After a long day, there is nothing better for the soul than a cup of sweet tea. Holding your favorite mug, feeling the warmth in your hands, and inhaling the calming aroma is the perfect way to wind down.
What many people don’t know is the plethora of gorgeous-tasting teas on the market and the unique benefits they bring. After working at a coffee shop on the weekends, I’ve curated the ultimate shortlist. So, here are my absolute favorite teas that you must try this year.
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Love pumpkin-spiced lattes or cinnamon rolls? Then you need to give chai a try!
Chai is a black tea—similar to English breakfast tea—but with added cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and other sweet spices. It is made with milk, sugar, and chai tea bags, but you can make it with spices on the stove or transform it into a spectacular latte.
One thing I love about chai is its rich heritage. It originated from the ancient drink Kadha in the Indian Royal Court. Later on, this mix of spices was fused with tea leaves as a rebellion against British rule in India.
There are so many variations that it’s impossible to get bored. Chai is my absolute favorite tea and has replaced all the bland English breakfast tea in my house.
2) Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is the perfect remedy to recharge. This drink's scent is divine, just like other products you may have smelled, such as lavender candles or perfume.
Plus, studies have found that this gorgeous aroma reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. Lavender is also a natural antioxidant, meaning it is great for your skin.
To make lavender tea, look out for lavender tea bags or add dry or fresh buds to a tea strainer. Lavender farms also often sell either at open days or farmers' markets—take a look online. Just ensure you don’t add essential oils to the cup, as this can be harmful.
3) Vanilla Rooibos Tea
You may not have heard of Vanilla Rooibos, but this Australian drink is the perfect choice when you’re bored of regular tea but don’t want to venture too far outside your comfort zone. This tea is sweet and delicate. If you enjoy vanilla syrup in your coffee or have a sweet tooth for ice cream, this is the tea for you.
4) Lemon and Ginger Tea
I adore any kind of lemon tea, especially if I'm starting to feel under the weather. With ginger and a touch of honey or golden syrup, lemon tea tastes even more delicious.
You can find lemon and ginger tea bags in most stores. For an even richer taste, you can add the ingredients to the stove, like in this recipe here.
5) Fruit Infusions
So I’m slightly cheating here, but I couldn’t pick just one flavor! Fruit infusions are delicious blends of fruit made into a teabag, which you immerse in water.
These drinks mix fruity and floral flavors and are the perfect remedy if you are often dehydrated. They also make for perfect iced teas, as they are reminiscent of summer smoothies.
From tantalizing mango and sharp orange to a mix of honeyed berries, there is a world of choices. You are sure to find a new favorite tea!
6) Matcha Tea
Matcha is the drink everyone wants to try! It is a centuries-old, Japanese tea known for its unique, vivid green color. This drink's taste varies depending on how it’s made, but I would describe it as being creamy yet slightly earthy. As someone with a sweet tooth, I didn’t gel with Matcha at first, but I’m slowly becoming hooked.
Matcha is different from other teas as you whisk in the powder instead of using a tea bag. This means it has the health benefits of 10 cups of green tea!
What’s interesting about this drink is that it contains the compound L-theanine. This means it gives you the energy boost of coffee (which, let's be honest, we all need) without the caffeine crash afterward. Matcha is the perfect alternative if you’re becoming too much like the Gilmore Girls and drinking a ton of coffee.
It's also fun to make at home, especially if you invest in a traditional bamboo whisk known as a chasen. This breaks up the clumps and creates a gorgeous foamy layer.
Even just the ritual of making a cup of tea can help us relax and show ourselves some love. I hope these ideas helped you find a new flavor to enhance your relaxing evenings or study sessions.
