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The Kettle

Tea Recipes

Historical and traditional tea recipes with their cultural context, preparation notes, and safety guidance. Historical formulations are clearly labeled.

59 recipes found

Illustration for Masala Chai

Masala Chai

Indian (South Asian)

India's iconic spiced milky tea — black tea simmered with a blend of warming spices (cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, black pepper) and milk, sweetened to taste.

Simmer 3–5 minutes Simmer (212°F / 100°C)Moderate (black tea)

Illustration for Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan Mint Tea

Moroccan

The beloved national drink of Morocco — gunpowder green tea steeped with a generous handful of fresh spearmint and sweetened to taste, poured from a height into small ornate glasses.

3–5 minutes 180–190°F (82–88°C)Moderate (green tea)

Illustration for Golden Turmeric Milk

Golden Turmeric Milk

Ayurvedic (Indian)

A comforting caffeine-free 'golden milk' of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper simmered with milk — a modern cup of an ancient Ayurvedic haldi doodh tradition.

Simmer 5–7 minutes Warm (160°F / 71°C), do not boilCaffeine Free

Illustration for Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Mexican & Caribbean

A vibrant ruby-red iced infusion of dried hibiscus calyces, sweetened and served over ice — refreshing, tart, and naturally caffeine-free.

10–15 minutes 200°F (93°C) then coolCaffeine Free

Illustration for Jasmine Green Tea

Jasmine Green Tea

Chinese

The iconic Chinese scented tea of green tea layered with jasmine blossoms — floral, delicate, and lightly caffeinated, a teahouse classic.

2–3 minutes 170–180°F (77–82°C)Low (green tea)

Illustration for Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemum Tea

Chinese

A delicate Chinese flower tea of dried chrysanthemum blossoms, often enjoyed with goji berries — naturally caffeine-free, cooling, and floral.

3–5 minutes 200°F (93°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Classic Chamomile Infusion

Classic Chamomile Infusion

European folk tradition

A gentle golden infusion of dried chamomile blossoms — the quintessential evening cup, prized for centuries for its soft, apple-like sweetness.

5–7 minutes 90–95°C (194–203°F)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea

Ayurvedic (Indian)

A revered Ayurvedic adaptogen tea of holy basil (tulsi) leaves, often with ginger — an everyday Indian cup for stress resilience and calm vitality.

5–7 minutes (covered) 200°F (93°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Lavender Chamomile Sleep Tea

Lavender Chamomile Sleep Tea

European

A serene caffeine-free blend of lavender and chamomile flowers — a classic European bedtime tea for relaxation and gentle sleep traditions.

5–7 minutes (covered) 200°F (93°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Jujube Date Tea

Jujube Date Tea

Chinese

A comforting Chinese winter tea of red jujube dates and ginger, naturally sweet and warming — a household staple for cold season and circulation traditions.

Decoct 15–20 minutes Simmer (212°F / 100°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Rooibos Vanilla Tea

Rooibos Vanilla Tea

South African

A naturally caffeine-free, honey-sweet red tea from South Africa's Cederberg mountains, infused with smooth vanilla — gentle enough for children and perfect for evening sipping.

5–7 minutes 212°F (100°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Warming Ginger & Lemon Tea

Warming Ginger & Lemon Tea

Ayurvedic and East Asian tradition

A comforting decoction of fresh ginger root brightened with lemon — a warming winter cup with roots in Asian and Ayurvedic traditions.

8–10 minutes simmering 100°C (212°F) simmeredCaffeine Free

Illustration for Rooibos Chai

Rooibos Chai

South African / Fusion

A caffeine-free spiced chai built on rooibos — South African red tea simmered with classic chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, black pepper) and milk.

Simmer 5–7 minutes Simmer (212°F / 100°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Lemon Balm Calm Tea

Lemon Balm Calm Tea

European

A gentle, lemony infusion of fresh lemon balm leaves — a European calm-tea favorite for evening unwinding and digestion.

5–8 minutes (covered) 200°F (93°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Saffron Cardamom Milk

Saffron Cardamom Milk

Persian / South Asian

A luminous golden milk of saffron threads and green cardamom simmered with warm milk — a treasured Persian and South Asian cup for warmth, comfort, and mood.

Simmer 5–7 minutes Warm (160°F / 71°C), do not boilCaffeine Free

Illustration for Lemongrass Ginger Zing Tea

Lemongrass Ginger Zing Tea

Southeast Asian

A bright, zesty caffeine-free tea of lemongrass and ginger with a squeeze of lemon — a Southeast Asian favorite that's both refreshing and gently warming.

5–8 minutes 212°F (100°C)Caffeine Free

Illustration for Rose Cardamom Latte

Rose Cardamom Latte

Mediterranean / Fusion

A delicate blush-pink latte of damask rose petals and green cardamom simmered with warm milk — a fragrant, caffeine-free floral treat.

Simmer 5–7 minutes Warm (160°F / 71°C), do not boilCaffeine Free

Illustration for Echinacea Cold Season Tea

Echinacea Cold Season Tea

Western Herbal

A classic cold-season immune-supportive blend of echinacea, elderberry, ginger, and rose hips — tart, warming, and rich in traditional cold-season compounds.

Decoct 10 min, steep 5 min Simmer (212°F / 100°C)Caffeine Free