Should alcohol be served at afternoon tea?

An afternoon tea party is an elegant social gathering that typically involves offering a variety of teas, desserts, and perhaps light sandwiches or hors d’oeuvres. Unlike a cocktail party, where the focus is on drinking and socialising, an afternoon tea party is a more restrained and refined affair. Many people ask me if they should offer alcohol at an afternoon tea event, either at home or if they are hosting it in a hotel. Of course, it’s personal preference but my opinion is that alcohol isn’t needed at afternoon tea and have discovered a wonderful non-alcoholic alternative to add some sparkle to your afternoon tea.

Here are three reasons why I think alcohol doesn’t work at an afternoon tea:

Timing and Alcohol Limits

Afternoon tea parties usually take place late in the afternoon, when it’s not ideal to consume alcohol as it can interfere with digestion and health. If guests plan to attend another engagement after your event, it could be challenging to enjoy themselves knowing there is alcohol serving. As an experienced hostess, limiting alcohol intake among guests can be challenging so be aware if you are planning on adding a glass of champagne as people may expect it to be free flowing.

Not everyone drinks alcohol

It would be unfair to assume that all guests at a tea party will enjoy consuming alcohol. Perhaps, some have religious or medical restrictions. Providing alcoholic beverages at an event where individuals may not usually consume or expect it will prevent them from feeling uneasy, uncomfortable, and out of place. Be mindful of your guest list and decide if you think it is appropriate for some to drink and not others.

Alcohol is not necessary for the event

An afternoon tea party can be delightful and enjoyable without serving alcohol. The focus can be on delightful foods, teas, conversations, and games, and not excessive drinking. Tea parties can be elegant and refined events, where the guests come together to discuss various issues of mutual interest. To ensure that guests are alert, lucid, and engaged, the focus should be on serving high-quality teas and distinctive delicacies that engage the palate. I have found the perfect solution to not serving alcohol that everyone can enjoy. I was so pleased to discover the Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company by chance, who offer a range of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol sparkling teas. What a better combination for an afternoon tea party! I was particularly pleased to find a blend of sparkling tea called BLÅ which contains Jasmine, White Tea and Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of my favourite blends of tea and it’s also known as the ‘champagne’ of teas so it’s rather apt that it is included here.

To sum up, think carefully about what you will serve at your own afternoon tea party. My advice is that non-alcoholic beverages are typically used, as they are more appropriate and offer a wider variety of options. I am delighted to be able to offer a Royal Afternoon Tea equivalent to my guests using the LYSEGRØN or the Rose sparkling tea from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company.

The products mentioned above have been gifted to the Afternoon Tea Expert.