Mardi Gras isn’t just any ol’ festival—it’s the heart and soul of New Orleans, cher! It’s a tasty gumbo of tradition, culture, and fascinating rituals that make our city so special and unique. Our Mardi Gras Tea Collection is a toast to this special time of year, and each blend is named to capture the essence and excitement of the season. So, come on y’all, let’s parade through the colorful stories behind each blend and get a taste of how they capture the true spirit of Mardi Gras!
Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night, or the Feast of Epiphany, marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of Mardi Gras, where the city bursts into a frenzy of preparations and celebrations. On this night, New Orleanians gather to witness the first parades of the season, such as the Phunny Phorty Phellows who herald Carnival with their historic streetcar ride, or the Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc, marching through the French Quarter in medieval garb to honor Joan of Arc’s birthday.
Our Twelfth Night tea embodies the luxurious onset of these festivities. It's a rich black tea blend, delicately infused with the lush, juicy flavors of plums and pears, evoking the sweetness and excitement that fill the air.
This Mardi Gras tea captures the essence of anticipation and revelry, a perfect tribute to the night when the city comes alive with the promise of the opulent parades and masquerade balls yet to come.
Flambeaux Fukujyu
Since the earliest days of New Orleans Mardi Gras, the flambeaux carriers have been a luminous and integral part of the celebration. Officially, the flambeaux tradition began in 1857 as they lit the way for the Mistick Krewe of Comus. At the time, the flambeau carriers were slaves and free men of color. Over time, the torch-bearers took on a personality of their own, dancing and performing for tips from parade watchers.
The flambeaux provided not only light but also a unique spectacle—casting a warm, dancing glow on the faces of parade-goers and creating flickering shadows that added to the mystique and magic of Carnival night festivities.
Our Flambeaux Fukujyu tea illuminates your senses with its bright, grassy notes of steamed young sencha leaves, celebrating the essential role of the flambeaux who bring light and warmth to the chilly Carnival nights.
I Got the Baby
Nothing quite spells tradition like the beloved king cake. This ring-shaped confection is bedecked in purple, green, and gold sugar, colors that symbolize justice, faith, and power. But the real intrigue lies within its bready layers. Tucked inside each cake is a tiny, plastic baby—find it, and you're crowned with luck and the duty to host the next king cake gathering!
Our I Got the Baby tea captures the heart of this cherished tradition. It’s a caffeine-free rooibos chai that blends sweet and nutty notes with a dash of warming spices, designed to evoke the delightful surprise of discovering the king cake’s hidden treasure. Sip on this blend and let the flavors transport you to a porch in the French Quarter, watching the world go by with a slice of king cake in hand and the sounds of a brass band in the air.
Mardi Gras Indian Spiced Chai
A vibrant homage to one of Mardi Gras’ most visually stunning and culturally rich traditions, our Mardi Gras Indian Spiced Chai pays tribute to the Mardi Gras Indians. These groups, made up predominantly of Black residents from New Orleans' neighborhoods, are famed for their elaborate, hand-sewn costumes that sparkle with beads, feathers, and sequins, showcasing an incredible dedication to craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Representing a unique fusion of Native American and African-American traditions, these costumed revelers parade through the streets, engaging in ritualized dance battles that are both a form of artistic expression and a profound communal ritual.
Our Mardi Gras Indian Spiced Chai is just as bold and complex as the costumes and history it celebrates. This luxurious black tea blend is masterfully crafted with a melange of traditional Indian spices, including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Each sip delivers a superb body with a warm, enveloping spice that lingers like the echoes of drums from a Mardi Gras Indian parade. With a hint of natural sweetness, this tea is an invitation to savor a rich, cultural mosaic in a cup, celebrating a cornerstone of Mardi Gras heritage that continues to thrive and inspire awe year after year.
Mardi Gras Mambo
Just like the iconic song that gets everyone on their feet during Carnival, our Mardi Gras Mambo tea is a true party in a cup. Rooibos tea dazzles with fruity goodness and Amaretto notes, reflecting the colorful and spirited second-line parades that snake their way through Treme—a neighborhood renowned for its deep musical roots—and dance on down through the bustling French Quarter. Infused with calendula and safflower petals, this blend is as visually stunning as the costumes and floats that parade across the city.
Grand Marshall Marnier
Taking its cue from the grandeur of the Mardi Gras parades, Grand Marshall Marnier celebrates the role of the Grand Marshall, who leads the festivities with flair and vigor. This blend’s luxurious orange liqueur flavor paired with rich black tea represents the opulence and spirited leadership of the Grand Marshall. It’s a cup that commands respect and enjoyment, much like the marshal him/herself.
Mardi Gras Morning
Inspired by the lively rum-based libations that liven up the streets of New Orleans, our Mardi Gras Morning tea is a robust black tea blend infused with sweet caramel and zesty ginger. As the final day of Carnival season dawns, this tea is perfect for kick-starting a day filled with the legendary revelry of the Rex and Zulu parades.
Whether you're toasting with friends as dawn breaks or enjoying a quiet moment before the floats roll, this blend captures the vibrant, bold spirit of Mardi Gras. Sip it as is, or add a splash of rum to honor those traditional early morning celebrations.
Keemun Panda Parade
A nod to the quieter moments of Mardi Gras, Keemun Panda Parade offers a pause from the revelry with its sophisticated blend of Keemun Panda tea leaves. This tea features a burgundy depth with light hints of oak cask, reminiscent of a reflective, serene moment amidst the chaos of celebrations—a reminder of the diverse experiences Mardi Gras offers.
Each blend in our Mardi Gras Tea Collection offers a unique flavor and story, mirroring the diverse traditions and vibrant scenes of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. So, sip, savor, and let the good times roll with every cup! Laissez les bon temps rouler!