It’s time to put down the coffee cup and raise some delicate fine china in honor of the upcoming Downton Abbey movie.
In anticipation of the film’s release, The Republic of Tea has released three Downton Abbey teas inspired by its characters and all their drama. There’s, of course, Lord and Lady Grantham's tea, which is a combination of traditional black tea with fragrant spices like clove and cinnamon that make it fit for royalty. Then there’s Violet and Mary’s elderflower tea and its surprising combination of ginger, orange, bergamot mint and lemon thyme. It may be caffeine-free, but it definitely packs a punch—just like the ladies it’s named for. As expected, the Bates’ Tea is both stately and hearty. It melds traditional British flavors like plum pudding, baked fruit, vanilla and spices all in one luxuriant black tea. The Bates are, after all, suckers for tradition just like the rest of the household.
The Downton Abbey–themed blends are officially available, for a limited time only, online at RepublicofTea.com and in specialty stores for $12.50. If you’re as crazy about tea as the British are, you can even purchase a specialty set that includes two offerings for $28. And, since the actual movie doesn’t hit theaters until September 20, this seems to be the perfect time to bide our time and plot our Violet-esque schemes until then.
Now if only we could find a stately manor and faithful Carson-like companion of our own. It’s what the Dowager Countess would want.
