Cranberry Yuzu

This was one of Rishi’s seasonal blends this year, and I’m glad I placed my order when I did because it sold out verrrryyy soon afterwards. The dry leaf might just be one of the most stunning herbal/fruit infusions I’ve seen in a long, long time. Deep ruby red cranberry pieces with long strips of yuzu peel and rosemary peppered throughout…

I don’t know if I ever would have thought to try cranberry and yuzu together, but it’s a really fantastic, sophisticated feeling pairing. There’s a lot of aromatic, upfront brightness and tart, tangy notes from both of the two fruits but the cranberry adds a thicker, almost jammy element that keeps the infusion from feeling shrill or sharp and the yuzu has that grounding, almost (but not quite) medicinal and pithy feeling element that balances out the acidity and sweetness. Rosemary and yuzu?? Also inspired because the combo really creates this fresh but pine-like note that goes well with the wintery cranberry and builds on this really festive sort of feeling.

I can picture myself drinking this in place of a mulled wine or cider while at a Christmas market, after a chilly afternoon skiing or tobogganing at a cabin/chalet, or picking out a Christmas tree from a farm to bring home. You almost want to have it in a big crock pot and ladled out into those metal camp-style mugs. It’s a whole mood and I am HERE for it.