Stories Behind the Blend: Cherry Christmas

Stories Behind the Blend: Cherry Christmas

Every winter, the Christmas season seems to arrive all at once. Lights twinkle a little brighter, kitchens smell sweeter, and there’s a shared sense of celebration in the air. Cherry Christmas was created for that joyful rush of the season. This holiday seasonal favorite is a literal cup of good cheer, blending sweet fruit, cozy nuttiness, and rich black tea into something that feels festive, indulgent, and ready to be shared. 

This post is part of our Stories Behind the Blend series, where we share the inspiration, ingredients, and experience tucked inside some of our most-loved teas. If you are curious what makes Cherry Christmas such a beloved winter ritual, let us pour you the story. 

A Piper & Leaf Tea Co. Cherry Christmas Muslin Bag of Loose Leaf Tea (15 servings) sits among cookies, coconut halves, berries, evergreen branches, and a red ribbon—capturing the blend’s nutty hibiscus notes and festive warmth.

The Inspiration Behind Cherry Christmas 

Cherry Christmas was born from a simple question we ask our family every year as winter approaches: what does the season taste like? 

For us, it is not just spice or sweetness. It is warmth without heaviness, brightness balanced by comfort, and something that feels special enough to share. We wanted a blend that could stand proudly next to a plate of Christmas cookies but also feel right on a quiet evening when the kids are in bed and the house has finally settled. 

For blend-master Caleb, the answer came together in layers. A sturdy black tea base for depth. Tart cherry to keep things lively. A creamy, nutty middle note that feels almost dessert-like, without tipping into sugary. The result is a tea that feels festive, generous, and grounding all at once. 

What Cherry Christmas Tastes Like 

If you have ever wondered how to describe Cherry Christmas in a single sip, here is how we experience it when the kettle whistles and the leaves unfurl.

  • Biting hibiscus at the first sip, bright and gently tangy
  • A creamy, nutty middle-ground, thanks to almond and coconut
  • A tangy berry finish that lingers just long enough to invite another sip


That balance is what keeps Cherry Christmas from feeling one-note. The sweetness feels natural and fruit-forward, not syrupy. The nuttiness adds body and warmth. And the black tea carries it all with a smooth, comforting backbone. 

We build our blends the same way we cook and bake at home, thoughtfully and with care for how each ingredient contributes to the whole. Each ingredient in Cherry Christmas plays a clear role in shaping that layered experience. 

Inside the Blend

  • Ceylon black tea
  • Coconut rasps
  • Almond flakes*
  • Hibiscus
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raisins
  • Elderberries
  • Raspberries
  • Natural flavor 

Together, these freshly farmed, foraged, and sourced ingredients create a tea that feels generous and unrushed, inviting you to linger with every cup. 

Why We Love This Blend During the Holidays 

Cherry Christmas earns its place on our shelves year after year for a reason. It is versatile, comforting, and unmistakably seasonal. 

This is a tea that works beautifully:

  • As an afternoon treat when you want something a little celebratory
  • Alongside holiday desserts like shortbread, biscotti, or chocolate
  • As an after-dinner cup that feels like dessert in a mug
  • Shared with guests who think they are not “tea people” but then ask for seconds 

Because it is a black tea, Cherry Christmas has enough body to stand up to rich foods. At the same time, the fruit and nut notes keep it approachable and inviting, even for newer tea drinkers. 

Brewing Cherry Christmas at Home 

Cherry Christmas is forgiving and easy to brew, which makes it ideal for busy winter days. 

We recommend:

  • 1 brimming teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 10-12 ounces of water
  • Water just off the boil
  • Steep for 3.5 minutes 

If you enjoy a slightly richer cup, add a splash of milk or a touch of honey. As always, sweeten to your taste! The almond and coconut notes become especially cozy this way, almost like a tea-inspired dessert. 

A Seasonal Favorite Worth Savoring 

Because Cherry Christmas is a holiday seasonal blend, we only make it for a short time each year. That seasonality is part of what makes it special. When you brew it, you know you are sharing in a tradition that comes and goes with the rhythm of winter. 

We love hearing how Cherry Christmas becomes part of your celebrations. Personally, our family enjoys it while participating in one of our favorite, longstanding Christmas traditions: St. Nicholas Day! We enjoy our piping hot cup while the family revels in the treats St. Nicholas left in our shoes that morning. These are the moments that continue the life of the blend long after it leaves our blending table. 

A Warm Invitation 

If you have not yet welcomed Cherry Christmas into your holiday routine, we invite you to try it this season. Brew a cup, breathe in the aroma, and let the layers unfold slowly. 

Explore Cherry Christmas in our loose-leaf tea collection and discover why this blend has become a holiday favorite year after year. And if you do make it part of your celebrations, we would love to see how you enjoy it. Share your mug moments with us and help carry the story forward, serving the joy one cup at a time! 

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