Pomme d'orange

A garden of Delft and amber sorrows
It was in The Hague, in the peaceful Noordeinde district, amidst art galleries, the glass roofs of the Royal Palace, and antique shops, that the desire for a tea that was at once floral, sweet, and majestic was born. It was there that one of the first Betjeman and Barton boutiques outside of France opened: a warm setting with blond wood paneling and shelves of blue and white porcelain, where the scents of candied citrus and dried flowers seemed to have settled forever.
Marion, the owner, was a passionate, fascinating, beautiful, radiant, and unforgettable woman. It is for her and her cherished shop that we created this tea. A composition inspired by her, and the emblematic color of her country. Marion is always in our hearts and has left an indelible mark on the world of tea in Holland.

The memory of a crown's zest
Pomme d’Orange gets its name from a play on words as much as from a tribute: “pomme d’orange,” in Old French, refers to the sweet orange, a rare and precious fruit, also an emblem of the House of Orange.
This tea evokes the sweet treats from the East once brought back by the caravans of Flanders, those pastries with honey and orange blossom enjoyed in winter salons with blue tiles, to the backdrop of baroque music and the rustle of silk.

Food and Tea Pairings
Whether in a savory or sweet preparation, Pomme d'Orange tea infuses a sunny and slightly floral sweetness. Its bouquet, combining orange blossom, almond, and mandarin, pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean cuisine: a white fish fillet topped with tea-infused butter, a fragrant couscous, or a warm citrus salad with honey. For dessert, it can be used to poach fruits (pears, apricots, or peaches), enveloping them in an aromatic veil reminiscent of Middle Eastern pastries. A few tea leaves can also enhance a light orange blossom cream or a moist almond cake.

Cocktail with Pomme d'Orange Tea

Ingredients (for 1 glass)
• 6 cl of infused and chilled Pomme d'Orange tea
• 3 cl of floral gin (or mild vodka)
• 1 cl of almond syrup
• 2 cl of fresh mandarin juice
• A few drops of orange blossom water
• Ice cubes

Preparation
1. In a shaker filled with ice, pour the chilled tea, gin, almond syrup, and mandarin juice.
2. Shake vigorously for about ten seconds.
3. Strain and pour into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
4. Finish with a dash of orange blossom water and, if desired, an orange zest or a slivered almond for garnish.

Tasting Notes
A cocktail that is both sweet and radiant, where orange blossom unfurls its delicate charm against a backdrop of playful citrus. The mandarin brightens the palate, while almond provides a milky roundness, reminiscent of the warmth of a sunny snack in a blossoming orchard.