Christmas in July: Four Holiday Teas Worth Bringing Out Early

Dickens Christmas Blend 

A Fruit-Filled Holiday Classic 

If holiday tea could capture the feeling of reading a well-loved novel beside a glowing tree, it might taste something like Dickens. 

This naturally caffeine-free blend combines notes of plum, raspberry, citrus, and cinnamon, creating a cup that is bright, juicy, and wonderfully comforting. The fruit flavors lead the way, while warming spices add depth without overwhelming the palate. 

Traditional Preparation 

Our favorite way to enjoy Dickens remains the simplest: 

The natural fruit character shines beautifully on its own. 

Summer Serving Idea: Dickens Iced Tea Spritzer 

Dickens may have been designed for winter evenings, but it makes an unexpectedly refreshing summer drink. 

Brew the tea double-strength and allow it to cool completely. Pour over ice and garnish with: 

The result is bright, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing on a warm afternoon. 

Earl Claus 

Where Earl Grey Meets the Holidays 

Earl Claus begins with the familiar elegance of bergamot before introducing notes of cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and gentle spice. 

Full-bodied yet exceptionally smooth, it feels like a holiday gathering in a teacup. 

Those who enjoy traditional Earl Grey often find themselves reaching for Earl Claus year after year thanks to its richer, more festive character. 

Traditional Preparation 

For the classic experience: 

The milk rounds out the vanilla and spice notes beautifully. 

Summer Serving Idea: Earl Claus Cream Tea Latte 

Brew Earl Claus slightly stronger than usual and chill thoroughly. 

Serve over ice with: 

Think of it as a holiday-inspired iced London Fog - cool, refreshing, and just indulgent enough for summer. 

Mistletoe Mint 

The Tea That Thinks It's Dessert 

Mistletoe Mint brings together notes of dark chocolate, peppermint, vanilla, and citrus zest in one remarkably smooth blend. 

Rich without becoming heavy and refreshing without feeling sharp, it has become a favorite among customers looking for an after-dinner tea that satisfies a sweet craving. 

Traditional Preparation 

Mistletoe Mint shines when served: 

The milk enhances the chocolate notes and creates an almost cocoa-like richness. 

Summer Serving Idea: Mistletoe Mint Iced Mocha Tea 

For something a little different: 

The result is reminiscent of a peppermint mocha but lighter, brighter, and surprisingly refreshing. 

Nutcracker 

A Holiday Tradition Unlike Any Other 

There may be no tea in the Christmas collection more distinctive than Nutcracker. 

Notes of marzipan, cocoa, plum, and peppermint create a blend that is both nostalgic and unexpected. The almond-like sweetness of marzipan plays beautifully against rich cocoa and cool peppermint. 

It's the sort of tea that often prompts customers to stop mid-sip and immediately ask what's in the cup. 

Traditional Preparation 

To experience Nutcracker at its best: 

The result is smooth, rich, and delightfully comforting. 

Summer Serving Idea: Nutcracker Tea Affogato 

For a simple summer dessert: 

The marzipan, cocoa, and peppermint notes create a dessert worthy of the holiday season - even in July. 

Why Holiday Teas Are Worth Drinking Year-Round 

Many tea drinkers assume Christmas teas belong exclusively to November and December, but seasonal blends often contain some of the most interesting flavor combinations found in loose-leaf tea. 

Fruit, spice, citrus, chocolate, mint, and warming botanicals create layers of flavor that work just as beautifully over ice as they do beside a fireplace. In fact, many customers tell us they enjoy these teas during the summer because the fruit and spice notes become even more pronounced when served chilled. 

Christmas in July offers the perfect excuse to experience holiday tea from an entirely different perspective. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Christmas teas be served iced? 

Absolutely. While many holiday teas are traditionally served hot, fruit-forward and spiced blends often make excellent iced teas. Dickens is particularly refreshing when served over ice, while Earl Claus creates a wonderful iced tea latte. 

When are The London Tea Merchant Christmas teas available? 

The Christmas in July Collection is available through July 31, after which the teas return to hibernation until the holiday season. 

Which Christmas tea is best for iced tea? 

Dickens Christmas Blend is especially well-suited for iced tea thanks to its notes of plum, raspberry, citrus, and cinnamon. Earl Claus also makes an excellent iced tea latte. 

Which Christmas tea is best enjoyed with milk? 

Earl Claus, Mistletoe Mint, and Nutcracker all pair beautifully with a light splash of milk, which helps highlight their creamy, dessert-inspired notes. 

A Little Holiday Spirit, Right on Schedule 

Perhaps that's the real appeal of Christmas in July. 

Not the decorations. Not the calendar confusion. 

Just the opportunity to enjoy a few favorite teas without waiting for cold weather to return. 

Whether you find yourself reaching for the fruit-forward brightness of Dickens Christmas Blend, the spiced elegance of Earl Claus, the chocolate-mint comfort of Mistletoe Mint, or the marzipan-rich character of Nutcracker, there's a reason these blends return every year by popular demand. 

The Christmas in July Collection is available through July 31 while supplies last. After that, these seasonal favorites will be tucked away until November. 

In other words, now is a perfectly acceptable time to put a little holiday spirit in your teacup.