When we think of Thanksgiving, we often think of family and traditions. From filling our bellies with secret family recipes to tossing a football in the front yard, each tradition is unique and holds a special place in our hearts. Although many traditions are specific to each family, we believe it’s just as meaningful to create new memories by sharing fresh traditions with others. One of our favorites at Hackberry is brewing tea recipes inspired by the autumn flavors we love. From a seasonal spiced blend to a festive fruity brew, there’s a Thanksgiving-inspired tea, and a new holiday tradition, for everyone to enjoy!
Before we dive into our Thanksgiving tea recipes, let’s explore some of our favorite ready-made tea blends for this time of year. We know there’s plenty of preparation and cooking before the grand feast begins, and the trick to powering through that to-do list without needing a nap is a good cup of black tea. A simple, classic English Breakfast always does the job, or, if you want a little more flavor, Warm Vanilla Chai will add some pep and spice to your day.
If you’re looking for something caffeine-free to sip throughout the day, nothing screams “Thanksgiving” more than our Hibiscus Cranberry Cherry. This caffeine-free tisane will remind you of your aunt’s signature cranberry sauce. And after a day full of feasting, a warm cup of tea to relax and settle the stomach is the perfect way to end the holiday. For winding down after the excitement, our Evening Peace & Quiet blend is the perfect companion for a calm night and deep sleep.
No matter your mood, or the climate you live in, every tea can be enjoyed either hot or iced.
Thanksgiving Themed Recipes:
Spiced Cranberry Tea *8 Servings
Cranberries and cinnamon come together for a tart and spiced beverage, perfect to sip with your Thanksgiving meal. Not only is it delicious, but the vibrant red color is appealing to the eye! This recipe is caffeinated but can be caffeine-free with an herbal substitute.
What You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
- 8 cups of water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of plain Black Tea (or Hibiscus Cranberry Cherry for a caffeine-free option)
Instructions:
- In a large pan, place the cranberries in water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and allow the cranberries to soften over a simmer for 30 minutes.
- Turn the heat off and combine the orange juice, lemon juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and tea leaves. Make sure the loose-leaf tea is contained in a large steeper or multiple filter bags.
- Steep the tea for 5 minutes and then remove the tea bags. Continue to steep the covered pan for 30-60 minutes to release and combine the flavors. The kitchen will smell amazing! Note, if the mixture is cooling down too fast, turn the stove heat on to low.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves and serve in your favorite mugs. Top it off with some extra cranberries or a lemon slice for garnish. Enjoy!
Iced Autumn Spice Punch *8 Servings
Here in Arizona, it is still warm enough that an iced beverage is often enjoyed on Thanksgiving Day. This Autumn inspired punch is packed full of fall-flavored fruits and spices and is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious meal or busy cooking day. You will find yourself refilling your glass over and over! This recipe is caffeinated but can also be a kid-friendly treat by using a caffeine-free tea blend.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 8 cups of apple juice
- 2-3 tablespoons of Raspberry Black or Blackberry Jasmine Green (or V.V. Berry for a caffeine free option)
- 1 orange, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the apple juice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a large pan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add loose-leaf tea. Make sure the loose-leaf tea is contained in a large steeper or multiple filter bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Afterwards, you can put it in the refrigerator to chill.
- When it is time to serve, remove the spices, and pour into glasses with ice. Top it off with some orange slices for garnish. Enjoy!
Brown Sugar Chai Tea Latte *Single Serving
What You’ll Need:
- 1-1.5 tsp of Warm Vanilla Chai or any chai blend of choice
- 8 oz Water
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Milk
Instructions:
- Steep Warm Vanilla Chai following steeping instructions.
- Boil water, add cinnamon and sugar to make syrup.
- Combine syrup and tea.
- Top with milk. Enjoy!
keep reading tea articles
Tasty Teas For Your Thanksgiving Day!
When we think of Thanksgiving, we often think of family and traditions. From filling our bellies with secret family recipes to tossing a football in the front yard, each tradition is unique and holds a special place in our hearts....
This month, we decided to feature a perfect and simple way to sweeten your favorite tea - jam! Adding jam to tea creates a more complex sweetness and a satisfying texture you don't get from just sugar or honey. We...
Our Guide to Making Cold Brew Chai Concentrate
Cold brew has gained popularity in recent years. If you look online or on Pinterest for a cold brew recipe, you will find many options, which can be overwhelming! At Hackberry Tea, we enjoy experimenting with trending and creative drinks...
Read moreabout Our Guide to Making Cold Brew Chai Concentrate
Iced Tea | Summer's Favorite Drink
Have you ever stopped to think of iced tea as a creative innovation? It's such a common drink that it didn't occur to me that icing tea was at one point impossible. Tea is one of the oldest drinks on...
Keep it Chill With Cold Brew Tea
What is Cold Brew Tea? When you make iced tea, you hot brew a tea or blend it and then add ice to cool it down. Although delicious, this method can be a hit or miss depending on how long...
It’s now time to try cold foam! Did you know that foam is not just for hot drinks? You’re probably familiar with the London Fog, which is Earl Grey tea with steamed milk topped with foam. Now you can enjoy the...
shop these recommended teas
From $ 9.50
From $ 8.25
From $ 10.25
From $ 8.95
From $ 8.95
From $ 8.50
learn the fundamentals of tea
Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
Hot. Iced. Sweetened. Unsweetened. You may think you know it. You may have been drinking it your whole life.
But there are intricacies about black tea that are fairly unknown and truly staggering. It has started wars, been used as currency, and is the most popular type of tea in the world. But there’s more to this tea than banknotes and bloodshed and bottom lines. There’s history and processing and health benefits and more!
Read moreabout Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
Tea 101 | A Brief Overview of the Tea Plant
It’s started wars, been used as currency, and–aside from water–it is the number one most consumed beverage in the world. What is it? Tea, of course! Tea may seem simple at first. It is, after all, just steeping leaves in...
China | Tea's Birthplace and Top Producer
Of all the tea origin stories, the history and evolution of tea in China is the most influential. Tea cultivation and consumption began here, making tea a deeply embedded part of Chinese culture since before the third century. Originally, monks...
Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea
The art of drinking tea has significantly influenced many different regions and cultures for centuries. We have learned about the first discovery of tea in China and its migration through Europe and India. Now, this beloved beverage is consumed...
Read moreabout Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea
Fruit Tea 101: History & Benefits
Fruit tea, served hot or cold, is naturally sweet and deliciously refreshing. But what exactly are we drinking when we drink fruit tea? Well, for starters, it may surprise you to hear that fruit tea is not technically ‘tea’. Tea...
India | A Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas
The History of Tea in India: How They Became a Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas India and China are the two countries that contend for the title of “World’s Largest Tea Producer,” but their competition is a relatively recent...