As avid chocolate lovers, we can confidently say that drinking chocolate is a favourite after tea. Not only is it rich and delicious, but it also has a long and fascinating history that dates to ancient civilizations. With Easter quickly approaching, we can't think of a better way to celebrate the occasion than with a warm cup of drinking chocolate.

Drinking Chocolate and Its History

Drinking chocolate, also known as hot chocolate, is a beverage made from melted chocolate or cocoa powder and milk or water. It has been enjoyed for thousands of years and was first consumed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs in Central America. They believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods and used it in religious ceremonies and as a form of currency.

When the Spanish arrived in Central America in the 16th century, they introduced chocolate to Europe, where it quickly became popular among the wealthy. Over time, drinking chocolate evolved and new variations were created, including the addition of sugar, spices, and whipped cream.

Today, drinking chocolate is enjoyed all over the world and is a beloved treat during the Easter season.

How to Make Homemade Drinking Chocolate

Making homemade drinking chocolate is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:  2 cups of milk (or your preferred choice) - 4 oz of chocolate (chopped or in chip form) - 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)

How to make:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.
• Add the chocolate and stir until it's melted and combined with the milk.
• If desired, add sugar and continue stirring until it's completely dissolved.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately.
• This basic recipe can be customized to your liking by adding different flavors such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Pairing Drinking Chocolate with Easter Treats

Drinking chocolate is the perfect complement to any Easter treat. Whether you're enjoying a slice of carrot cake or a handful of jellybeans, a warm cup of drinking chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few of our favorite pairings:

• Dark chocolate drinking chocolate with a slice of chocolate cake.
• White chocolate drinking chocolate with a lemon tart.
• Spicy drinking chocolate with a cinnamon roll.
• Mint drinking chocolate with a chocolate egg.

Where to Buy Quality Drinking Chocolate

While making homemade drinking chocolate is always a treat, sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy a pre-made cup.  When shopping for drinking chocolate, you must always look for a brand that uses high quality ingredients and has a rich smooth, texture.

Tea Drop’s premium drinking chocolate comes perfectly blended with the finest West African cocoa powder and raw Australian cane sugar for a melt-in-the-mouth drinking experience, complete with hints of fruit and raw sweetness. Indulgent, silky from the high cocoa butter content, the flavour of deep, classic chocolate lingers on your taste buds.

Unique and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes for Easter

While a classic cup of homemade drinking chocolate is always delicious, why not switch things up and try a unique and festive recipe for Easter? Here are a few our favorites:

• Cadbury Crème Egg Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40gs of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate, 2 Cadbury Creme Eggs & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. 2. Add the chocolate and Cadbury Creme Eggs and stir until they're melted and combined with the milk. 3. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. 4. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

• Carrot Cake Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40g Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate, 1/2 cup of carrot juice , 2 tbs of Tea Drop chai concentrate & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:  In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. 2. Add the chocolate, carrot juice, and chai concentrate and stir and combine with the milk. 3. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. 4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!

• Marshmallow Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 cups of milk of your choice, 40g of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking chocolate, 4 marshmallow squares & Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.  Add the chocolate and marshmallow and stir until they're melted and combined with the milk. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and more marshmallows and enjoy!

Try out one of the above drinking chocolate recipes and let us know which one is your favourite!

Drinking Chocolate Gift Ideas for Easter

If you're looking for a unique and delicious Easter gift, consider giving the gift of drinking chocolate. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• A gift basket filled with Tea Drop’s Artisan Drinking Chocolate, Honey Spice Sticky Chai and Easter candy.
• A set of festive mugs and Tea Drop’s Artisan Drinking Chocolate & Parisian Vanilla
• A hot chocolate bomb kit with instructions for making homemade hot chocolate bombs.

Tips for Serving the Perfect Cup of Drinking Chocolate

Serving the perfect cup of drinking chocolate is all about attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you achieve chocolate perfection:

• Use high-quality ingredients.
• Heat the milk slowly to prevent scorching.
• Stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Serve in a pre-warmed mug.
• Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or other toppings of your choice

Why Drinking Chocolate is the Perfect Addition to Your Easter Celebration

Drinking chocolate has a rich and fascinating history and is the perfect addition to any Easter celebration. Whether you're enjoying a classic cup of homemade hot chocolate or trying out a unique and festive recipe, drinking chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pair it with your favorite Easter treats, give it as a gift, or serve it up as the perfect ending to your Easter meal. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, drinking chocolate is a delicious and decadent way to celebrate the holiday season.

 

 

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. And no matter the season we can always enjoy a cup of warm or iced tea any time of the day.  Tea leaves are made from the plant Camellia sinensis. Black tea, Green tea, White tea, Oolong tea and Pu Erh tea comes from this same plant. The distinctive flavour profiles and colours that come from these tea types are due to the way the plant is processed.

Different types of tea leaves

Green tea leaves and white tea leaves are the least processed and not oxidized and therefore regarded the healthiest. Black tea leaves are fully oxidized, and oolong tea leaves are only partially oxidized. Pu Erh tea leaves are aged and considered a post oxidized tea. These tea types offer a host of health benefits. The caffeine content will vary between these teas depending on the process.

Herbal tea is not officially a tea, as it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant, but is instead an infusion of leaves, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers of almost any edible, non-tea plant. The most common herbal teas are chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, peppermint tea, ginger, and rooibos tea. Herbal teas have been around for a long time, with our ancestors’ making infusions of the plants, roots, and herbs they saw around them for medicinal use. This practice continues today with the use of herbal teas to support a healthy mind and body.

Why is tea healthy?

Potential health benefits of tea are due to the polyphenol or flavonoids content in the tea leaves. These chemical compounds act as antioxidants, which control the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. The more tea leaves are processed, usually the less polyphenol content. But their antioxidizing power will still be high.

Health benefits of tea

No matter the season, we recommend getting into the natural, immune-boosting habit of drinking tea every day as tea has a myriad of health benefits.

• Keeps You Hydrated - Did you know that drinking 4-6 cups of tea a day is as good for keeping you hydrated as a litre of water. Whether enjoyed as a delicious hot cuppa or served on ice stay hydrated with tea.
• Great Coffee Alternative – Herbal teas are caffeine free, while traditional teas have less amounts of caffeine than typically found in coffee. Therefore, it will help boost energy and you can consume it without the jittery side effects when the caffeine wears off.
• High in Antioxidants – Tea is loaded with antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals, keeping you healthy mentally and physically.
• May aid in weight loss – The jury is still out on this, but studies have shown that the caffeine and catechins in tea may aid with weight loss. Green tea is a popular choice for weight loss, as it contains amino acids that signal the body to burn stored fat. The caffeine in tea also helps boost energy and is ideal as a pre-workout drink. Teas are calorie free and the ideal drink to have guilt free.
• Aids in digestion – Tea aids with digestion and can treat issues from nausea to an upset stomach. It also contains tannins which has shown to reduce intestinal inflammation, which can help soothe stomach cramps and irritable bowel syndrome. Teas with ginger are a popular choice.
• Boost your mood – Drinking tea is always connected with calming and soothing effects and linked to decreased stress levels and help you unwind after a tough day.
• Boost your immune system - Tea is great for your immune system. Many types of teas have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can aid to prevent you from getting sick. Whether you’re worried about flu season, or just want to improve your overall health, a daily tea schedule will benefit you.

By incorporating tea into your lifestyle, not only is it a refreshing & aromatic treat, but there is also a myriad of benefits designed to elevate your life. So, get ready to enjoy a flavoursome and sensorial tea experience from the very first sip.

Japanese Matcha has long been cherished for its vibrant green hue, earthy aroma, and smooth umami taste. Beyond its traditional role in tea ceremonies, matcha has become a versatile ingredient in modern kitchens, adding a unique depth of flavour to both sweet and savoury creations. Tea Drop’s Pure Organic Matcha is crafted from the finest shade-grown tea leaves, offering a well-balanced profile perfect for culinary applications.

Elevate Your Culinary Creations with Tea Drop Japanese Matcha

1. Matcha White Chocolate Coated Strawberries

A simple yet elegant treat, these matcha white chocolate strawberries bring together creamy sweetness and earthy matcha notes. Crafted in collaboration with an artisan chocolate maker, this exclusive Tea Drop creation showcases the finest white chocolate blended with our signature Japanese Matcha. The result is a smooth, balanced bite that enhances the natural juiciness of the strawberries, delivering a truly indulgent Tea Drop experience.

2. Raspberry Matcha Roulade

A delightful fusion of tangy raspberries and the deep, velvety essence of matcha, this roulade is a showstopper. The earthy undertones of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha beautifully complement the sweet and tart raspberry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavours. The soft sponge infused with matcha not only enhances the taste but also adds an elegant touch to the presentation. Find the full recipe here.

3. Matcha Chocolate Truffles

Indulgent and rich, these matcha-infused chocolate truffles are a luxurious treat. The velvety dark chocolate melds with the smooth umami of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha, resulting in a sophisticated bite-sized delight. A dusting of matcha powder enhances the depth of flavour, making each truffle an irresistible delicacy. Discover how to create these decadent truffles by following the recipe here.

4. Iced Mango Matcha Latte

A refreshing twist on a classic favourite, the Mango Matcha Latte combines the creamy, umami-rich taste of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha with the sweet and tropical notes of mango. This vibrant blend offers a naturally energising drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, it’s the perfect way to experience the harmonious balance of matcha and fruit. Learn more about our matcha and how to make the perfect mango matcha latte here.

The possibilities with Tea Drop Japanese Matcha are endless. From matcha-infused smoothies to delicate matcha cookies and Matcha Strawberry Chocolate, this finely ground green tea powder brings a vibrant twist to everyday recipes.

Why Choose Tea Drop Japanese Matcha?

Our Organic Matcha is sourced from Japan’s finest tea gardens, ensuring an authentic and high-quality experience in every sip or bite. Whether you’re a home baker, a seasoned chef, or a matcha lover, Tea Drop Japanese Matcha is your go-to ingredient for culinary excellence.

There's nothing more comforting than a cosy cuppa on a chilly winter's night. With your body being more vulnerable during the cooler seasons, a daily tea schedule will benefit you throughout winter and beyond.

We at Tea Drop have the perfect range of wellness blend teas with our moringa and turmeric teas. Crafted by tea specialists, and packed full of the freshest & most nutritious ingredients, these aromatic blends will help promote winter wellness and improve your overall health & wellbeing in the colder seasons.

All About Moringa

As winter is the time to give your immune system a little boost and moringa, aka the miracle tree, will give it exactly the type of boost it needs. Traditionally used to help combat malnutrition, this protein and mineral-rich plant is gaining in popularity in the wellness circles and we’re letting you in on the secret now. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and detoxifying properties to help you feel your best. The best part? It tastes amazing! Learn more about our moringa teas below.

• Citrus Cleanse - With a cleansing combination of moringa, lemon balm leaves and green tea, this tea has a minty and spicy aroma that also includes rosehip, raspberry leaves, sage leaves, nettle leaves, cardamom, lemon peel, orange peel & acerola pieces.
• Strawberry Moringa - Lusciously fruity and fibrous in taste thanks to the strawberry pieces and moringa leaves, this tea is packed with vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. It also features apple pieces, raisins, carrot, beetroot & hibiscus.
• Feel Good - With rich red fruity elements from the papaya, red currants & pomegranate, the tea is complemented with an undertone of spice and citrus thanks to moringa leaves, lemongrass, strawberry leaves & rose blossom leaves.
• Revive - With tastes of sweet cinnamon and light bursts of citrus toasted almonds this festive combination of ingredients includes moringa leaves, apple pieces, lemongrass, cinnamon sticks, orange pieces, toasted almonds & rose blossom leaves.
• De Stress - With floral notes and hints of citrus, candied mango pieces, orange peels and fig slices. This zen tea also includes relaxing herbs like vervain, lemongrass, chamomile blossom and moringa.

Moringa Tea Benefits

• May help combat malnutrition.
• May Reduce Inflammation
• Lower Cholesterol & Blood Sugar Levels
• Can Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
• Caffeine free wellness tea
• Contains the most nutritional value compared to other plants.
• Vegan friendly

 Shop our collection of Moringa teas

All About Turmeric

Turmeric (pronounced “TUR-muhr-ihk”), the Golden Spice, is revered in India and many Asian cultures as a nourishing culinary ingredient as well as a plant medicine. Human beings have used traditional forms of turmeric for nearly four millennia. Learn more about our turmeric teas below.

• Turmeric Ginger - Herbs like turmeric and ginger are a match made in immune-supporting heaven. This pair of teas combine to help soothe symptoms related to common colds and flus. Ginger can help the body’s natural defenses fight off a virus. It’s also great for curbing nausea and an upset stomach that can come along with the flu.
• Turmeric Zest - Made with portions of turmeric infused with rooibos and citric florals like hibiscus, orange peel, rosehip, cornflower, lemon peel & stevia leaves. This is an elegant herbal infusion.
• Turmeric Tonic - A supercharged drink that can be enjoyed day or night. This tea promotes a sense of calm. The herbal infusion gets its therapeutic properties from peppermint and the oh so potent roots of turmeric and ginger with a pinch of red pepper and a combination of other ingredients like liqourice, lemon peel, cinnamon, star anise & lemon flavour
• Turmeric Latte - Inspired by traditional recipes of finely ground spices we have paired Turmeric the golden girl herself with her favourite cousin, ginger. Together a few different spices, including cinnamon, cardamom with added black pepper. An awesome way to start your day.

 Turmeric Tea Benefits

• May support a healthy antioxidant status
• May support a healthy inflammation response
• May support healthy brain function & positive mood
• May support healthy cardiovascular function
• Caffeine free
• Vegan friendly

Shop our collection of Turmeric teas

How to make a wellness blend tea

Making a warm cup of one of our moringa or turmeric teas is easy.

First, choose your preferred winter wellness blend. Then, bring water almost to a boil at 99C. For optimum flavour, always use fresh, filtered, low mineral cold water. Do not re-boil water as it loses oxygen and becomes flat. Steep your tea for three to six minutes to develop the flavours and get the right colour. To finish, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or honey to make it even more soothing to your throat.

Shop Wellness Teas

So, what are your waiting for? It’s time to brew up a steaming cuppa of one of our Moringa Teas or a sunny yellow drink of Turmeric tea to ensure you stay on top of your health this winter.  You never know - spiritual and mental well-being might just be a sip away.

As tea specialists, we aim to bring you high-quality tea from all over the globe. All our tea is handpicked, ethically sourced, and tasted by our master blender who brings decades of family traditions and knowledge. Buy our wellness blend tea online today.

 

 

If you love all things mint, then this is the drink for you. We paired our Tea Drop peppermint tea with everyone’s favourite cocktail “mojito” and voila!  A refreshing peppermint tea infused mojito for the weekend.  

What you need

• Tea Drop Peppermint tea
• Mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Honey
• White rum (optional)
• Club Soda
• Ice cubes

Note: Play with your quantities to suit your taste.

How to 

• Brewing the tea: Brew 3 Teaspoons of loose-leaf peppermint tea for 3 -4 minutes in 230ml at 99 °C
• Add mint leaves, lime wedge and honey into a cocktail shaker.
• Use a muddler and crush to release mint oil and lime juice.
• Add the brewed tea and rum to the mixture and shake.
• Strain and pour into an ice filled tall glass.
• Top up with club soda.
• Garnish with mint and serve.

Peppermint Tea

Our peppermint tea is a premium hand-crafted blend using only the freshest peppermint leaves. It has been packed in small batches to maintain superior flavour and freshness. Taste the difference with Tea Drop today!