Best Loose Leaf Tea for Afternoon Tea: Expert Recommendations

Best Loose Leaf Tea for Afternoon Tea: Expert Recommendations

Choosing the right loose leaf tea can make or break your afternoon tea experience. At The Tea Trolley, we've tested countless teas to find the perfect selections for Victorian afternoon tea. Here are our expert recommendations for the best loose leaf teas for afternoon tea at home.

What Makes a Tea Good for Afternoon Tea?

Not all teas are created equal when it comes to afternoon tea. The best afternoon tea blends have:

• Balanced flavor: Not too strong, not too weak

• Elegant character: Sophisticated and refined

• Pairs well with food: Complements sandwiches, scones, and sweets

• Traditional appeal: Aligns with Victorian tea traditions

• Versatile: Works well for a variety of palates

Classic Afternoon Tea Teas

English Breakfast

Why it's perfect:

• Robust and full-bodied

• Traditional British choice

• Pairs beautifully with savory sandwiches

• Stands up to cream and sugar

Best for: Those who love strong, traditional tea

Brewing tips: Full boil (212°F), steep 3-5 minutes

Earl Grey

Why it's perfect:

• Sophisticated bergamot flavor

• Light and aromatic

• Elegant and refined

• Very popular for afternoon tea

Best for: Tea lovers who enjoy floral, citrus notes

Brewing tips: Just below boil (200°F), steep 3-4 minutes

Darjeeling

Why it's perfect:

• Delicate and floral

• "Champagne of teas"

• Light but complex

• Perfect for afternoon service

Best for: Those who prefer lighter, more nuanced teas

Brewing tips: Lower temperature (185-195°F), steep 2-3 minutes

Assam

Why it's perfect:

• Malty and robust

• Excellent with milk

• Traditional English choice

• Full-bodied flavor

Best for: Lovers of strong, malty black tea

Brewing tips: Full boil (212°F), steep 4-5 minutes

Flavored Afternoon Tea Teas

Vanilla Black Tea

Why it's perfect:

• Sweet and comforting

• Pairs well with desserts

• Approachable for beginners

• Adds warmth to the experience

Best for: Those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like teas

Jasmine Green Tea

Why it's perfect:

• Delicate and fragrant

• Light and refreshing

• Complements lighter fare

• Beautiful floral notes

Best for: Green tea enthusiasts and those who prefer lighter teas

Rose Black Tea

Why it's perfect:

• Romantic and elegant

• Beautiful floral aroma

• Perfect for special occasions

• Very Victorian aesthetic

Best for: Special celebrations and romantic occasions

Herbal and Caffeine-Free Options

Chamomile

Why it's perfect:

• Soothing and calming

• Gentle flavor

• Perfect for evening tea

• Pairs well with sweets

Best for: Evening tea service or those avoiding caffeine

Rooibos

Why it's perfect:

• Naturally caffeine-free

• Rich, slightly sweet flavor

• Pairs well with food

• Good for all-day drinking

Best for: All-day tea service or caffeine-free needs

Mint Herbal Blend

Why it's perfect:

• Refreshing and cleansing

• Digestive benefits

• Pairs well after sweets

• Light and refreshing

Best for: Digestive aid after rich foods

Seasonal Recommendations

Spring Afternoon Tea

Best teas:

• Darjeeling (light and floral)

• Jasmine Green (fresh and fragrant)

• Spring blends with floral notes

Why: Light, fresh teas complement spring's renewal theme

Summer Afternoon Tea

Best teas:

• Iced tea blends

• Light green teas

• Refreshing herbal blends

Why: Lighter teas are more refreshing in summer heat

Fall Afternoon Tea

Best teas:

• Spiced chai blends

• Pumpkin spice teas

• Warm, comforting black teas

Why: Spiced teas match fall's cozy atmosphere

Winter/Christmas Afternoon Tea

Best teas:

• Spiced Christmas blends

• Warm, rich black teas

• Vanilla and cinnamon blends

Why: Rich, spiced teas create holiday warmth

How to Choose Your Afternoon Tea

Consider Your Guests

• Mixed group: Offer 2-3 options (one strong, one light, one herbal)

• Tea enthusiasts: Offer premium single-origin teas

• Beginners: Offer approachable flavored blends

Match the Menu

• Heavy savories: Pair with robust black teas

• Light sandwiches: Pair with delicate Darjeeling or green teas

• Rich desserts: Pair with lighter, brighter teas

Time of Day

• Afternoon (2-4pm): Traditional black teas

• Late afternoon (4-5pm): Lighter teas or green teas

• Evening: Herbal or decaf options

Brewing Tips for Afternoon Tea

Water Temperature

• Black teas: Full boil (212°F)

• Green teas: Lower temperature (175-185°F)

• Oolong: Medium temperature (185-205°F)

• Herbal: Full boil

Steeping Time

• Black teas: 3-5 minutes

• Green teas: 2-3 minutes

• Oolong: 3-4 minutes

• Herbal: 5-7 minutes

Amount of Tea

• Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup

• For a teapot, add 1 teaspoon per cup plus "one for the pot"

See our complete guide on how to brew loose leaf tea properly for detailed instructions.

Our [Tea Room](/afternoon-tea-delta-pa) Recommendations

At The Tea Trolley, we curate our tea selection specifically for afternoon tea service. Our teas are chosen to:

• Complement our food menu

• Create an elegant Victorian experience

• Appeal to a variety of tastes

• Maintain consistent quality

We rotate our selection seasonally and offer special blends for themed teas. All our teas are available for purchase in our gift shop) so you can recreate the experience at home.

Building Your Tea Collection

Start with a small selection:

1. One robust black tea (English Breakfast or Assam)

2. One elegant black tea (Earl Grey or Darjeeling)

3. One herbal/caffeine-free (Chamomile or Rooibos)

As you explore, add:

• Seasonal blends

• Single-origin teas

• Flavored options

• Green and oolong teas

Storing Your Tea

To maintain freshness:

• Store in airtight containers

• Keep away from light, heat, and moisture

• Separate different types to avoid flavor transfer

• Use within 6-12 months for best flavor

See our guide on how to store loose leaf tea for more tips.

The Tea Trolley Difference

At The Tea Trolley, every tea we serve is loose leaf and carefully selected. We believe that quality tea is essential to an authentic afternoon tea experience. Our teas are the same ones you can purchase in our gift shop), ensuring you can recreate the elegance of our tea room at home.

Browse our loose leaf tea selection to find the perfect teas for your afternoon tea at home.