The Courtesan

My bestie found this blend back in the day at Otherworlds, and though she's now living overseas and keeps missing its availability on visits, she still sings its praises! I got her a big bag and another friend is smuggling it to Japan for me for a birthday present--my phone is gonna blow up in celebration! If you like chai but want something lighter, a little perfumier? Or if you just want something different and delightful, give this classic a try!

From the very first cup of Friday Afternoon Tea’s The Courtesan, I was utterly captivated. Sent as a sample, this blend swept me off my feet with its decadently silky Ti Kwan Yin oolong base and its heady, luxurious aroma. As a Scorpio, I’m drawn to bold, seductive flavors, and while the official Scorpio zodiac tea from Friday Afternoon is renowned for its spicy heat, The Courtesan serves as a sublime alternative for anyone craving something equally enchanting but gentler on the palate and GI tract.

The magic of this blend is truly in its harmony. The smooth, creamy oolong forms the perfect canvas for the warming embrace of cinnamon and clove, all tied together by a sultry whisper of vanilla. The result is a tea that tastes indulgent and feels luxurious—each sip is like a velvet cloak for your senses, with the spices and vanilla swirling gracefully around the rich oolong. I especially appreciate how the spices are balanced: prominent enough to intrigue, yet always letting the natural beauty of the oolong shine through. For those seeking an even deeper vanilla experience, I recommend storing the tea with a few pieces of Madagascar vanilla bean (a personal favorite trick) to amplify the decadence even further.

In short, The Courtesan is a five-star blend that I can’t recommend highly enough. It’s sophisticated, comforting, and versatile—a sure favorite for both oolong lovers and those new to spiced teas. With its gorgeous flavor balance and high-quality ingredients, this tea is truly irresistible, making every cup a moment of pure indulgence.

I'm a fan of oolong, and I'm a fan of spiced tea. This is a winning combination.

I love the clove with the oolong. Such a warming and delicious tea

A lovely Oolong with the spiciness of cloves and cinnamon and a smooth vanilla to round out the taste. I find it benefits from a bit of honey to balance the clove, but even without this one is a winner.