You’ve probably already seen them during your daily scroll on Instagram or Facebook — alluring frosted globes filled with tea, herbs, glitter, and confetti. Videos show them coming alive as hot water is poured over top, awakening the flavours within.
Tea bombs are a beautiful way to enjoy tea and are the latest trend for this timeless beverage. They make for a fun, festive cup of tea by yourself or celebrating with friends — in person and virtually! They’re a perfect activity to make at home, gift, and experience. Looking to get your hands on some? You can support small businesses on TikTok, Instagram, and Etsy who are hand-crafting these cute little tea-splosions! We ordered ours from Candy Couture based in the area of Toronto, Canada. Check out their complete menu on Instagram — for ordering or simply inspiration!
What’s inside a tea bomb
Tea bombs are commonly made with a sugar and corn syrup or isomalt shell shaped in silicone molds. Isomalt is a sugar substitute derived from beet sugar. For those who closely monitor their sugar intake, isomalt has little to no impact on blood sugar levels and does not stimulate the release of insulin. It’s a type of sugar alcohol used primarily for its sugar-like physical properties, but is much easier to work with and commonly used in baking and candy making. It’s also vegan-friendly, but it’s always good to double-check the brand when you buy, should you decide to make your own tea bombs.
Some bombs are filled with loose-leaf tea and herbs, others with tea bags. Loose-leaf tea is much more visually pleasing as you watch the bomb shell melt away, but it might not be as easy to consume. For both flavour and visual appeal, they can also be packed with edible flowers, rose petals, confetti, gold leaf, and luster dust.
How to prepare a tea bomb
When you’re ready to drink your tea, place the tea bomb into a mug or tea bowl of your choosing and gently pour hot water over it. If possible, brew in transparent mug to get the full aesthetic effect.
The shell will melt, releasing the tea and edible flowers and glitter into a shimmering liquor. Once your water is boiled, let it sit for a minute or so to cool down slightly. You want to ensure the water is hot enough to melt the shell but not still boiling when you pour it over the bomb so as to avoid burning the tea leaves or other ingredients. Traditional tea rules still apply: some teas are better at certain temperatures than others, and the longer the tea is steeped, the stronger the flavour.
If you’re consuming a bomb with an isomalt shell, try these tips to avoid a hardened sweetener at the bottom of your mug. Stir the beverage right away once the shell is melted and gently swirl the beverage every so often in the mug while consuming. Don’t let it get too cool before finishing the drink. Also, try to rinse as soon as you can once you’ve finished the drink. If there is any isomalt left in the mug when it starts to cool down, it will harden and stick to the bottom of the mug. Cleaning can be a little bit of a challenge. (Take our word for it!)
What flavours are available
You can find tea bombs in a wide range of flavour combinations. There seems to be no end to the combinations. Overall, tea bombs tend to be on the sweet side mostly on account of the sweetener shells. So if you prefer bold teas, such as an English breakfast with no sugar, tea bombs may not be for you. But if you love sweetness with your tea, whether it’s Earl Grey, Chai spice or apple cinnamon, you’re in for a treat!
Whether you order them or make them, you’ll want to consume tea bombs relatively soon so the outer shell doesn’t begin to melt. For that reason, you’ll also want to store them away from a heat source.
Tips for making your own
Making tea bombs at home is simple yet precise. There are many tutorials and recipes out there, but these are some tips to remember when making your tea bombs:
- Few ingredients are needed: Isomalt crystals, food coloring (for the globe if you like), loose leaf or tea bags, and anything else you may wish to include (edible glitter, flowers, etc.).
- Silicone molds are essential to have as well; that’s how you’ll achieve the globe shape.
- Heat the isomalt until melted, stirring often while adding the food coloring. Then carefully spoon the melted isomalt into each silicone mold, making sure to coat the bottom of the molds.
- Let them cool and carefully remove from the molds.
- Add your tea of choice to half of the shells. If using tea bags, insert the tea bag into the bottom half of the shell, lay the string over the side.
- On a warmed plate, place the other half of the shells opening side down until the edges are slightly sticky – this makes the adhesive complete the tea globe.
- Be careful when assembling the shells; they can get hot!
- The globes will be very delicate and fragile, like glass, so take care while assembling.
- Let them cool, and you’re ready to enjoy!
