Tea Blog

Have you ever wondered how red and green became the signature colors of Christmas?

I hadn’t given it much thought myself until recently. Yet once you start looking into it, the connection seems surprisingly natural. Evergreen plants, holly berries, seasonal decorations, and centuries of holiday traditions have helped make red and green the defining colors of the festive season.

That got me wondering: if Christmas can have its own color palette, why not tea?

There’s certainly no requirement to coordinate your tea choices with holiday décor. Still, if you’d like to bring a little seasonal color into your teacup, there are plenty of red and green teas worthy of consideration during the colder months.

Green Tea for the Green Side of Christmas

Green tea has enjoyed tremendous popularity in recent decades, and for good reason. Its wide range of flavor profiles means there is something for almost every palate.

Depending on the variety, green teas can be:

• Fresh and grassy
• Sweet and vegetal
• Nutty and smooth
• Rich and savory
• Light and refreshing

For the holiday season, however, some tea drinkers may prefer fuller-bodied green teas that can stand up to cooler weather and richer foods.

Good options include:

• Gunpowder Green Tea — Bold, slightly smoky, and more robust than many green teas.
• Bancha — A Japanese green tea with a hearty, approachable character.
• Kukicha — Made primarily from stems and twigs, offering a gentle sweetness and comforting flavor.

These teas provide a deeper, more substantial experience than some delicate spring harvest greens and can make excellent companions during the winter months.

What Exactly Is Red Tea?

The answer depends on who you ask.

In many Western countries, the term “red tea” is often used to describe rooibos, sometimes called redbush tea. Native to South Africa, rooibos is technically an herbal infusion rather than a true tea because it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Nevertheless, its rich reddish infusion and naturally comforting flavor have made it a favorite among those seeking a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea.

Others use the term “red tea” in the Chinese sense, where what English speakers call black tea is referred to as red tea because of the color of the brewed liquor.

Both interpretations fit nicely into a red-and-green holiday tea theme.

Holiday-Friendly Black (Red) Teas

The holiday season is often associated with warming spices and rich flavors, making black tea an especially popular choice.

Many seasonal blends build upon black tea bases and incorporate ingredients such as:

• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Orange peel
• Peppermint
• Vanilla

These combinations are designed to evoke familiar holiday aromas and treats, from gingerbread and spice cakes to peppermint candies.

For tea drinkers who prefer unflavored teas, there are still plenty of excellent choices.

Two Robust Winter Favorites

If asked to recommend strong black teas for cold-weather drinking, two stand out immediately.

Assam, from northeastern India, is known for its rich body, malty character, and satisfying depth. Many tea enthusiasts consider it one of the boldest and most flavorful black teas available.

Close behind is Yunnan Black Tea, produced in China’s Yunnan Province. Often smooth and naturally sweet, it may offer notes of cocoa, honey, malt, or dried fruit depending on the style.

Both varieties are excellent choices for winter mornings and holiday gatherings.

Tea and the Holiday Spirit

The beauty of holiday tea drinking is that there are no strict rules.

You can match your tea to the season, seek out festive blends, or simply continue enjoying your year-round favorites.

Some tea drinkers eagerly embrace cinnamon-spiced holiday blends each winter. Others remain loyal to classic Assams, Darjeelings, senchas, or oolongs regardless of the month.

Tea, after all, is meant to be enjoyed rather than regulated.

The Bottom Line

If you’d like to celebrate the season with a little color coordination, green teas and red teas offer plenty of possibilities.

A robust gunpowder tea, a comforting kukicha, a rich Assam, a smooth Yunnan, or even a cup of rooibos can all bring a touch of holiday spirit to tea time.

And if none of those appeal, you can always take inspiration from Santa in the picture above and simply enjoy whatever happens to be in the cup.

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea commentary, reviews, and tea culture articles.

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