Hot Cinnamon Sunset Tea

There's nothing like the right cup of tea to complement a good read, good music, or a good pie (the latter being my preferred option). Oh hell, a good cup of tea makes anything better. Hot Cinnamon Sunset is one of the more fragrant blends of the many exotic teas produced by Harney & Sons. It comes in silken sachets (stylish little baggies fashioned into pyramids that show off the blend within and allow the tea to breathe) and it doesn’t surprise me that it is one of the company's most popular flavors. Those little sachets receive an A+ from me in the aesthetic department. Even the occasional tea-drinker will notice and appreciate an artistic difference in the presentation. But do not be deceived: despite the fancy, hoity-toity packaging, this is a tea that asserts itself and packs a punch. Guaranteed to soothe anyone’s frayed and frazzled nerves, Hot Cinnamon Sunset (sometimes referred to as Hot Cinnamon Spice in their catalog) is a mixture of loose black tea leaves, three different cinnamons, orange peel and sweet cloves. It is a medium-bodied tea that can be served with sweetener and creamer if desired, but is by no means essential. Added bonus: even if you have a sweet tooth like I do, dumping massive amounts of honey into your mug won’t be necessary – it can be enjoyed on its own just as much. But beware: while comforting and sweet, this tea isn’t for the weak. The earthy pungency of the cloves packs quite a powerful bite. Leave it to steep a few minutes too long and it will turn into a potent brew suitable only for hard-core tea enthusiasts and people with a penchant for spicy cinnamon stick candy. The best way to brew this tea is to steep one sachet in approximately two to three cups of almost-boiling water for five to eight minutes, depending on how spicy you want it to taste. I recommend leaving it in for a shorter period of time if this is your first Cinnamon Sunset experience. This will be a delightful change for people who might normally fancy something less bold like chamomile or similar herbal blends, but won't be too subtle or intimidating either. For those who prefer green or oolong tea variations that just barely suggest an aroma, this won't, forgive me for using the expression, be your cup of tea. Best served, as always, in a gigantic mug.

Image courtesy of ACB.