What tea is best for afternoon tea? Well, there are quite a few! Whether you are hosting or attending afternoon tea, it’s important to have a few different options for tea. When selecting teas, keeping the afternoon tea menu in mind is wise. The perfect tea and food pairing will lead to an even better afternoon tea experience for everyone. Some teas are best with the savoury course and some teas are better with the sweet course. This is why it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy more than one type of tea during this traditional tea service. To narrow it down, here are the most popular teas to drink with afternoon tea.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Black, puerh, oolong, green, white, herbal. Any type of tea is good to drink at afternoon tea. Although, black tea is the most popular, especially if afternoon tea guests enjoy their tea with a splash of milk.
Yes! Afternoon tea should include both caffeinated and caffeine-free teas.
Loose leaf tea is generally higher quality tea when compared to most tea bags. Therefore, it will offer a more flavourful cup of tea. However, tea bags are still an option for afternoon tea. 
Usually the host would be the one to pour tea in the afternoon tea guests’ teacups.
Always pour tea into an empty teacup! Milk should be served separately so guests can add it to their cup, if desired.
Best Teas to Drink with Afternoon Tea
This list of best teas for afternoon tea includes black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas and herbal teas. The flavours range from robust and bold to soft and floral.
English Breakfast black tea
This breakfast tea is a luxurious blend of black teas. Full-bodied and full of flavour, the copper infusion is an afternoon tea staple. It can be enjoyed with or without milk. Pair English Breakfast tea with the savouries, scones and sweets!
Earl Grey black tea
Easily the most popular black tea blend, Earl Grey is a favourite to enjoy with afternoon tea because it pairs nicely with both scones and sweets. This citrus blend is flavoured with bergamot oil and goes well with milk, too.
Darjeeling black tea
The champagne of teas would be appropriate to serve at afternoon tea! First flush or second flush darjeeling are both common at afternoon tea. The brisk and astringent flavour pairs beautifully with savouries and sweets.
Assam black tea
Malty and rich, this black tea is another favourite for tea time. It can be served with milk and/or sugar. The sharp flavours complement the creamy sweets, scones and cheese-based savouries.
Milk Oolong tea
The unique milky flavour gives this oolong tea its name. But, don't let that fool you! There is no milk in this tea. It's naturally creamy with notes of honey orchids. Enjoy on its own and try it with scones and sweets like mini cakes, tarts and cookies!
Gunpowder green tea
This green tea has pellet shaped tea leaves that actually look similar to gunpowder (hence the name!) The profile is bold with oaky undertones. It pairs well with the savoury course from afternoon tea.
White Peony white tea
A delicate white tea that is fresh, slightly sweet and earthy with melon notes. The refreshing flavours makes it ideal for light and fruit-based sweets. Best without milk.
Chamomile
This caffeine-free tea is floral with a naturally sweet apple-like flavour. The soothing characteristics are wonderful when paired with afternoon tea sweets or scones. This tea is a nice way to end tea time, too.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is fresh tasting, cooling and naturally caffeine-free. Best of all, the mint flavour is delightful with the entire afternoon tea menu. Pair it with the tea sandwiches, scones and even the sweets. It’s especially tasty with chocolate-based treats.
Rooibos
This is a full-bodied herbal tea that is smooth with a slightly nutty and woody taste. Rooibos can be enjoyed with or without milk. The flavour profile goes well with any of the 3 afternoon tea courses. But, I especially enjoy sips of this herbal tea with savoury bites.
Learn More About Afternoon Tea:
- High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea
- Afternoon Tea Etiquette: 12 Dos & Don’ts
- How to Serve & Eat Traditional Afternoon Tea
The Afternoon Tea Guide eBook
Now that you have the tea, grab everything else you need to confidently prepare and host traditional afternoon tea at home with The Afternoon Tea Guide.
13 recipes, printable invitations, place cards, menus, grocery lists, guest list, planning check list and more. Learn more about this digital guidebook here.
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What is your favourite tea to drink with afternoon tea? Let me know in the comments below!
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Oh, I love Darjeeling black tea so much!!! I always offer it to my guests. And for myself, I also choose Dian Hong Jin Luo , with a pleasant honey flavor.