
Shop our curated collection of single origin teas today and start crafting your own blends!