Tea Rooms - A Rosie Cup of Tea ... AT MY ROSE GARDEN

To make a Rosie Cup of Tea ...

Take your dried rose petals from your store cupboard (See Rose Craft – Rose Petals for Tea?).  Choose a loose leaf tea that will enhance but not overpower the subtle fragrance and flavour of your dried rose petals.  My first choice is for Australian grown black tea leaves with a mild flavour and aroma.

Now combine the dried rose petals with the loose tea leaves to taste.    Use a ratio of one-third rose petals to two-third tea leaves as a guide, using a tea cup as a measure.  For a more strongly flavoured rose tea add a larger quantity of dried petals; alternatively reduce the amount of rose petals for a subtler rose flavour and aroma.  The depth of fragrance in the rose petals will also dictate the ratio of rose petals to tea leaves. 

Once you have combined your dried rose petals with the loose tea leaves, you should be able to see pretty pink petals mixed with the loose tea leaves.   You may prefer to crumble your rose petals to make them finer, but I prefer to see large pieces of rose petals amongst the tea leaves.

Store this mixture as for loose leaf tea in an air-tight container (not plastic) away from light.  If you have one, a vintage tea caddy is perfect (or use this as an excuse to find one on your next antiques shopping trip!).  I also enjoy seeing this pretty mixture in a glass jar, which also makes it easy to find in the store cupboard. 

Now, to brew your rose petal tea ... Choose your favourite vintage tea pot.  As for loose leaf tea, take one spoonful of your rose petal tea mixture per person, plus one for the pot.  Pour on freshly boiled water and leave to brew for 3 to 4 minutes, or longer if you prefer strong tea.  

To complete the rose inspired theme, serve in your prettiest rose china. I have used my treasured Royal Albert ‘Lavender Rose’ sugar bowl and creamer, and ‘Rosie’ china tea cup and saucer.   Of course, rose petal tea tastes delicious whatever vessel you serve it in, but a rosie cup of tea is just a little more special if you use lovely china. 

Depending on the colour of your rose petals, your rose tea will have a slightly pink hue, along with a subtle rosie aroma and flavour.  Serve with milk and honey if you prefer, but above all take the time to relax and enjoy your Rosie Cup of Tea.