When it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations, every detail matters — from the color of decorations to the food on the table. But there’s one tradition that stands the test of time: serving tea to family and guests. In Chinese culture, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a symbol of respect, prosperity, and good fortune.
Choosing the right type of tea for Chinese New Year can add deeper meaning to your celebrations. Let’s explore the best traditional and modern teas you can serve to welcome prosperity, health, and happiness in the year ahead.
Pu-erh Tea
Let’s start with a tea that’s perfect for setting intentions for the new year — Pu-erh tea. This unique fermented tea improves with age, much like a fine wine. In Chinese culture, it’s often associated with financial stability, health, and long life. And the best way to serve it? It's best to serve aged Pu-erh tea in a traditional clay teapot to enhance its flavor and impress your guests with a more authentic experience.
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Pu-erh symbolizes prosperity and longevity, making it a thoughtful drink to serve during the New Year.
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It’s traditionally gifted to elders as a sign of respect and well-wishes for continued health and success.
Plus, if you’ve had one too many dumplings, Pu-erh is great for aiding digestion after a big meal (1).
Jasmine Tea
If you’re after something light and elegant, Jasmine tea is a great choice. Its delicate floral aroma makes it a welcoming drink for guests, and it’s often served during formal occasions with the use porcelain cups. The scent really shines when it’s served this way, and it adds a touch of elegance to your table.
In Chinese culture, jasmine symbolizes purity and harmony, which feels pretty fitting when you’re starting a new year and hoping for peaceful days ahead.
Oolong Tea
If there’s one tea that embodies balance and harmony, it’s Oolong tea. This semi-oxidized tea strikes a perfect balance between green and black tea, symbolizing the union of yin and yang.
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Oolong tea represents balance, prosperity, and good fortune, making it an auspicious choice for New Year gatherings.
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It’s believed to bring harmony to households, an essential element of the New Year’s spirit.
For a better experience, pair Oolong tea with New Year treats like sweet dumplings or sesame balls for a balanced flavor experience.
Explore more: The Ultimate Guide to Chai Snacks & Drinks Pairings
Red Tea (Hong Cha)
It wouldn’t be a Chinese New Year celebration without a splash of red. In Chinese culture, red is the color of luck, joy, and prosperity, so serving Red Tea (Hong Cha) is a natural fit for the occasion.
The bold flavor of Red Tea makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a great way to welcome guests with a drink that symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead.
Chrysanthemum Tea
Looking for a lighter, herbal option? Chrysanthemum tea is made from dried chrysanthemum flowers and offers a refreshing, floral flavor. It’s often served during New Year gatherings with goji berries to promote longevity and rejuvenation.
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Chrysanthemum tea symbolizes longevity and vitality, making it a thoughtful choice for elderly family members.
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It’s also believed to have detoxifying properties, which can help balance the body after a big holiday feast.
This tea has a calming effect & healing powers (2), making it an excellent drink to serve when you need to unwind after a day of festivities.
Chai Tea
With spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, Chai tea fits right in with the theme of hospitality and togetherness that Chinese New Year is all about. It’s also a conversation starter — your guests might not expect it, but they’ll definitely love it.
Explore more: Best Food with Chai Tea?
Here in Monk’s Chai, we offer handcrafted, artisanal Chai blends. Our small-batch, organic Chai delivers rich flavors and warming spices, perfect for adding a unique twist to your Chinese New Year celebration. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, Monk’s Chai offers a luxurious tea experience you won’t forget.