Let’s sip our way through fall with some of the best fall tea flavors!
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in a cozy blanket with a warm cup of tea.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, all I want is to enjoy the cooler weather with a hot cup of tea and a slice of pie.
Here are some recommendations for the perfect autumnal infusions to go with your pie and make your fall even cozier!
What Makes a Great Fall Tea?
Fall is when warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves shine in our baked goods and teas.
These spices give you that quintessential fall scent. Fruity flavors like apple and pumpkin also join in, adding a delicious twist to our favorite drinks.
For me, a great fall tea has a strong and balanced flavor. There’s nothing worse than weak tea, especially when it promises “apple cinnamon” but tastes like neither.
I want flavors that are harmonious, with no single spice overpowering the blend. Natural flavors are a must—artificial pumpkin or apple just won’t do.
Now, let’s introduce the teas that will elevate your autumn experience and add a dash of warmth to your teacup!
Trader Joe’s Fall Teas
Harvest Blend Herbal Tea
Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Herbal Tea is a mix of cinnamon, hibiscus, and chamomile, with a hint of apple flavor (though no real apples).
It’s good, but a bit on the weak side, and the cinnamon can be overpowering. I think adding some dried apples would balance it out nicely.
Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos is one of my favorite fall teas!
It comes in those silky pyramidal tea bags that make you feel special, and the cute, festive tea tin is a bonus.
This blend of rooibos and pumpkin spice is just right—not too heavy on the pumpkin.
Unlike some of the Trader Joe’s fall baking mixes, the pumpkin extract doesn’t taste artificial in this tea. It’s well-balanced, with the pumpkin and spices perfectly complementing the rooibos without overpowering it.
The Republic of Tea Fall Flavors
Caramel Apple Tea
The Republic of Tea Caramel Apple Tea features rooibos tea with apples, vanilla, and other flavors.
I’m not sure exactly where the caramel flavor comes from, but this tea is tasty indeed.
The rooibos and apple work really well together, and the sweet caramel scent lives up to its name.
Golden Pumpkin Tea
The Republic of Tea Golden Pumpkin Tea doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin extract.
Instead, it’s a blend of rooibos tea, turmeric, and pumpkin pie spices. (For more on what “pumpkin pie spice” means, see my REAL Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte recipe.)
The tea bags have so much finely ground turmeric that it seeps out, leaving yellow powder all over the tin.
I will not complain about the mess, however, when this tea was strong and spicy, without overpowering the rooibos.
David’s Tea Fall Tea
Forever Nuts Tea
David’s Tea Forever Nuts contains apples, almonds, cinnamon, and beetroot! Such an interesting combination!
It’s fruity, sweet, toasty, and nutty. The beetroot gives it a bright pink color and adds a touch of sweetness without being too beet-y.
Most of all, I like that it has real chunks of all the fruit and nuts it claims to have.
Cinnamon Rooibos Chai
David’s Tea Cinnamon Rooibos Chai is my #1 favorite fall tea! It’s so warm and toasty and perfectly spicy.
The strong rooibos flavor is paired with just the right amount of spicy cinnamon.
It’s similar to the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea, but tastes more luxurious.
Fall Tea Brewing Tips
Brewing the perfect cup of fall tea can make your autumn afternoons even more charming.
Here are some essential tips to help you make the most out of your fall tea flavors:
Get the Temperature Right
For most fall teas, especially rooibos and herbal blends, use boiling water (around 212°F). This is perfect for teas like Harvest Blend Herbal Tea and Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea.
For green tea or white tea bases, use slightly cooler water (around 175-185°F) to avoid bitterness.
Steeping time:
Different teas require different steeping times to bring out their best flavors:
- Rooibos and Herbal Teas: Steep for 5-7 minutes. This works well for Harvest Blend Herbal Tea and Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea.
- Black Teas: Steep for 3-5 minutes to balance strength and flavor.
- Green and White Teas: Steep for 2-3 minutes to keep the flavors light and avoid astringency.
Pre-Warm Your Teapot or Mug
Pre-warming your teapot or mug with hot water before brewing keeps your tea at the right temperature for longer.
Add a Dash of Spice
For an extra kick, add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a slice of fresh ginger to your teapot. This enhances the warming spices in your fall tea and adds a personal touch.
Fall Tea Pairings with Desserts
Pairing the right dessert with your fall tea can improve your tea-drinking experience. Try these pairings to make your tea time even more special!
- Apple Cinnamon Cake: The classic fall flavors of apple and cinnamon are a perfect match for many fall teas.
- Pumpkin Bread: Spicy and sweet, these muffins pair wonderfully with pumpkin spice teas. Try our Pumpkin Bread Bake Box for the perfect recipe along with all the pre-measured ingredients.
- Pecan Pie: Nutty and sweet, pecan pie pairs well with earthy, spiced teas.
- Carrot Cake – Rich and spiced, this cake goes well with pumpkin spice and cinnamon teas.
- Cinnamon Rolls: The strong cinnamon flavor in both the tea and the rolls creates a warm, spiced treat perfect for fall?. We’ve got a baking kit for that too!
Fall Tea Gift Sets and Collections
If you’re looking for the perfect present for a tea lover, consider fall tea gift sets. These tea gifts often include a variety of flavors, perfect for exploring different fall teas.
Tea collections can feature black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and more.
Many tea shops offer these sets with free shipping, making it easy to gift a cozy tea experience.
Which Fall Tea Flavors to Try Next?
Exploring the best fall tea flavors has made my autumn so much cozier and more enjoyable.
From pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon to caramel and nutty blends, these teas truly capture the season.
Have you tried an amazing fall tea that isn’t on my list? What should I try next? Send me your recommendations!
