The Dilmah Exceptional range is a rather unique collection of handpicked teas and infusions that are picked specifically for their quality, fragrance and character. Read our guide on the 3 most popular teas from our Exceptional selection - Chai Tea, Black Tea and Green Tea to find out the best time to drink it, its various benefits and how to infuse it into a cocktail or mocktail! 

Green Tea

Ceylon Green tea is a popular favourite for numerous reasons. When brewed perfectly, the tea has a mildly astringent taste; the main characteristic of the finest green tea. Green tea is derived from the Camellia Sinensis bush, where the fresh leaves and bud is carefully plucked before following the process of reheating and drying, to prevent oxidisation. With a pale-yellow infusion tinged with olive highlights, this green tea is packed with a range of benefits. 

How to Brew Green Tea 

Preparing a cup of green isn’t as easy as it sounds. There’s an intricate process that must be followed to ensure you don’t under brew or over brew your green tea. Follow our simple process – 

• Boil fresh water to a temperature of 70°C –80°C. 
• Add 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
• In a cup, add 220ml of water to the leaves
• Brew for 2 minutes
• Strain and remove the leaves 
• Enjoy your cup of green tea, without any additives to get the maximum benefit from it.  

Best Time to Drink Green Tea

Green tea can generally be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, one should avoid drinking green tea right before bed as the presence of caffeine might disturb your sleep. Drinking green tea to aid with weight loss and maintenance is effective before exercising as it’ll increase your energy so you can workout for longer. In addition, drinking a cup of green tea between meals can increase your nutrient intake and iron absorption. 

Mood & Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is best known to help you destress and stay focused. A study conducted by the University of San Francisco stated that the polyphenols present in the green tea can boost dopamine levels in the brain, while other phytochemicals can also have a positive effect on your brain health. Read more about the Health Benefits of Green Tea.

Green Tea Moroccan Mint Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 Dilmah Green Tea with Moroccan Mint tea bag
• 10g basil seeds
• 50ml Sprite
• 1 sprig of mint

Methods and Directions

• Soak the basil seeds in room-temperature water for 5 minutes
• Brew the Dilmah Green Tea with Moroccan Mint 
• Fill a glass with ice and add the basil seeds
• Pour the tea over the ice.
• Add the Sprite 
• Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

Chai Tea

Dilmah Ceylon Chai Tea combines the natural goodness of Ceylon tea with the exotic, flavourful spices in a brew that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. Soothing and invigorating, Ceylon Spice Chai from our Exceptional selection, is an aromatic mix of ginger, clove, cinnamon and lemongrass leaves, offering you a blend of benefits packed into a single tea bag. 

How to Brew Chai Tea 

As with any black tea, you can brew a perfect cup of chai tea by following the simple steps below. Always use freshly boiled water to make your cup of Ceylon tea. 

• Boil to 95°C -100°C
• Add a tea bag to 220ml of water
• Brew for 3-5 minutes
• Add sugar and milk, if preferred. 

Best Time to Drink Chai Tea

Chai tea is commonly consumed in the morning and afternoon. The tantalising blend of aromatic spices with Ceylon black tea creates a burst of flavour with each sip; nourishing and energizing you with each sip. If you need a mid-day boost, brew a cup of Spice Chai to get you out of the afternoon slump. 

Mood & Benefits of Chai Tea

The exotic spices of cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass and cardamom add in extra benefits to the naturally nourishing Ceylon black tea. While a cup of Chai tea is known to be rejuvenating, the brew offers a wealth of health benefits to the drinker. Each of the spices used has a positive effect on your health. Chai black tea can help with digestion, maintaining a healthy balance of hormones, and boosting brain health. The presence of ginger aids in digestion and prevents nausea, cinnamon lower blood sugar and is packed with antioxidants, while black tea offers a range of health benefits by itself. Read more about the health benefits of Ceylon black tea here. 

Fire and Spice Chai Comforter Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Dilmah Exceptional Ceylon Spice Chai Tea
• ½oz agave syrup
• Fresh ginger, roughly 2cm piece
• 1 lemon wheel
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Absinthe mist
• 220ml water

Methods and Directions

• Brew a cup of Ceylon Spice Chai Tea for 4 minutes
• Add a piece of ginger into an Irish coffee glass
• Cut a lemon wheel and push four cloves into the lemon
• Add agave syrup into the tea
• Remove the tea bag after 4 minutes
• Add the cinnamon stick, get the absinthe filled atomizer and flame the absinthe over the top.

Black Tea

The classic Ceylon Black tea is a common item in almost every household; especially with tea lovers. A staple across many countries, black tea offers a wealth of health benefits and can be enjoyed in numerous ways; whether hot, cold or infused into your meal. Read our Guide of Ceylon Black Tea to find out more about the nourishing tea. 

How to Brew Black Tea 

To make black tea, follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a perfect cup of Ceylon black tea. 

• Boil fresh, spring water to a temperature of 95°C -100°C
• Add a tea bag to 220ml of water
• Brew for 3-5 minutes
• Drink straight, or with sugar or milk. 

Best Time to Drink Black Tea

Black tea can be consumed at any time of the day, however due to its caffeine levels it should not be consumed before bedtime, as it’ll keep you awake thus disturbing your sleep. Black tea is almost always drunk in the morning as it can increase your blood circulation and give you an energy boost. 

Mood & Benefits of Black Tea

Brew a cup of Perfect Ceylon Tea from our Exceptional range to help you stay focused during your day. Black tea offers a variety of health benefits from improving your oral health, promoting healthy bones and acting as a stress reliever. Read more about the benefits here 

Supreme Fire Recipe 

Ingredients

• 150ml Exceptional Perfect Ceylon Tea
• 30ml Cointreau
• Sugar to taste [optional]

Methods and Directions

• Brew the tea and strain.
• Add in the Cointreau and stir.