There’s something soul-soothing about a warm cup of tea on a chilly winter afternoon — but at Gertrude Grocer, we believe tea time can go far beyond a basic brew. With our beautifully curated selection of Koala Tea blends from Byron Bay, winter is the perfect time to transform your kitchen with creative, tea-infused recipes.
Whether you’re crafting a winter cocktail, flavouring a dessert, or even experimenting with tea-smoked dishes, herbal tea is the ingredient you didn’t know you needed. Let us take you on a flavourful journey with ways to warm up this season.
👉 Browse our full tea selection and shop via Click & Collect
Discover the Koala Tea Range at Gertrude Grocer
Straight from Byron Bay, Koala Tea is a trusted organic brand blending Australian-grown herbs with purpose and personality. We stock a range of their popular options, including:
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Lemon Myrtle – Uplifting, zesty, and uniquely Australian
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Chamomile – Calming and floral, perfect for wind-down routines
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Green Tea with Ginger – A detoxifying blend with a warm kick
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Licorice & Peppermint – Naturally sweet and refreshing
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Calming Blend – With valerian, lavender, and skullcap for true relaxation
These teas are not just for sipping — they’re also brilliant for culinary inspiration.
Beyond the Cup: Creative Ways to Use Herbal Tea in Winter Cooking
1. Lemon Myrtle Tea-Infused Syrup (Perfect for Cocktails or Pancakes)
Steep a few bags of Koala Tea’s Lemon Myrtle in hot water with sugar and lemon zest. Reduce to a syrup and use it to:
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Sweeten a gin and tonic
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Drizzle over ricotta pancakes
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Add depth to poached pears
2. Chamomile Tea & Honey Panna Cotta
Infuse Koala Chamomile Tea into warm cream and milk, then mix with honey and gelatine for a delicately floral panna cotta. Serve with stewed winter berries or orange segments.
3. Tea-Smoked Chicken with Green Tea & Ginger
Soak wood chips in a strong brew of Green Tea with Ginger, then use it to tea-smoke chicken in your BBQ or oven. The result is a subtle earthy flavour with a citrusy kick.
4. Licorice & Peppermint Tea Ice Cream
Brew a concentrated infusion of Koala Licorice & Peppermint Tea, strain, and incorporate it into a custard base for ice cream. The aniseed and mint flavour is unexpected but refreshing — especially served with dark chocolate sauce.
5. Herbal Chai Spice Mix for Baking
Mix ground up Calming Blend tea leaves with cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves. Use this blend in banana bread, muffins or spiced winter porridge for an aromatic twist.
Tea Tips from Our Pantry to Yours
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Brew for flavour, not just temperature: Let your tea steep longer when cooking or baking to extract deeper notes.
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Pair wisely: Herbal teas pair beautifully with earthy root vegetables, honey-glazed nuts, and citrus fruits.
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Store it right: Keep your teas in a cool, dark place in airtight tins to retain their essential oils and aroma.
Ready to for Tea Time?
Whether you’re warming your hands around a mug or infusing your next dinner party with floral depth, herbal teas are the winter ingredient that does it all.
👉 Explore our Koala Tea range and shop online for Click & Collect