As the festive season approaches, we look for an infusion the whole table can share, young and old, at any hour. Noël Amour in its rooibos version meets that need: red rooibos from South Africa is naturally caffeine-free, and its gourmand richness lends itself perfectly to Christmas flavours.

Mariage Frères combines it with apple, cinnamon, almond and pink berries, complemented by a flavouring. Almond is an ingredient in its own right, which makes it a declared allergen; the blend may also contain traces of other tree nuts. The full list appears on the packaging and on this sheet.

The liquor, a deep red, is round and soft, with the woody and faintly sweet base characteristic of rooibos. Our sheet describes it in one word, woody, and that is the foundation on which everything else rests. Apple and cinnamon arrive together, as in a warm tart; the almond brings a pastry note and the pink berries a lively touch that lifts the whole. The house describes it as lively and sparkling, and the image is accurate.

It is served in the afternoon, during the festive season and well beyond, with shortbread, gingerbread or brioche. Rooibos does not develop bitterness, even when steeped for a long time, which allows a milk preparation for those who enjoy it.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and five minutes of steeping. Noël Amour rooibos is sold in a collector's bottle with a double lid, fluorescent pink and gold, containing 80 g; once the bottle is opened, close both lids firmly to preserve the spices.