Tradition of having an afternoon tea has been a constant around the world in many countries including Morocco, India, China, and England. After watching Bridgerton and the Great British Baking Show, I wanted to try my own take on Britain’s classic afternoon tea. Here are a few of my suggestions on what to have if you want to try making your own as well! If you’re interested in learning more about the history of afternoon English tea,this article has a full review along with some etiquette tips and other tea time ideas. Disclaimer: this is definitely the American version of afternoon tea with a mashup of a lot of flavors, so I apologize to any purists out there.
Drinks
For tea lovers, there are many options from the classic English Breakfast to Black Tea, Earl Grey, Robioos, etc. London fogs are a tea latte with vanilla and steamed milk. You can make similar lattes with other teas like chai or matcha. For coffee drinkers there are a plethora of options, anything you would get in a cafe is fair game! For those who like carbonated drinks, try ginger beer, kombucha (apple or berry ginger is my favorite), sparkling water, seltzer, or sparkling juice like Sanpellegrinos. If the tea turns into a later affair, bring out some rose, wine, or champagne.
Sweet Pastries
There is a limitless amount of options for sweet sides to your tea time. The classic would be English sconces with clotted cream and jam. Other delicious options would be a slice of lemon blueberry pound cake, apple cinnamon muffins, carrot cake cream cheese cookies, cranberry scones, chocolate croissants, chamomile cookies, mini triple layer cakes, macaroons...yeah the list is infinite.
Savory Pastries and Sandwiches
Later versions of tea in England, also known as “high tea” have much more substantial and savory dishes like meat pies. You can also have savory sides at your afternoon tea. Think cucumber sandwiches, ham and cheese croissants, mini phyllo spanakopita, cheddar chive biscuits, bruschetta on French bread, and much more.
Small Sides
Other small sides like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and apple slices are great options for fruit. Sliced carrots, cucumbers, peppers and hummus are great picnic additions. Too top off the scones and other sandwiches or pastries, serve herbed cheeses, honey butter, and other infused butters like this lavender cream. Some sweet treats to add include candied nuts, chocolate covered almonds, or espresso beans. Enjoy!