Every so often, a new fun drink is crowned—matcha and its endless variants, ube lattes, pistachio-flavoured anything—but there’s one that has truly stood the test of time. Across generations and cultures, tea has always been more than just a mere beverage; it’s woven itself into sacred rituals tied to healing and restoration. Whether it’s an energising brew, or a relaxing tisane, a fresh cup has been the perfect pick-me-up for the mind and soul all throughout history.
And there are so many types of tea to choose from. Depending on where they’re grown, tea takes on the natural characteristics of their locale—everything from crisp alpine greens to earthy depths. Then there’s the matter of infusion and preparation, where the interplay of ingredients and temperature add layers to the overall profile. Think chai, osmanthus oolong, wedang jahe and the like. It’s why tea fragrances are alluring; they can either be light and breezy, or spicy and complex. In some instances, fruity and floral facets introduce unexpected twists to familiar compositions. Regardless of the season, occasion or time of day, there is a tea scent for every palate. Below, have a taste of the irresistible brews that will instantly lift the spirits.
1 / 6
Rahasya Chai Addiction
Cardamom, black tea and ginger; the unmistakable waft of chai boiling on the stove. Singapore-born brand Rahasya has distilled the comforting aroma of the beloved concoction as it is, complete with creamy vanilla and milk accord. As it dries down, Mysore sandalwood and white musk cloaks the skin in an addictive veil.
Rahasya Chai Addiction, $168 for 50ml, available at Escentials
2 / 6
Panpuri The Soft Within
If serenity is what you seek, soak in the ambience of The Soft Within. Delicate white tea intertwines with juicy fig and bergamot before softening into a dewy plume of jasmine, violet leaf and thyme. The gentle formula can even be spritzed onto the strands.
Panpuri The Soft Within, $199 for 50ml, available at Panpuri boutiques
3 / 6
Aesop Virēre
Fig trees, and hands cupped around a steaming cup of green tea. Aesop’s Virēre evokes an afternoon surrounded by the verdant forest, thanks to its woody, herbaceous heart uplifted by bergamot and a sprinkling of pink pepper.
Aesop Virere, $218 for 50ml, available at Aesop
4 / 6
Nomr O’Cha
Beneath the vivid orange hue of a cup of cha yen lies silky, creamy depths. Thai fragrance house Nomr combines condensed milk, Thai tea, caramel and sandalwood with tonka bean and resinous tolu balsam to recreate the indulgent concoction in photorealistic detail.
Nomr O’Cha, 105USD for 30ml, available at Nomr
5 / 6
The Body Tale Teamomile
In the way that chamomile tea is soothing, Teamomile is a cosy everyday scent. Nutty almond anchors the lightness of chamomile with an unexpected bitterness; jasmine keeps everything airy and fresh, before vanilla, cedar and sandalwood takes over.
The Body Tale Teamomile, $50 for 50ml, available at The Body Tale
6 / 6
Jil Sander Black Tea
Osmanthus may usually be associated with the sweeter side of the olfactory spectrum, but Jil Sander is taking it in the opposite direction with Black Tea. Sri Lankan cinnamon adds spice, intermingling with osmanthus and black tea to produce a smoky, ambery second-skin.
Jil Sander Black Tea, $303 for 100ml, available at iShopChangi
