Ceylon Black Tea

Ceylon Tea is black tea from Sri Lanka, the island once called Ceylon, and it is the brightest, most refreshing black tea on our shelf. Ours is organic, single-origin loose leaf Ceylon from the Sri Lankan highlands: medium-bodied and brisk, with gentle citrus notes, a hint of honeyed sweetness and a clean finish. It is lovely plain, with milk, or poured over ice with lemon.

• Size: 1 oz of loose leaf tea.
• Ingredient: Organic Ceylon black tea (Camellia sinensis).
• Caffeine: Contains caffeine, roughly 40–70 mg per 8 oz cup.
• Brew: 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water at 200–212°F. Steep 3–5 minutes, then strain.

What Is Ceylon Tea?

Ceylon is the old name for Sri Lanka, and “Ceylon tea” means tea grown there. Tea has been planted on the island since the late 1800s, and today Sri Lanka is one of the world’s best-known tea producers. Most Ceylon tea is black tea, made from the Camellia sinensis plant and fully oxidized.

Sri Lankan tea is grown at many elevations, and the highland teas, like ours, are known for a bright, brisk, clean character: lighter and more lively than the malty black teas of Assam. For a wider look at black tea regions, see our guide to the types of black tea.

Meet Our Ceylon

Our organic Ceylon brews a clear, bright amber-red cup with a fresh, lively aroma. The flavor is medium-bodied and brisk, with gentle citrus notes, a hint of honeyed sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish. It is bold enough for milk but bright enough to enjoy plain, and it makes an excellent iced tea. Packed to order in a 1 oz size.

How To Brew Ceylon Tea

Hot: heat water to a full boil (200–212°F). Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz and steep 3 to 5 minutes, then strain. Around 3 minutes keeps it bright and light; 5 minutes gives more body for milk.

Iced: brew double-strength (2 teaspoons per 8 oz, 4 minutes) and pour over a full glass of ice, or cold brew 2 tablespoons in 32 oz of cold water in the fridge for 8 hours. Add a slice of lemon.

Sweet tea: Ceylon’s bright, clean flavor makes a classic Southern-style sweet tea. Brew it strong, stir in sugar while it is hot, then chill.

How Much Caffeine Is In Ceylon Tea?

Ceylon is a black tea, and a typical 8 oz cup contains roughly 40–70 mg of caffeine, about half of a similar cup of brewed coffee. A shorter steep gives a gentler cup; cold brewing gives less still. If you want a bright cup with no caffeine, try one of our caffeine-free herbal teas.

Ceylon vs. Our Other Black Teas

• Ceylon – bright, brisk and citrusy; medium-bodied and the best for iced tea.
• Assam Black Tea – the maltiest and heaviest, for a very strong cup.
• Organic English Breakfast Tea – bold and malty; the all-rounder for milk.
• Organic Earl Grey Creme Tea – black tea with bergamot and vanilla for a softer, fragrant cup.
• Organic Black Tea – our everyday black tea for a simple, versatile cup.

Browse them all in our loose leaf black tea collection.

Who Ceylon Is Best For

• Anyone who likes black tea bright and brisk rather than heavy and malty.
• Iced tea and sweet tea drinkers.
• People who drink black tea plain, without milk.
• Anyone who wants an afternoon black tea that feels lighter than a breakfast blend.
• Tea drinkers who enjoy lemon in their tea.