Anastasia - Earl Grey with orange blossom

Anastasia by Kusmi Tea, the Earl Grey of the enigmatic Grand Duchess

Anastasia is the signature historic Earl Grey from the Parisian tea house Kusmi Tea, named after the mysteriously vanished Grand Duchess Anastasia, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II. Black tea from China and Ceylon, flavored with bergamot, lemon, lime, and orange blossom. Loose leaf in a 100g tin, organically grown. Elegant, bold, with a refined citrus zest.

Anastasia tea by Kusmi Tea is one of the house’s original recipes, developed by founder Pavel Kousmichoff in late 19th-century Saint Petersburg. An elegant Earl Grey made from black tea from China and Ceylon, refined with essential oils of bergamot, lemon, and lime, as well as natural orange blossom flavoring. The tea bears the name of the mysterious Grand Duchess Anastasia, the youngest daughter of the last Tsar, Nicholas II, whose fate following July 1918 continues to fuel legends to this day.

Copper-red infusion, citrus-fresh with a floral base

As soon as you open the tin, a multi-layered fragrance rises: robust, slightly tart bergamot, enveloped by zesty lemon and the bright, floral hint of orange blossom. The loose leaves are dark, evenly rolled, and deep black with a soft golden shimmer—a mark of careful processing.

In the cup, Anastasia presents a brilliant copper-red. The first sip is full-bodied, malty, and deep, immediately carried by the bergamot. Lemon and lime provide freshness, while orange blossoms bring a velvety-warm sweetness that distinguishes this tea from a classic Earl Grey. Bold, enigmatic, with an aftertaste that evokes the Grand Duchess herself: full of life, a little rebellious, never quite tangible.

Afternoons by the fireplace or with raisin stollen

Anastasia is a classic afternoon tea that is also perfect for winter by the fireplace. It pairs well with raisin stollen and Russian pastries, lemon madeleines, or a piece of dark chocolate. For weekend brunch, it beats a standard Earl Grey by a long shot—the orange blossom makes it more accessible and elegant at the same time. It also makes an elegant summer thirst-quencher as iced tea with a slice of orange in the glass.

Those who drink the tea pure will experience the citrus and floral notes most intensely. A splash of lemon or a spoonful of honey harmonize well; milk tends to dull the interplay of aromas rather than enrich it. You need about 2 tablespoons of loose tea per liter for a pot, steeped in 90°C hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Steep for less time for a lighter, more citrus-forward cup, or longer for depth and warmth.

If you would like to get to know the Russian Kusmi blends as a quartet, you will find the perfect additions in the floral Bouquet de Fleurs N°108 (1880, the oldest Kusmi blend), the Prince Wladimir with citrus fruits and cloves (1888), and the Sankt Petersburg with caramel, red fruits, and vanilla. All four come from the tradition of the original Russian Kusmi house blends.

Kusmi Tea, the Russian tea house from Paris

The story of Kusmi Tea began in 1867 in Saint Petersburg, where 21-year-old Pavel Mikhailovich Kousmichoff opened his own tea house. His blends quickly became favorites at the Tsar's court, and selected recipes such as Anastasia, Prince Wladimir, and Bouquet de Fleurs were created in these early years of the company. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the family fled to Paris, where Kusmi Tea has been based ever since.

In the modern production facility in the Paris suburb of Saint-Vulbas, these classic recipes are still maintained and supplemented with new blends today. Since 2017, almost all teas have been organically grown, and the essential oils and flavorings are 100% natural. The iconic round metal tins are refillable and have become the hallmark of the house. You can find an overview of all our blends in our Kusmi Tea collection.

Inspection body FR-BIO-01 Non-EU agriculture