Not all black teas are made the same, and herbal infusions can really bring out the subtle notes in these differences. The refreshing briskness of Ceylon, for example, offers an even brighter flavor profile when combined with more citrus-like herbs such as lemongrass, lemon balm, or lemon verbena.
The much more delicate taste of Darjeeling, on the other hand, really blooms when brewed with lavender, rose hips, scented geraniums, or other floral accents of choice. And of course, black teas like Assam that run along the darker and more decadent side will pair wonderfully with stronger herbs like rosemary or sage.
That’s not to say you can’t mix and match to suit your own tastes. If you want to kick it up a notch, a switch to loose leaf will elevate the natural flavors of your tea and make the herbal accents pop. With as little as two fresh ingredients, you can make a cool and refreshing drink that’ll have you wondering why pairing herbs with black tea is so unconventional to begin with.