Drinks
Georgian Hawthorn Tea (Kuneli Chai)
Original name: Georgian Tea with Hawthorn
About this dish
In Georgia, we welcome friends with overflowing cups, and this hawthorn tea—known as Kuneli Chai—is pure countryside love. Gathered from wild bushes in autumn, dried, and brewed slowly, it tastes like sun-kissed forests.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Water
liquid1 liter (4 cups)
Imperial measurement: 4 cups
Dried hawthorn berries
fruit30g (about 3 tablespoons)
Imperial measurement: 3 tablespoons
Dried rose hips
fruit15g (about 1½ tablespoons)
Imperial measurement: 1½ tablespoons
Fresh mint sprigs
herb4 sprigs
Honey (or sugar)
seasoning1 tablespoon (20g)
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
Method
Bring water to a boil
10 minsBring 4 cups (1 liter) of fresh water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan.
Prepare the hawthorn and rose hips
2 minsPlace the dried hawthorn berries and rose hips (if using) in a teapot or heatproof carafe. Gently crush them using a wooden spoon to release their flavor.
Pour and steep
14 minsPour the boiling water over the berries. Cover the teapot and let steep for 12 to 15 minutes. The longer you steep, the richer the color and depth of flavor.
Add mint (optional)
3 minsIn the last few minutes of steeping, add fresh mint sprigs for a fragrant note. Alternatively, add mint to individual cups.
Strain and sweeten
1 minsUsing a fine-mesh strainer, pour the tea into cups. Sweeten to taste with honey or your preferred sweetener. Stir well.
Serve lovingly
2 minsTraditionally served in chunky clay cups or glass 'chai stakani' glasses. If returning home slightly sniffly, our grandmothers promise you'll sneeze out the cold afterward!
Equipment
- Kettle or small pot
- Teapot or heatproof carafe
- Wooden spoon (to gently crush berries)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Serving cups
Nutrition facts
Tips
- You can substitute half the dried hawthorn with dried blueberries or goji berries for slight variation.
- If you feel a chill coming on, reduce water by half a cup and brew with a small cinnamon stick. Tradition calls it 'Grandma's Ambulance'.
- Hawthorn naturally supports circulation but enjoy this purely as a flavorful tradition. Pregnant women should consult their herbalist before full casual consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge no more than 24 hours. Reheat gently before drinking.
Serving suggestions
- Drink after a long walk through winter landscapes. Some ancient 'kveri' master added a glug of spirits once—authentic, but not always wise.
- Serve with crisp 'nazuki' biscuits or honey-soaked churchkhela for a loud kitchen gathering.
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Recipe by
Nino Beridze
Specialises in Georgian cuisineNino makes khachapuri that oozes cheese like a volcano. She says the secret is loving the dough like a child.
Describe yourself in three words: Loving, loud, huggy.