Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea Buying Guide
By Tea Hippie | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what makes Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea special, who it's for, and how it compares to other black teas. A practical guide for your afternoon tea.
Quick answer
Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea is a mild Earl Grey blended with jasmine flowers, green tea, and cornflower petals. It's a delicate, low-intensity black tea that works well with milk or on its own. Choose this if you want a gentle, floral twist on classic Earl Grey without the bold bergamot punch.
What makes this tea different from a standard Earl Grey?
Most Earl Grey teas rely on bergamot oil for a citrus-forward, brisk flavor. Buckingham Palace Garden Party Tea takes a softer approach. Its black tea base is blended with green tea, jasmine flowers, and cornflower petals, creating a mellow, floral cup. The jasmine adds a sweet, perfumed note that complements rather than overpowers the tea. If you find traditional Earl Grey too sharp or astringent, this blend offers a gentler alternative.
Who should buy this tea?
This tea suits drinkers who prefer light, aromatic cups over strong, malty brews. It's an excellent choice for afternoon tea settings where you want something refined but not overpowering. The floral elements and mild body also make it a good introduction to Earl Grey for new tea drinkers. Because of its delicate flavor, it may not satisfy those who crave a bold, full-bodied black tea or a heavy bergamot hit.
How does it compare to other Tea Hippie black teas?
Tea Hippie offers several black teas with different personalities. Black Currant is lush and fruity with a sweet aroma of blackberries, making it a vibrant, tangy choice. vanilla-18e8f29021c853c7a79407d4-753793">Vanilla is sweet and creamy, using real vanilla bean to satisfy a sweet tooth without sugar. Rose is a black tea with delicate rose notes, similar in gentleness to the Garden Party but with a purely floral character. The Garden Party stands apart by combining floral (jasmine) and citrus-like (Earl Grey) notes in a single, very mild blend.
Brewing tips for best flavor
Because this tea is mild, use slightly more leaf than you would for a standard black tea — about 1.5 teaspoons per 8 oz cup. Water temperature should be around 200°F (just off boiling). Steep for 2-3 minutes for a light cup, or up to 4 minutes if you want more body. Over-steeping can bring out bitterness from the green tea component, so keep an eye on the clock. A splash of milk smooths the blend further, but taste it plain first to appreciate the jasmine.
How to decide if this tea is right for you
- Flavor intensity: This is a very mild tea. If you enjoy bold breakfast blends or strong Earl Grey, this will taste faint. If you prefer subtle, floral cups, it's a great match. Choose for delicate sipping, not for a strong morning wake-up.
- Occasion: Its refined, light character makes it ideal for afternoon tea, brunch, or a calming evening cup. It's less suited for a high-energy start to the day. Best for relaxed, social tea moments.
- Gift potential: The royal association and pretty floral petals make this a visually appealing gift for tea lovers who appreciate unique blends. However, it's not for someone who only drinks strong, plain black tea. Great gift for floral tea fans, not for bold tea purists.
Product facts
- Buckingham Palace Garden Party: Very mild Earl Grey with a mellow touch of jasmine flowers. This tea is delicate in flavour and intensity. Goes beautifully with a splash of milk or on it's own! Ingredients: Black tea, green tea, jasmine flowers, cornflower petals, natural flavour. The blend of black and green tea with jasmine creates a uniquely gentle cup that won't overwhelm your palate. It's versatile enough for both milk drinkers and purists.
- Black Currant: Lush and fruity. This tea has a sweet aroma of fresh hand picked black currants. Ingredients: Black tea, blackberry leaves, cornflower & mallow & sunflower petals, natural flavours. If you want a bolder, fruit-forward black tea instead of the floral-mild Garden Party, Black Currant delivers a sweet, tangy profile that stands up well to sweeteners or desserts.
Is this tea for you?
Best for
- Afternoon tea enthusiasts who want a light, floral black tea
- New Earl Grey drinkers looking for a gentle introduction
- Gift buyers seeking a unique, visually appealing loose leaf tea
Not for
- Drinkers who prefer strong, malty black teas or heavy bergamot
- Anyone seeking a high-caffeine morning brew
