1. 30-Second Summary
Ceylon Silver Tips is a delicate, high-grade black tea from Sri Lanka, prized for its pale liquor, gentle sweetness, and soft, lingering finish. It is a refined alternative to everyday Ceylon breakfast blends, ideal for slow, mindful tea moments rather than a quick, strong mug.
2. What is Ceylon Silver Tips?
Ceylon Silver Tips is a fine black tea made primarily from tender buds and young leaves. Despite the lighter colour in the cup, it is still fully oxidised, which places it in the black tea family. The careful plucking and handling preserve subtle aromatics and a smooth, silky mouthfeel.
3. Where does Ceylon Silver Tips come from?
As the name suggests, Ceylon Silver Tips is produced in Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon in the tea trade. Different estates and elevations create slightly different expressions, but the overall style is clean, aromatic, and elegant rather than robust or heavily malty.
4. What does Ceylon Silver Tips taste like?
In the cup you can expect a light to medium body with notes that may include honey, white blossom, gentle stone fruit, or soft citrus. Tannin is usually very well-behaved, so the tea feels smooth and rounded on the palate, with a refreshing finish that does not overwhelm.
5. Does Ceylon Silver Tips contain caffeine?
Yes. Ceylon Silver Tips is a black tea and therefore naturally contains caffeine. Because the liquor is lighter and often brewed more delicately, it may feel gentler than a strong breakfast blend, but it is still best treated as a moderate caffeine drink. If you are caffeine-sensitive, enjoy it earlier in the day or use shorter steeps.
6. How to brew Ceylon Silver Tips (Western method)
- Tea amount: 2 grams of leaf per 240 ml / 8 fl oz of water.
- Water temperature: around 90 to 95 C (194 to 203 F) to protect delicate aromatics.
- First infusion: 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.
- Second infusion: add 30 to 45 seconds.
If the tea tastes flat, you can gently increase the temperature toward 95 C or extend the steep by 30 seconds. If it ever drifts toward bitterness, reduce the time or temperature slightly.
7. Optional variations (iced, latte, blends)
- Iced Ceylon Silver Tips: Brew a slightly stronger hot infusion, cool it, then serve over ice for a fragrant, low-tannin iced tea.
- Light tea latte: For a very soft latte, brew it a bit stronger and top with warm milk or a plant-based alternative. This is more delicate than a typical breakfast tea latte.
- Blends: Ceylon Silver Tips is usually enjoyed unblended, but you can pair it carefully with gentle florals like jasmine or rose if you want a more perfumed cup.
8. Storage & shelf life
Store Ceylon Silver Tips in an airtight container away from sunlight, moisture, strong kitchen smells, and heat sources. Because it relies on subtle aromatics, it is worth enjoying within 12 to 18 months for best fragrance and flavour.
9. Similar teas you might like
If you enjoy Ceylon Silver Tips, you may also like Darjeeling Black Tea, Yunnan Gold Black Tea, Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) White Tea, or other high-elevation, aromatic teas that prioritise fragrance over sheer strength.
10. Troubleshooting & common questions
Why is my Ceylon Silver Tips coming out too weak?
Use a little more leaf, extend the steep time slightly, or nudge the water temperature closer to 95 C while still avoiding a rolling boil.
Can I add milk to Ceylon Silver Tips?
You can, but many drinkers prefer it plain to appreciate the finer aromatics. If you do add milk, brew slightly stronger so the flavour still shines through.
Can I re-steep the leaves?
Yes. Many high-grade teas reward at least one re-steep. Expect a lighter second cup with even softer tannins and more nuanced aromatics.
