What are the ingredients in Highland tea?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While the term 'Highland tea' might suggest a singular product, it actually represents a diverse category of beverages from high-elevation regions across the globe. The ingredients vary dramatically based on the tea's country of origin, ranging from simple black tea leaves to complex herbal infusions.

Quick Summary

Highland tea is not one single product but a category, with ingredients varying widely by region. Blends can feature black tea, herbs like mint and oregano, or spices.

Key Points

Regional Variations: Highland tea is not a single product but a category, with ingredients differing based on its geographical origin.
Scottish Black Tea: Traditional Scottish Highland blends primarily feature robust black tea leaves, often from Assam, prized for their malty flavor.
Herbal Ingredients: Many herbal Highland teas exist, incorporating indigenous herbs like mint, seabuckthorn, calendula, and oregano for specific flavor and health benefits.
Terroir Matters: The high altitude growing conditions (terroir) significantly influence the flavor and quality of the tea leaves, creating a concentrated, complex taste.
Herbs Over Tea Leaves: Some highland-named teas are tisanes made from herbs and botanicals, rather than actual tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.

The Diverse World of Highland Tea

The phrase "Highland tea" can be misleading, as it does not refer to a single, standardized blend but rather encompasses a broad range of tea varieties sourced from, or inspired by, mountainous regions around the world. These high-elevation teas are known for their distinct flavors, influenced by the unique terroir of their growing environment. This guide explores the different types of Highland tea and breaks down their varied ingredients.

Scottish Highland Tea: A Black Tea Tradition

One of the most common associations with the term is the Scottish Highland blend, which is typically a black tea. These blends are often robust and full-bodied to provide a warming and invigorating experience, perfect for the cooler climates of the Scottish Highlands. The core ingredient is often a mix of high-quality black tea leaves from regions known for strong, malty flavors, such as Assam or Sumatra. Key characteristics of these black tea blends include:

Finely cut black tea leaves that brew a strong, dark reddish-brown color.
Rich, malty undertones with a brisk finish.
A flavor profile that pairs well with milk and sugar, as is customary in British tea traditions.

Global Highland Herbal Blends

Beyond black tea, many herbal infusions from mountainous areas are also labeled as Highland teas. These are not from the Camellia sinensis plant and are often caffeine-free. Their ingredients are typically indigenous herbs and botanicals that thrive in the local environment.

For example, the Minty Highland Tea from Bhutan features seabuckthorn, buckwheat, and mint, a blend valued for its health benefits, including supporting heart, kidney, and liver function. Similarly, the Highland Blend from Tasmania incorporates bergamot, spearmint, and calendula. Another example is the Highland tea with red oregano from the Mediterranean, used as a medicinal drink for digestion and respiratory issues.

A Table of Highland Tea Variations


Highland Tea Name	Origin Region	Primary Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Notes
Edinburgh Highland Blend	Scotland	Black tea leaves (likely Assam/Sumatra)	Strong, full-bodied, malty	Classic morning tea
Bhutanese Minty Highland	Bhutan	Seabuckthorn, buckwheat, mint	Nutty, earthy, minty	Herbal and caffeine-free
Tasmanian Highland Blend	Tasmania, Australia	Bergamot, spearmint, calendula	Uplifting, fresh, herbal	Organic herbal blend
Ceylon High Grown	Sri Lanka	Black tea leaves	Unmistakable aroma, subtle sweetness	Classic high-altitude tea

Key Ingredients Across Highland Teas

Across the many types of tea that fall under the "Highland" label, several ingredient categories emerge. While the specific combinations vary, the core components and flavorings often include:

Black Tea: The base for many Scottish-style and Ceylon blends, valued for its robust flavor and caffeination.
Herbs: Mint, oregano, and bergamot are popular choices, offering fresh, aromatic, and sometimes medicinal qualities.
Spices: Spices like ginger and cinnamon can be found in some variations, adding warmth and depth.
Fruits and Berries: Dried orange peels can be used in some recipes for sweetness and garnish.
Sweeteners: Ingredients such as honey or sugar are added for flavor and warmth.

The Role of Terroir in Highland Tea

What truly defines a tea as 'highland' is often its origin in elevated, mountainous areas. The unique climate, soil, and environmental conditions at higher altitudes (known as terroir) significantly impact the final flavor profile of the tea leaves. High-altitude teas, whether black or green, tend to grow more slowly, developing more concentrated and complex flavor characteristics. This explains why a Ceylon Highland tea from Sri Lanka, grown with specific climate conditions, will taste different from a black tea blend from a Scottish brand.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Name

In summary, the ingredients in Highland tea are not fixed but are as diverse as the regions they represent. From the malty richness of Scottish black tea blends to the earthy, refreshing taste of Bhutanese herbal infusions, each variant offers a unique experience. The key lies in understanding that "Highland" is a geographical descriptor and a promise of distinctive quality and flavor shaped by high-altitude growing conditions. Whether you seek a caffeinated morning brew or a soothing herbal tisane, the world of Highland tea provides a wealth of options, each with its own specific ingredients and story.

Learn more about the history of Ceylon tea, a prominent example of high-grown tea, at Resplendent Ceylon.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the specific blend. Traditional Scottish Highland tea, being black tea, does contain caffeine. However, many herbal versions from other regions are caffeine-free, as they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Traditional Scottish Highland tea, a black tea blend, is typically known for a strong, full-bodied, and malty flavor with a brisk finish. The taste can be rich and robust.

While many tea plants are grown in high-altitude regions (like Ceylon), the term 'Highland tea' is often used more specifically for regional blends. Teas from Ceylon are often referred to as 'Ceylon tea,' though they are indeed high-grown.

Bhutanese Minty Highland Tea is an herbal blend containing seabuckthorn, buckwheat, and mint. It is known for its earthy and minty flavor.

Some herbal Highland teas have medicinal properties. For instance, Highland tea made with red oregano is used to help with digestion and respiratory problems. Herbal teas are generally known for soothing and calming effects.

High-altitude growing conditions, or terroir, influence the chemical makeup of the tea leaves, leading to more complex and concentrated flavors. Slower growth in cooler climates contributes to a distinct quality.

Scottish Highland blends often use robust black tea leaves, frequently a mix from regions known for strong, malty flavors, such as Assam or Sumatra.