Tea and whisky have been in love for centuries. Like whisky, tea is an ancestral drink that calls on hundreds of years of know-how and tradition. Tea also has an exciting history and reach that now extends to all corners of the world. In addition to their notoriety, the two go particularly well together because their flavors harmonize. As in any good marriage, they soften each other. They also enhance their respective aromas, complemented by common notes of smoke, malt and tropical fruit. Delicious companions indeed. Whiskey and tea pairings have taken many forms over the years and continue to evolve today.

How many of these whiskey pairings have you tried?

Hot Toddy, a much-loved Scottish invention that combines whisky with lemon, honey, hot water or tea, has been enjoyed since at least the 18th century. Sometimes spices such as cinnamon or cloves are added, or sugar is used instead of honey. Regardless of the modification, Hot Toddy drinkers tend to believe that their own formula is the perfect recipe.

The famous concoction is universally recognized as a gentle, warming remedy for the cold, a trying day, or the threat of a flu. In 19th-century Britain, it was common for doctors to prescribe a Hot Toddy as a remedy for almost everything, from an upset stomach to insomnia. Today, it’s sipped more to soothe colds — whiskey as a strengthener, tea to warm up, lemon to fill up on vitamins — or as a pick-me-up for a moment of comfort in our busy world. The next time you’re feeling down, a Hot Toddy might just be just what you need to get back on your feet.

Si le Hot Toddy a une longue histoire en Écosse, l’association classique du whisky et du thé chaud prend une nouvelle forme en Asie. Pour la première fois, la Chine est devenue l’un des 10 premiers consommateurs de scotch, en partie grâce à la découverte d’une nouvelle façon originale de le déguster : en mariant du thé frais, notamment du thé vert, avec un whisky mélangé.

La boisson est généralement servie dans un grand verre avec de la glace. Elle est composée d’une partie de whisky et de trois parties de thé. Le thé est généralement légèrement sucré. Les saveurs douces, végétales et herbacées de la plupart des thés verts signifient qu’ils complètent, plutôt qu’ils ne dominent, même les whiskys les plus légers. Souvent, un thé vert met en valeur les notes d’agrumes du whisky. Le résultat est une boisson rafraîchissante, idéale pour les pique-niques d’été et les soirées trop chaudes et humides.

The popular Asian blend of whiskey and green tea is just a novelty in the alluring tea and whiskey duo. There are also tea companies that bottle fine teas to be consumed especially with single malt whisky. Made from loose leaf teas hand-picked from around the world, these teas are ideal partners for exceptional whiskies

Like great wines, whisky and tea develop in the glass. Their flavors evolve, with some notes fading, others becoming more pronounced. This makes them perfect companions for a relaxing tasting at home. If you’d like to try these new versions of whiskey-tea combinations, here’s all you need: a selection of teas, a few bottles of The Glenlivet whiskey and a few enthusiastic companions. Your friends may not always agree with you on which pairings work best, but flavor, like love, is always a matter of personal taste.

If you’re looking for different flavour profiles for your whisky cocktail, our tart cocktails or refreshing cocktails may appeal to you more.