Syrian Aniseed
From $17.50
What’s In The Packet?
100% natural. no added flavours. organic ingredients.
artisanal. hand-blended. hand-packaged
Feel
Pepped Up.
Inspired.
Deliciously Spoiled.
Tastes
Sweet.
Smooth.
Liquoricey.
Velvety smooth and medium-bodied, with soothing sweet, aromatic notes of aniseed revealing hints of liquorice and herbal undertones.
Experience It
Morning, Noon & Early Afternoon.
Hot or Iced. Pure or Sweet.
Solo or With Your Fav Treat.
Best Enjoyed
Piping hot, with the smell of sweet aniseed filling the air. If you’re in the mood for a fresh treat, serve your Shai bil Yansoon over ice. This aniseed-infused black tea is ideal for purists who prefer their tea in its natural state. However, if you’d like a taste of Syrian society, give the liquorice flavour an extra kick with sugar or your favourite sweetener.
Best Served
In dainty tea glasses for some true Syrian flair. Your favourite teacups on a decorative tea tray will also impress family, friends, and guests. Keep your Shai bil Yansoon hot in the teapot and honour that famous Syrian hospitality by keeping the refills flowing..
Pairs With
Enjoy the deep, soothing tones of this liquorice delight on its own or highlight the experience with some delectable Syrian treats. Traditional favourites to look out for include barazek (sesame and pistachio treats that combine elements of baklava, shortbread, and biscotti) and ka’ak (double-baked biscuits). Special occasions call for ma’moul (rose and orange blossom water infused into a semolina cookie filled with walnuts, dates, or pistachios) and date-filled ka’ak cookies. For a more casual setting, go for the Middle Eastern favourite tea treat – a mixed selection of salted nuts and seeds.
Tea Time
Tea is rarely more than a minute away in the friendly homes of Syria. Since it’s synonymous with hospitality, tea is served all day and night. However, the evenings are reserved for those who love a late-night caffeine buzz.
Caffeine Level
Moderate
For a softer buzz
Taste Strength
Medium
For a rich, smooth experience
Known For
Motivation. Uplifting Energy. Digestion
Brewing Guide
Want tea ASAP? These easy steps are your shortcut!
-
Leaf
1 tsp
-
Liquid
200 ml
-
Method
Steep
-
Temp
100°C
-
Time
2 – 3 min
How to Brew the Simple Way
To Make 1 Cup:
- 1
Add 1 tsp of tea to a teapot, a tea maker, or an infuser pot, mug or cup.
- 2
Pour in 200 ml (7 fl oz) of water boiled to 100°C (212°F).
- 3
Steep for 2 – 3 min.
- 4
Strain into cup or, if using an infuser, remove it from the cup or mug.
- 5
Enjoy pure or sweeten to taste.
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your tea. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
Wrap yourself in velvety liquorice bliss by brewing your Syrian Aniseed tea the traditional way
-
Leaf
1 tsp
-
Liquid
200 ml
-
Method
Stovetop brew
-
Temp
Rolling boil
-
Time
3 – 6 min
How to Brew the Traditional Syrian Way
Tea Tools
All the specialised utensils you’ll need for the traditional brew:
-
Measure
You will need 1 tsp of tea per 200 ml (7 fl oz) of water. For best results, use freshly drawn ambient filtered water.
-
Brew
Add the water to your stovetop teapot or saucepan. If sweetening with sugar, add it now so it can simmer with the tea and create greater depths of flavour. Cover and bring to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
Tip: Elevate your tea experience by boiling sugar with water for 3 minutes before adding the tea. This secret from the Levant promotes better flavour integration, ensures the sugar molecules distribute evenly, and adds wonderous depth through gentle caramelization. The result? A harmonious and balanced cup bursting with magical flavours.
Next, add the tea and boil covered for 1 min. Remove from heat and steep for 2 min.
-
Serve
Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying a solo tea adventure, you can pour the brew directly into cups. If you brewed it in a saucepan, you may wish to transfer the tea into a teapot first. Either way, it’s best to strain it through a mesh strainer to prevent the tea leaves from flowing out. If you skipped sugar during the brewing process, you can add it now, allowing everyone to strike their perfect balance. This is also the time to add honey or any alternative sweetener.
Note for honey lovers: Hot tea can mute honey's magic. So give your tea some time to chill slightly, then add honey for the best flavour and benefits. It'll dissolve perfectly and maintain its delicious, healthy goodness.
-
Drink
If you are drinking from a traditional handle-less cup, hold the rim with your thumb and index finger. Not only is this the traditional way, but it is also the best method for ensuring you do not burn your fingers.
Before taking your first sip, savour the aroma of the tea in the teacup to experience greater depths of flavour. The brew may be piping hot, so make your first sip small and take it slow, testing the temperature of the brew so that you don’t burn yourself. If you’re not in a rush, you can also let your brew cool for a while as you savour its comforting aroma, building up anticipation for that first satisfying sip.
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your tea. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
Hot day got you beat? Iced tea's the perfect energising treat!
How to Brew the Chilled-Out Way
To enjoy Syrian Aniseed iced, simply follow the Quick Brew steps, adjusting the leaf-to-water ratio based on the volume of your cup and how strong you like your tea (see tip below). After straining, add any sweetener you desire, then cool the tea uncovered so it reaches room temperature faster. Serve chilled over ice.
Want to make a big batch of tea to fill a glass jug or pitcher?
In this case, it’ll be easier to prepare a tea concentrate first. Follow the Quick Brew steps, adding the amount of leaf you’ll need for the total volume of your jug or pitcher. However, instead of adding the full amount of water, only add 1 cup (250 ml / 8.5 fl oz) per litre (34 fl oz) of iced tea you’re making. After straining the concentrate into your vessel and adding your desired sweetener, top it up with the remaining volume of ambient water. No need to cool your tea – the ambient water will naturally do the job for you! Add your favourite garnishes and serve chilled.
Tips
Hate the gritty aftertaste of poorly blended sweetener? Incorporating your sweetener while the brew is hot ensures it blends flawlessly, enriching your tea with a charming sweetness that harmonises perfectly and never overpowers the other flavours.
Ice is infamous for diluting drinks, but you can harness its power to water things down by brewing your tea a little stronger than you otherwise would. To get it just right, try doubling the tea leaf quantity provided under Quick Brew. You many need to experiment a little to find your perfect balance.
Craving a rich flavour explosion? Ditch the Quick Brew and go for the Traditional Brew for an iced tea bursting with aroma and depth. Just remember to double the leaves for double the goodness!
This Brewing Guide details how we recommend brewing your tea. But taste is a very personal thing, and we all have our own quirks and preferences. So feel free to experiment and have fun finding your tea brewing groove! You can then refer back to this Brewing Guide anytime you want a refresher on the best tools to use, the ideal brewing method, the magic leaf-to-water ratio, and the perfect water temperature and brewing time.
