Gather ’round, my fellow holiday enthusiasts! As the resident tea aficionado in my circle (a title I wear as proudly as my collection of ugly Christmas sweaters), I’m here to spill the tea on a holiday concoction that’ll have you ditching the eggnog – Spiced Pear Tea. It’s the unsung hero of holiday beverages, a delightful alternative for those of us who prefer our festive cheer in a teacup rather than a punch bowl.
Now, let’s set the scene. It’s a chilly evening, the kind where Jack Frost is not just nipping at your nose, but practically biting it off. You’re cozied up by the fire, perhaps with a good book or some holiday tunes, and what you need is a drink that’s as comforting as it is festive. Enter Spiced Pear Tea.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, store-bought, holiday-themed tea. Oh no. This is a symphony of flavors, a ballet of spices and fruit in your mouth. Picture ripe, juicy pears – the kind that remind you of late autumn harvests – dancing merrily with traditional holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and perhaps a bit of star anise for that extra zing.
Making this magical brew is as simple as decking your halls. Start with a base of black tea – I’m partial to a robust Assam or a floral Darjeeling. As it steeps, add in your pear slices (fresh or dried, depending on your level of holiday zeal), and a medley of spices. Let it all simmer together, infusing the tea with the essence of the holidays.
What you get is a cup of Spiced Pear Tea that’s both warming and invigorating. It’s a drink that says, “Hey, I’m sophisticated and festive, but I also know how to have a good time.” It’s perfect for those holiday gatherings where you want to impress but keep things low-key.
So, as you navigate this festive season – juggling gift shopping, holiday baking, and perhaps a bit of merry-making – take a moment to enjoy a cup of Spiced Pear Tea. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a holiday experience, a warm embrace in the midst of winter’s chill. Cheers to a season filled with joy, laughter, and great tea!
Spiced Pear Tea
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan or pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Ripe pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 Black tea bags or 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Cloves
- A small piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- Honey or sugar to taste optional
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the pear. Gather the cinnamon stick, cloves, and sliced ginger.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, pear slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors of the pear and spices to infuse into the water.
- Turn off the heat and add the black tea bags or loose leaf tea to the infused water. Let it steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
- Remove the tea bags (or strain the loose tea) and the spices. Pour the tea into cups. If desired, sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Notes
- Without sweeteners: Approximately 20-30 calories per cup, mainly from the pear.
- With 1 teaspoon of honey: Add about 20-25 calories per cup.
- With 1 teaspoon of sugar: Add about 15-20 calories per cup.
