Some teas announce themselves. Monk's Blend is quieter. Open the bag and you get soft vanilla, a fruity hint of grenadine, and those bright petals mixed in with the black tea. On a crisp morning, it's an easy cup to reach for without thinking too hard.
If you've ever typed "monk" into our search bar, this is probably what you were looking for. Here's what's in the blend, how it tastes, and how we brew it at home.
What's in Monk's Blend
Monk's Blend starts with an OP (Orange Pekoe) Ceylon black tea from Sri Lanka, grown at 4,800 to 7,600 feet and made in the orthodox style. Ceylon's lively, bright character is why it takes flavors so well. Into that leaf go natural vanilla and grenadine flavor oils, plus calendula petals, white daisy, and marigold petals.
Sri Lanka's tea story began in 1867, when Scottish planter James Taylor planted the island's first tea field at the Loolecondera estate near Kandy. After coffee rust wiped out the coffee plantations, planters turned to tea, and Ceylon became famous for brisk black teas that blend beautifully with flavors like these.
What It Tastes Like
Expect a medium-bodied cup with soft vanilla sweetness and a fruity grenadine lift over that piquant Ceylon base. It's fragrant without being heavy, and a little mysterious in the nicest way. The petals don't just look pretty in the scoop; they tip the aroma toward floral and light.
It takes a splash of milk well. Pair it with vanilla cookies, fruit tarts, or crêpes. Plain, with a little sugar, or milky, it stays smooth.
How to Brew Monk's Blend
These are the brewing instructions from our product page, per 8 oz. of water:
Amount: 1 rounded teaspoon (about 2–3 g)
Water: freshly boiled (205–212°F)
Steep: 3–5 minutes
Adjust to taste. Go shorter for a lighter cup, or longer if you want more body. Our fill-your-own Paper Filters make loose-leaf brewing quick when you don't want to hunt for an infuser.
Sizes and Where to Find It
New to this tea? The sample size is an easy way to try it first, and larger bags are there when it becomes a regular. Browse our full Black Tea collection for more Ceylon classics and flavored blacks.
Our family has been sharing quality tea at affordable prices since 2006. Whether Monk's Blend is already on your list or you're just curious about that "monk" search, we hope the next cup feels a little heavenly.
Happy steeping!