Persian saffron tea is one of the simplest, most luxurious ways to enjoy saffron’s golden color and aroma. This Persian saffron tea blends black tea with bloomed saffron, and you can add rose water and cardamom for a classic Persian-style fragrance. It feels special enough for guests, but easy enough for a daily ritual when you want something warm, soothing, and beautifully aromatic.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
1 ½ cups hot water (around 190°F / 88°C)
½ tsp loose black tea leaves (Ceylon or Persian blend) or 1 Persian black tea bag
5 to 7 strands of saffron
1 tsp rose water (optional, for floral aroma)
1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to taste)
1 cardamom pod (optional, gently crushed)
How to Make Persian Saffron Tea
Bloom the saffron
Crush the saffron strands with a pinch of sugar using a mortar and pestle, or gently crush them with your fingers. Add the saffron to 2 tbsp warm water and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes until deep golden orange.
Brew the tea
In a small teapot or saucepan, steep the black tea (and cardamom, if using) in hot water for 5 to 7 minutes.
Combine
Stir the bloomed saffron (liquid and strands) into the brewed tea. Add rose water if using and stir gently.
Sweeten
Add sugar or honey to taste.
Serve
Serve hot in tea glasses. Garnish with a single saffron strand or a dried rosebud for a simple, beautiful finish.
Tips for the Best Persian Saffron Tea
Use hot but not boiling water for saffron so the aroma stays delicate.
Start with a small amount of rose water since it can be strong.
For a deeper saffron flavor, let the bloomed saffron sit a few extra minutes before adding it to the tea.
What to Serve With Persian Saffron Tea
Persian saffron tea pairs beautifully with lightly sweet pastries and cookies. Try it with Cake Yazdi, baklava, or simple butter cookies. Use hot but not boiling water for saffron so the aroma stays delicate.
Start with a small amount of rose water since it can be strong. For a deeper saffron flavor, let the bloomed saffron sit a few extra minutes before adding it to the tea.
Elegant, aromatic, and infused with the luxurious essence of saffron.