Getting fed up with the dark winter nights and feeling the need to spice up your life? Then you could do worse than try Twinings green tea with ginger, a new seasonal edition that is both refreshing and warming at the same time.

The intense ginger aroma hit me the moment I opened the packet. I dutifully followed the instructions and left the teabag in my cup of boiled water for two minutes. Expecting to see the colour change to green, I was pleasantly surprised to see a cup of amber tea staring back at me.

Then I tasted it. The warming ginger flavour dominates yet doesn’t leave the usual burning after-taste that is often associated with this wonderful spice. The green tea taste is still there but considerably subdued by the ginger.

This cuppa certainly ticks all the boxes, including the one marked ‘healthy’. As well as the natural ingredients used by Twinings, green tea itself is rich in antioxidants that may be beneficial for preventing cancer and maintaining a healthy heart. While ginger is reputed to aid digestion and to promote circulation.

Because of these health benefits green tea has seen a rise in popularity, but not everyone enjoys the slightly grassy taste of green tea itself. Combining green tea with spices like ginger means that the health benefits can be enjoyed while the taste buds are being entertained, all at the same time.

Because of the digestive qualities of ginger, this tea seems well-suited as an after dinner drink. But I would argue that its refreshing taste makes it suitable for any time of the day.