Grapefruit Black

Bright, tart, a little bittersweet, the citrus cup with some backbone. This is black tea blended with orange peel, natural grapefruit flavor, and marigold petals for color, giving a fresh grapefruit zing over a malty base. Brew it hot for a lively morning cup, or brew it strong over ice for a sharp, refreshing citrus iced tea.

The grapefruit note comes from natural grapefruit flavor rather than the whole fruit, so it stays clean and bright without the harsh pith bitterness of raw peel; the orange peel rounds it out and the marigold adds a warm flash of color. Blended in small batches in Portland. The black base carries real caffeine, a moderate lift for the start of the day.

Ingredients: black tea, orange peel, marigold petals, and natural grapefruit flavor. No sugar, no preservatives. Naturally vegan.

How do I brew it?
Use 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water, heat the water to about 200°F, and steep 3 minutes. Keep to 3 minutes; a longer steep pulls dry tannins that flatten the citrus and dull the cup.

Is there real grapefruit in it?
The grapefruit note comes from natural grapefruit flavor, paired with real orange peel for citrus body. That is a deliberate choice: raw grapefruit peel brings a heavy, pithy bitterness, so flavoring keeps the cup clean, tart, and bright instead.

Will it taste too bitter or sour?
Not when brewed short. The grapefruit tang is balanced by the malty black base, and a 3-minute steep keeps it crisp rather than harsh. If you like it rounder, add a little honey.

Does it work as an iced tea?
Yes. Brew it double-strength and pour over ice, or cold-steep it overnight for a sharp, refreshing citrus pitcher.

Does it have caffeine?
Yes. The black tea base gives a moderate, everyday lift.