15 Best Teas for Afternoon Tea
The best teas for afternoon tea are more than just a drink, they set the mood for the whole occasion! Imagine sitting down to warm scones fresh from the oven, delicate finger sandwiches, and a slice of cake, all waiting for the right tea to bring everything together. Choose Earl Grey and you’ll highlight citrus notes in your sweets, pick Darjeeling and you’ll find it pairs perfectly with cucumber sandwiches.
Even a fragrant herbal infusion can surprise you by pairing perfectly with light desserts. Finding the best teas to serve with food isn’t complicated, it’s about balance, flavour, and a lot of fun.
In this guide, we will discuss pairings for sandwiches, scones, cakes, and even unique ideas for petit fours, plus simple tips if you’re new to planning an afternoon tea menu.
👉 If you are planning on arranging an afternoon tea party, read these next:
A Guide to 15 Best Teas for Afternoon Tea
When planning an afternoon tea menu, the choice of tea is just as important as the food itself. The best teas for afternoon tea don’t just refresh, they bring out the flavours in scones, sandwiches, cakes, and petit fours. If you are looking for the best teas to serve with food, exploring tea pairing for desserts and sandwiches, or curious about unique tea pairings for petit fours, the right match can transform a simple spread into something unforgettable.
Let’s explore these 15 teas that pair beautifully with afternoon tea! We will start from well known timeless black teas including Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English Breakfast. Then, we will move on to fragrant green teas including Jasmine and Sencha, and even unique options such as Genmaicha, Rooibos, and Milk Oolong, you’ll discover how each tea complements sweet and savoury treats perfectly!
You may be a newbie to hosting and need afternoon tea pairing tips for beginners, or you want to surprise guests with creative flavour combinations, this list will inspire you to create the perfect afternoon tea experience.
1. Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey is one of the best teas for afternoon tea, loved for its bold black tea base infused with fragrant bergamot oil. The citrusy notes make it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury foods.
With scones: Try Earl Grey alongside scones topped with lemon curd or marmalade, the citrus flavours echo the bergamot and create a bright pairing.
With savoury sandwiches: Earl Grey works well with smoked salmon, cucumber, or goat cheese finger sandwiches, balancing the tea’s slight bitterness.
With desserts: Pair Earl Grey with citrus cakes, macarons, or buttery shortbread. Lemon drizzle cake is a classic match.
If you love blended and flavoured teas such as Earl Grey, read this next 👉 blended, scented and flavoured teas
2. Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea, often called the “champagne of teas,” is delicate, floral, and slightly fruity, making it one of the best teas for afternoon tea when serving lighter fare.
With scones: Apricot or peach jam enhances Darjeeling’s fruity notes.
With sandwiches: Pair Darjeeling with cucumber, cream cheese, or chicken salad finger sandwiches for a refreshing bite.
With desserts: Its light character shines with shortbread, fruit tarts, or sponge cakes.
Darjeeling is a perfect choice for those who want a more subtle tea and finger sandwich pairing guide.
3. English Breakfast Tea
English Breakfast tea is a robust black tea blend that provides a stronger base for afternoon tea. Its full-bodied flavour complements both rich savoury foods and indulgent desserts.
With scones: Classic strawberry or raspberry jam works best, but savoury cheddar scones are also excellent.
With sandwiches: Pair with hearty options including ham and cheese, roasted vegetable tartlets, or tomato and mozzarella.
With desserts: Chocolate brownies, fruitcake, or bread pudding balance perfectly against its strength.
English Breakfast is one of the best teas to serve with food if you want a more substantial tea experience.
4. Assam
Assam tea is a bold Indian black single estate tea that is ideal for those who prefer a hearty afternoon tea pairing. Its malty flavour pairs well with rich, warming foods.
With scones: Caramel or maple flavours complement Assam’s natural sweetness.
With sandwiches: Try with beef and horseradish, mushroom quiche, or roasted vegetable tartlets.
With desserts: Dark chocolate truffles, sticky toffee pudding, or fruitcake stand up to Assam’s robust character.
Read more about 👉 single origin teas
5. Ceylon
Ceylon tea, grown in Sri Lanka, is bright and refreshing with a subtle citrus edge, making it one of the best teas for afternoon tea when serving lighter menus.
With scones: Pair with orange or lemon marmalade.
With sandwiches: Egg salad, smoked salmon, or tomato and basil tartlets work beautifully.
With desserts: Lemon bars, coconut macaroons, or citrus cupcakes highlight its zesty notes.
6. Keemun
Keemun tea is a Chinese black tea with a smooth, smoky sweetness, a more adventurous choice among the best teas for afternoon tea.
Scones: Apricot jam or honey.
Sandwiches: Roasted chicken, smoked ham with cheddar, bacon quiche.
Desserts: Baklava, pecan pie, almond cookies.
Read more about 👉 Chinese teas
7. Jasmine Green Tea
Jasmine green tea is a fragrant and delicate tea that is a wonderful tea pairing for desserts and sandwiches. Its light and floral taste pairs well with most light and delicate treats.
Scones: Peach or apricot preserves.
Sandwiches: Cucumber and cream cheese, goat cheese tartlets, chicken and grape salad.
Desserts: Fruit tarts, lemon cake, green tea ice cream.
8. Dragonwell
Dragonwell (longjing) is a Chinese green tea that has a buttery, nutty profile that pairs beautifully with refined afternoon tea menus.
Scones: Raspberry or blueberry jam.
Sandwiches: Cucumber and mint, salmon with dill cream cheese, mushroom quiche.
Desserts: Shortbread, pistachio macarons, almond biscotti.
Continue reading about the 👉 types of green tea
9. Sencha
Sencha green tea is a Japanese tea that’s grassy, slightly sweet, and one of the best teas and pairings for afternoon tea when you want something fresh.
Scones: Honey or apricot jam.
Sandwiches: Cucumber and avocado, salmon with cream cheese, chicken and apple.
Desserts: Strawberry shortcake, citrus tartlets, mochi.
10. Genmaicha
Genmaicha (often referred to as ‘popcorn tea’) blends Japanese green tea with roasted rice, offering a nutty, toasty flavour that makes for unique tea pairings for petit fours and beyond.
Scones: Fig or apricot jam.
Sandwiches: Roasted chicken with sesame, tofu with teriyaki sauce.
Desserts: Chocolate chip cookies, almond cake, peanut butter fudge.
Continue reading about 👉 Japanese teas
11. Milk Oolong
Milk Oolong is sweet, creamy, and indulgent, perfect if you want something a little different in your afternoon tea selection.
Scones: Coconut scones with strawberry or raspberry jam.
Sandwiches: Smoked salmon with cream cheese, brie with fig jam.
Desserts: Shortbread, panna cotta, coconut macaroons.
Read more about 👉 Oolong teas
12. Masala Chai
Masala Chai is bold, warming, and spiced, one of the best teas for afternoon tea if you want richness and energy.
Scones: Ginger or cinnamon scones; apricot jam also works.
Sandwiches: Samosas, curried chicken salad, spinach and paneer quiche.
Desserts: Chai cupcakes, pistachio cake, cardamom cookies, gulab jamun.
Try serving these at your next afternoon tea party 👉 chai tea lattes
Did you know that you can also blend your own chai at home? If you would like to give this a go, read this next 👉Homemade masala chai spice blend
13. Rooibos
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea from South Africa. It has a naturally sweet, honey and nutty flavour and is a great caffeine-free option for afternoon tea.
Scones: Cranberry or orange scones with berry jam.
Sandwiches: Cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon canapés.
Desserts: Chocolate cake, shortbread, nutty cookies.
14. Mint
Fresh mint tea is a refreshing and invigorating choice for an afternoon tea. Its cool and crisp flavour is perfect for pairing with light, fresh, and fruity desserts. A great option for afternoon tea menus.
Scones: Buttery scones with raspberry jam and cream.
Sandwiches: Cucumber sandwiches, salmon canapés.
Desserts: Fresh berries, fruit salad, whipped cream.
If you love the refreshing taste of mint tea, you may also love to explore making traditional 👉 Moroccan Mint Tea using a unique Chinese green tea known as 👉 Gunpowder Green Tea
15. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is an excellent choice for an afternoon tea as it is naturally caffeine-free and has a calming effect on the body. Its delicate floral flavor and aroma make it a perfect pairing for light and refreshing snacks.
Scones: Honey or lemon curd.
Sandwiches: Cucumber sandwiches, goat cheese crostini, roasted veg quiche.
Desserts: Lemon bars, lavender shortbread, fruit cookies.
Download FREE Afternoon Tea Party Planning Guide
FAQs
1. What are the best teas for afternoon tea?
The best teas for afternoon tea are usually classic black teas such as Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam. These teas complement both sweet and savoury foods, making them a reliable choice for any afternoon tea menu.
2. What tea goes with scones and cakes?
Scones pair beautifully with Earl Grey or Darjeeling, as their citrus and floral notes highlight clotted cream and jam. Rich cakes often go best with strong teas like Assam or Ceylon, while lighter sponge cakes suit Jasmine green tea.
3. Which teas pair best with finger sandwiches?
Finger sandwiches pair well with lighter black teas such as Darjeeling or Ceylon. Smoked salmon sandwiches are excellent with Lapsang Souchong, while cucumber sandwiches shine alongside a crisp green tea. This makes a versatile tea and finger sandwich pairing guide.
4. Can you serve herbal teas at afternoon tea?
Yes! Herbal infusions are a wonderful addition for guests who prefer caffeine-free options. Chamomile pairs nicely with fruit desserts, while peppermint or lemon verbena balances heavier cakes. Herbal tea pairings add variety to the best teas to serve with food.
5. What are some unique tea pairings for petit fours?
For unique tea pairings for petit fours, try white tea with fruit tartlets, oolong with macarons, or matcha with chocolate petit fours. These lighter, creative teas enhance delicate sweets without overwhelming them.
6. Do green teas work for afternoon tea pairings?
Yes, green teas can be excellent for afternoon tea. Sencha pairs well with vegetable or egg sandwiches, while Jasmine green tea highlights lemon drizzle cakes or citrus desserts. Green teas are among the best teas and pairings for afternoon tea if you want something refreshing.
7. How many types of tea should you serve at afternoon tea?
A good rule is to offer two or three different teas: one strong black tea, one lighter or floral tea, and one caffeine-free herbal. This keeps your menu balanced and makes it easy to choose the best teas for afternoon tea to suit every guest.
8. What’s the difference between serving Earl Grey and Darjeeling at afternoon tea?
Earl Grey is bold with citrusy bergamot, making it perfect with scones and rich cakes. Darjeeling, known as the “champagne of teas,” is lighter and pairs better with finger sandwiches and delicate pastries. Both are among the best teas to serve with food.
9. Are there afternoon tea pairing tips for beginners?
Yes, keep it simple. Match lighter teas with lighter foods, and stronger teas with richer foods. Offering a classic black tea alongside one herbal or green option is a great way to start. These afternoon tea pairing tips for beginners ensure balance without stress.
10. Can I mix sweet and savoury foods with the same tea?
Absolutely! A versatile tea such as Darjeeling or Ceylon, works well across sandwiches, scones, and cakes. If you would like variety, serve a second tea just for desserts. This approach makes choosing the best teas for afternoon tea easy.
Read more afternoon tea articles:
