A green bottle decorated with a golden garland, which naturally finds its place under the tree: Mariage Frères has created Noël Amour as a green tea version, a gift before it is a drink. Inside, 80 g of green tea flavoured with mild spices and Christmas fruits.

The ingredients are green tea, apple, cinnamon, almond, pink peppercorns and flavouring. Almond is part of the composition, 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 page.

Where a black Christmas tea plays warmth, this one plays freshness: the airy notes of green tea carry apple and cinnamon lightly, the almond brings a pastry-like richness, and the pink peppercorns add a lively touch on the finish. The cup is sweet and indulgent, yet remains clear and bright, like a sunny winter morning.

Serve it in the afternoon, during the festive season, with bredele, a cinnamon shortbread or a slice of Yule log. Its freshness also makes it a surprising iced infusion if you want to extend it beyond winter. Those who know the rooibos version of the same name will find the same scents, on a livelier, lighter base.

Allow 2.5 g per 200 ml of water at 95 °C and three minutes' steeping, no more, so the green tea does not turn harsh. The collector's tin with double lid seals airtight and keeps the spices all winter.