Christmas tea, very soothing when the temperature starts to drop, do you like the pronounced aroma of cloves? With an orange hue?
For a custom-made result, as close to your taste as possible, you can assemble it yourself. That is the whole principle of the workshop* envisioned by Lorraine Cudorge, manager of Palette de Thé, which will be scheduled for the first time in Bernay (Eure), Thursday 27 November.
“Participants will choose the base: green, white, black or rooibos tea. They can then enhance it with dried fruits (citrus fruits, pineapple, etc.) and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, etc.) according to their preferences. And we will finish with tea time, where everyone will have the opportunity to taste all the creations and exchange impressions” summarizes the owner of the place since 2017.
Water temperature, infusion time…
Open to ten participants, this workshop is also an opportunity to provide advice on preparing teas that are recognized for their health benefits, so that they can be enjoyed at their best. “Green tea with almonds and cinnamon requires water at 70°C and only infused for two minutes, to avoid an astringent taste in the mouth. Because it can quickly turn harsh. White tea, on the other hand, is less temperamental; it can be infused for up to five minutes in water at 85°C. The more we put in, the more spice it comes out with.”
Lorraine Cudorge has been practicing the art of composition for some time. Among the more than 200 references offered for sale is its own range of products. Specifically green tea, apple, mirabelle plum, vanilla, pistachio, almond, raspberry green tea, and white passion fruit and rose tea.
“My idea started with cakes that I prepared and served in the shop to pair with my tea,” he explains.
Promote homemade
The approach is part of a desire to promote locally made products, using quality products and short circuits. “As for the catering I offer at lunch, it’s simpler. The tea is of course imported, but I work with French houses as much as possible. Likewise with coffee, I go through a roaster in Rouen (Couleur Café).”
Scheduled for 2 hours, the Christmas tea composition workshop is designed to be a moment of relaxation. “Even though coffee can be drunk quickly, to enjoy tea, you have to be still. I won’t drink it if I don’t have time. This is the spirit I want to instill.”
Building on this first competition, Lorraine Cudorge plans to start other thematic workshops around tea preparation and tasting after the year-end celebrations.
*Thursday 27 November 2025, starting at 18.30. to 8:30 p.m. at 12, rue du Général-Leclerc in Bernay. Price: 45 euros per person.
