Easy afternoon tea ideas

Whether you’d rather be sipping on a chilled glass of homemade pink lemonade or a bubbly prosecco cocktail, there are plenty of easy drinks options to impress your guests. Try our summer cup mocktail for a refreshing drink that avoids alcohol. Check out more of our mocktail recipes for drinks perfect for every season and occasion. Dive into our tea recipes, offering the perfect accompaniment to your favourite biscuits. Savour the sophistication of our Earl Grey martini, skilfully infused with gin for a refined taste. Or, elevate your cocktail experience with our White Rabbit cocktail – a delightful springtime variation on the classic Brandy Alexander, featuring a harmonious blend of amaretto, cream, lemon curd and vanilla, adorned with delicate floral notes.

Go all out with our 10 champagne cocktails you can make in minutes to posh up your party and serve up brilliant bellinis aplenty. Passing on the booze? We suggest our top 10 mocktails for soft drinks with some pizzazz.

Get more ideas for tantalising tipples with our classy cocktail recipes.

Bottom tier: choose your sandwiches

No afternoon tea would be complete without delicate finger sandwiches. For a creative veggie option, try our carrot & raisin sandwiches with a dollop of hummus. Go for a classic egg mayonnaise on white bread for an afternoon tea staple – you can even prep the filling one day ahead of time and leave in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Make a zesty summer sandwich with our lemony cucumber & prawn bites or a creamy goat’s cheese, walnut & roasted pepper sandwich on white bread.

If dainty isn’t your thing, this Reuben sandwich makes a chunky addition to any party spread. Add even more bold flavours to your plate with our spiced chicken & onion bhaji sandwich with tamarind mayo.

Find more brilliant baps in our ultimate sandwich recipes.

Middle tier: choose your scones

Whether you’re a flavour purist or want something stuffed with fruit and unusual spices, we have a range of easy scones anyone can master. Bake a batch of our elegant fruit scones in just 15 minutes, or go for the perfectly plain variety with our easy fluffy scones. Turn your favourite bake into a different kind of treat with our lemon drizzle scones and Bakewell tart scones – we’re a sucker for a mash-up. Or, if you prefer a savoury scone, try our classic cheese scones or go all out with our quintessentially British coronation chicken scones.

Want to know the secret to super-light scones? Watch our simple cookery tutorial video and learn how to make perfect scones every time.

Serve up more super fluffy scones with our finest sweet and savoury scone recipes.

Top tier: choose your sweets & cakes

We love a mix of dainty desserts and slabs of our favourites cakes in an afternoon tea spread. Our irresistible custard tarts take just 10 minutes to prepare. Who could resist that slight wobble and golden sheen? Give the much-loved kitchen staple that is banana bread an update with our banoffee muffins with cream & salted caramel – they’re too moreish for words. Treat yourself to a brownie without any guilt with our vegan black bean brownies; they’re fudgy and delicious while providing long-lasting energy and fibre.

If all that'll cure your cravings is a slice of sponge, we have just the ticket. Our classic Victoria sponge will perk up any party. Be sure to slather on the cream and strawberry jam. If you’re in the mood for a caffeine boost, try this easy coffee cake with creamy buttercream. Our lemon & poppyseed cupcakes are so pretty you won't want to touch them, but once you start, you won't be able to stop. This pistachio cake is light, fluffy and flavoured with fresh raspberries and lime zest.

Find more old favourites and traditional bakes with our classic cake recipes.

Enjoyed these recipes? Try our other sweet treats

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