Krampus Kristmas Tea – Smoky Black Tea & Safflower North Pole Christmas Blend

Not every Christmas tradition begins with sleigh bells and candlelight.

Some begin with a knock at the door.

High upon a shelf at The North Pole Tea Shop, away from Huatua's brighter festive blends, stands a row of jars bearing a rather more unsettling label. Inside is a dark and smoky black tea known throughout Santa's Village as Krampus Kristmas Tea.

Its origins, Huatua explains, lie in an old Elven custom.

For centuries, the darkest nights of winter were regarded as a time for both celebration and caution. Hearths were kept burning, candles filled the windows, and certain herbs and flowers were brought into the home as symbols of protection against whatever might be wandering beyond the firelight.

It was from these traditions that Huatua created this unusual blend.

Rich black tea forms its foundation, deepened by a wonderfully smoky aroma reminiscent of ancient fireplaces, extinguished candles and timber darkened by centuries of winter fires. Scattered amongst the leaves are safflower petals, a plant prized since antiquity for the extraordinary golden, orange and crimson colours produced by its flowers.

To the old tea masters, those fiery petals came to represent the protective flame of the winter hearth — light held defiantly against darkness.

And so Krampus Kristmas Tea became a favourite for the more atmospheric winter evenings in Santa's Village.

Brew a pot after nightfall and its dark fragrance seems capable of transporting you somewhere else entirely: to an old Gothic manor, candle flames flickering along wood-panelled corridors, snow pressing against leaded windows and a great fire smouldering in the grate.

Settle into the deepest armchair.

Pour yourself a cup.

And should you hear something scratching faintly at the window...

Huatua recommends that you do not investigate.

After all, there are some Christmas visitors for whom one cup should never be laid at the table.

Ingredients: Black Tea, Safflower Petals & Organic Natural Flavours
Character: Dark, Smoky & Mysterious
North Pole Tradition: A warming winter blend inspired by the protective fires and darker folklore of Christmas
Prepared by: Huatua, The North Pole Tea Shop, Santa's Village