The Best Teas for Winter: What to Drink, When & How to Brew Them

By Tolga Seçkin October 19, 2026
De beste thee voor de winter: wat drink je wanneer en hoe zet je het?

Something changes in the Netherlands around mid-October. The evenings arrive early, the rain taps at the windows, and everyone does the same thing: step inside, kick off their shoes and put the kettle on. The Dutch have a word for it: gezellig. It’s hard to translate exactly, but everyone knows the feeling: a warm, cozy, welcoming atmosphere at home. More often than not, it starts with a cup of tea.

It isn’t a new story either. Tea first reached Europe in the early 1600s through Dutch traders, which means the Netherlands has a relationship with tea that goes back centuries. And that relationship is still alive today: a rainy Sunday afternoon, a short break at the office, or a quiet hour on the couch after a long day. Tea gives you a reason to slow down, every single time.

But with so many varieties to choose from, which teas are actually best for winter? From full-bodied black teas and warming chai to delicate green teas and naturally caffeine-free rooibos, different teas suit different moments. Knowing a little about their flavors, caffeine content, and brewing methods can make choosing your next cup much easier.

What to Drink Throughout the Day

A good cup of tea is often just about choosing the right tea for the right moment. Some varieties are ideal for a refreshing start to the day, while others are better suited to a quiet evening. Here's how to find your perfect winter cup.

For mornings: Black and green tea 

On a cold morning, you might want to try something new before (or in place of) your coffee. A full-bodied black tea like English Breakfast is perfect for a solid start to the day, while Green Tea with Lemon and Ginger is for those who prefer something lighter and fresher. 

Both contain caffeine, although black tea generally provides more per cup than green tea. The exact amount depends on the tea, how much you use, and how long you let it steep. If you're switching from coffee, black tea may be a good starting point thanks to its stronger flavor, while green tea offers a lighter alternative.

When it comes to brewing green tea specifically, aim for water at around 80 °C, rather than boiling water. Green tea leaves are more delicate, and water that's too hot can bring out unwanted bitterness. Let it steep for around 2–3 minutes, depending on the variety, to bring out its fresh, balanced flavor.

For afternoons: Earl Grey, white tea and Sencha

When you want a break in the middle of the day, elegant and delicate teas shine. Earl Grey Cornflower, with its distinctive citrusy bergamot aroma, or White Tea Jasmine, with its gentle floral fragrance, are ideal for sitting by the window and watching the rain. Sencha, a Japanese classic with a fresh, grassy flavor, suits quiet moments just as well.

While these teas can seem similar at first glance, their flavors are quite different. Not sure which to choose? If you enjoy bright citrus flavors, try Earl Grey. If you prefer something floral and subtle, white tea might be your match. And if you like the fresh taste of green tea, Sencha is worth exploring.

Their brewing methods differ, too. White tea often tastes best when prepared with water around 75-85°C, while Japanese Sencha is commonly brewed at approximately 70-80°C. Using slightly cooler water helps preserve their more delicate flavors without making the tea overly bitter.

For cold days: Chai and warming black teas

If winter tea makes you think of one thing, it’s probably chai. Traditionally associated with India, masala chai combines black tea with spices, often including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The result is a warming drink that feels especially comforting when the temperature drops.

Our Black Tea Chai combines the full flavor of warm spices with a strong black tea. You can enjoy it plain, but it’s also a great choice for making a simple homemade chai latte. Simply brew your chai a little stronger than usual, then add warm, frothed milk or your favorite plant-based alternative. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a little extra seasonal flavor. 

If spices aren’t your thing, Black Tea Pomegranate is another option. The fruity character of pomegranate brings a nice contrast to the rich flavor of black tea, making it a great alternative to classic winter spice blends. For both varieties, water just off the boil, around 95–100°C, for approximately 3-5 minutes, is generally a good starting point. 

For evenings: Caffeine-free rooibos and herbal infusions

After a long winter day, you might prefer something without caffeine. That's where rooibos and herbal infusions come in. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, making it a popular choice for evenings. Unlike black, green, and white tea, which all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, rooibos comes from a South African shrub called Aspalathus linearis.

It has a smooth, slightly sweet, earthy flavor and is particularly easy to prepare. Steep it in freshly boiled water for around 5–7 minutes for a fuller cup. Unlike many traditional teas, rooibos is relatively forgiving when steeped for longer, so you don't need to worry as much about it becoming bitter. For an extra winter touch, try adding a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick while it brews.

Peppermint Licorice is another lovely after-dinner option, combining the refreshing taste of peppermint with the natural sweetness of licorice. Herbal infusions like this are typically prepared with boiling water and benefit from a longer steeping time, allowing their flavors to develop. One thing worth knowing: licorice can raise blood pressure and may interact with certain medications. It's best avoided or discussed with a healthcare professional if you have high blood pressure or other relevant health concerns, particularly during pregnancy.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

You don’t need to be a tea expert to make a great cup of tea, but a few small habits make a real difference. One of the most important is knowing that not all teas should be brewed in the same way.

Black teas generally tolerate higher water temperatures, while delicate green and white teas benefit from slightly cooler water. Steeping time matters just as much: leave certain teas in the water for too long, and you may end up with an overly bitter cup. Always check the instructions on your tea packaging for the best results.

A few other habits can improve your cup, too. Use fresh water whenever possible, measure your tea rather than guessing, and remove the tea bag or leaves once the recommended steeping time has passed. If you're using loose-leaf tea, make sure the leaves have enough space to expand in the water. A roomy infuser or teapot with a removable strainer makes this easier.

And finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Some people enjoy a stronger black tea with milk, while others prefer a delicate green tea without anything added. Finding your favorite brewing method is part of the fun.

Why Use a Glass Teapor for Loose-Leaf Tea?

Tea isn’t only something you drink, it’s something you watch. Hot water meeting the leaves, the color slowly unfolding: it’s one of the calmest moments of a winter evening. That’s part of what makes a glass teapot so appealing, especially when preparing loose-leaf tea .

Unlike an opaque teapot, glass allows you to see the color of your tea as it develops, making it easier to follow the brewing process. Watching the leaves gradually unfold also adds a lovely visual element to the experience, particularly with floral and lighter teas.

Glass has practical benefits, too. Because it's non-porous, it doesn't easily absorb flavors or aromas from previous infusions. That makes it convenient if you enjoy switching between different tea varieties throughout the day.

When choosing a glass teapot, think about how much tea you usually prepare. For sharing with friends or family, the Glass Teapot with Glass Strainer (800 ml) offers enough capacity for approximately three medium-sized cups. For a quiet moment alone or tea for two, the Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Strainer (500 ml) is a more compact option.

If you want your tea to stay warm over several cups , place a Teapot Warmer Stand under your teapot. That way the second and third cups are just as warm as the first - just make sure that your teapot is suitable for use with a warmer.

Find Your Favorite Winter Tea at The Unusual Space

The best winter tea ultimately depends on what you enjoy. Maybe it's a strong English Breakfast to start your morning, a delicate jasmine tea for an afternoon break, a spiced chai on a rainy Sunday, or a naturally caffeine-free rooibos as the day winds down.

If you don’t know where to begin, the Assorted Tea Box is a great place to start. It’s an ideal way to try different flavors from our selection, and it also makes a lovely gift for a tea lover around Sinterklaas or the holidays. Add a glass teapot, and your gift becomes a complete tea ritual.

At The Unusual Space, we choose our teas with curiosity and a love of flavor, because we believe a good tea deserves a story as much as a good coffee does. Explore our full collection of teas and infusions, find your next favorite, and make those cold, gray days a little more gezellig.

 

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