With teaspoon in hand or a pile of cubes, plain white sugar is the most common method of sweetening tea. However, a wide selection of sweeteners is awaiting the chance to help you discover the many facets of drinking your preferred beverage. For example, often overlooked as a way to sweeten tea, brown sugar offers a deeper, richer flavor than its refined sugar cousin. You never know when you’re going to find a new favorite combination. A few ideas for sweetening your next cup of tea include:

1) Rock Sugar

Rock sugar is a rather decorative (and oftentimes colorful) form of sweetening your tea, making it the perfect addition to a tea party amongst friends. Rock sugar crystals are molded into rectangular prisms or attached to a stirring stick that dissolves in your hot cup of tea.

2) Indian Jaggery

For an exotic take on sweetening your tea, jaggery is unrefined sugarcane sugar often used to enhance the flavor of savory and sweet dishes all over India. With no preservatives and chemicals added to the sugar, prepare for a distinctive, earthy taste.

3) Maple Sugar

Treat your taste buds to a different take on tea by adding maple syrup as a sweetener. While processed sap is just as sweet as sugar, it actually contains more minerals and fewer calories than honey. Use Grade-B maple syrup for a highly flavorful treat.

4) Agave Syrup or Nectar

An increasing number of people are discovering the deliciousness of agave nectar – a natural sweetener that comes from the agave cactus. For centuries, people in South America and Mexico have used agave, which offers 50% more sweetness than regular sugar. Choose agave nectar for stronger teas to enjoy a taste that resembles a blend of honey and molasses.

5) Stevia

Sometimes, you must choose your tea sweetener to fit your health limitations. For example, most diabetics are stuck with the chemical aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. However, the leaves of the stevia plant produce a natural sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. Scan your local market for options, such as Truvia.

6) Honey

With a variety of types and qualities, honey offers a versatile option in sweetening tea. Usually, clover honey is seen as the most popular choice because it possesses a somewhat neutral flavor. Other selections, such as tupelo honey with its buttery taste, offer flavor variations. The added benefit of using honey to sweeten your tea is that it contains healthy components, such as antibacterial properties. Many tea retailers also sell honey sticks for a less messy experience.

7) Simple Syrups

Also known as “sugar syrups,” solutions of sugar are boiled in water and often flavored with herbs or fruit (such as cranberries or ginger) during the cooking process.

photo courtesy of Andrzej Pobiedziński

Did you know that January is Hot Tea Month? If you’re a tea enthusiast, this is the perfect time to tip a cup of steaming pekoe or experience the smoothness of chocolate chai for a celebration centered on a brew wildly popular across the globe. To go beyond your normal tea-drinking activities, consider the following suggestions for how to enjoy the rest of Hot Tea Month:

Try an Exotic Tea

Step outside your boundaries. If you’re a loyal black tea drinker, try sampling green, white or red varieties. You might just find a new favorite. Pay a visit to a local tearoom. For example, Shaharazade’s Exotic Tea Room located at Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers a host of specialty teas, such as Kyoto Cherry Rose and Mango with pieces of fruit and sunflower petals.

Make Your Own Herbal Infusion

Herbal teas use herbs, spices, flowers and other plant parts to create a brew perfect for people looking for a caffeine-free beverage. In many circles, herbal infusions are used for medicinal purposes. To make your own, choose one or more herbs. Add 20 grams dried herb or 30 grams fresh herb to a warmed teapot. Fill with 500 milliliters of boiling water. Replace the lid and infuse for 10 minutes. Strain some of the infusion into a cup and sweeten with a teaspoon of honey, if desired.

Buy a New Tea Set

From Chinese themed jade teapots to artisan crafts, tea sets come in an array of decorative sizes, colors and shapes. There are no limits to the creative construction and embellishments of teapots and teacups from around the world. Search eBay, Amazon and other online sellers for new and used treasures for teatime.

Sweet Treats

Make teatime in January a special event with your favorite cookies, biscuits or biscotti. Settle down with an assortment of sweet treats and take time to ponder the coming year. Archer Farms has a delicious powdery chai tea biscuit perfect for a cup of strong black tea.

Tea for Two

Reconnect with loved ones over tea for two – the perfect bonding experience between mothers, older daughters and sisters. Bring out your finest teacups and create a decorative spread. Dole out an assortment of light sandwiches served on thinly sliced bread and cut into triangles – no crusts. Cucumber sandwiches are a favorite, but you can experiment with smoked salmon, watercress or chicken salad. Add shortbread, lemon wafers or homemade gingersnaps into the mix. Offer honey, sugar, lemon, cream and milk to dress up your tea.

Info courtesy of AOI Tea Company.

What is Matcha Green Tea?

Matcha is a powdered green tea used in Japan’s formal tea ceremony, as well as for every day drinking pleasure and as a delicious ingredient in countless recipes. Matcha is prized for its high concentration of nutrients as well as its distinctive flavor. In its unpowdered form, it is known as “tencha.” Premium grade matcha is a vibrant shade of green.

Matcha Tiramisu. photo courtesy of hfabulous

Matcha is different from other green teas both in the way it is cultivated and the way it is processed. The great care taken to gradually shade the tea plants from sunlight in the month before harvest results in thinner, more tender leaves, and Matcha’s signature, vibrant emerald color.

During harvest, which takes place in May of each year, only new leaves are picked. The leaves are steamed and then dried. Next, they are sorted for grade, and stems, veins, and any inferior quality leaves are removed. At this point, the leaves are called “tencha.” After the tencha is ground on a stone mill into a superfine powder, it is known as Matcha.

Green tea is well known for its health benefits. Does Matcha offer the same benefits?

Yes. Recent studies have shown that green tea aids with digestion and weight loss, increases energy, decreases stress levels, prevents cancerous cell growth and helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, among many other health benefits. Matcha has a very high catechin content and also contains potent nutrients such as polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, fibers, potassium, and chlorophyll. Matcha is also especially rich in l-theanine.

In addition, Matcha is made using only the whole leaf of the tea plant, not the veins and stems, which are removed before grinding. Matcha powder is mixed directly into hot water. So Matcha drinkers are consuming the whole leaf and all of its goodness, not just brewed water.

Where is Matcha grown and processed?

Ceremonial grade Matcha (high grade Matcha designed for drinking and cooking) is grown and processed exclusively in Japan. The premiere Matcha growing regions are located around Nishio and Kyoto, in micro-climates that are the most favorable to Matcha cultivation. AOI Tea has the largest organic Matcha growing capacity in the Nishio area.

Matcha parfait. photo courtesy of yuichi.sakuraba

Matcha’s has been used in Japan for centuries. Its history dates back to the 1200’s when it was used by monks as an aid for meditation.

Are all Matcha green teas created equal?

Not at all. Color, aroma, and taste are key determinants of quality, and this can vary widely from one Matcha to another. These factors can be assessed both when the Matcha is in its powder form, and when it has been mixed into hot water to create Matcha tea.

The best quality Matcha powder will be a vibrant emerald green with a lustrous quality. If the powder has a slight yellow tone, it is of a slightly lower grade. A whitish tone is still lower, while brownish toned matcha powder can be considered very low grade or old. The powder should have a grassy, seaweed-like aroma, and a sweet after taste (“umami”) from its amino acids. An astringent or bitter aroma, and a biting taste indicate Matcha of lesser quality.

In its liquid form, Matcha should also have a vibrant green color (vs. yellowish or dull), and a smooth sweet after taste.

What should I know about the different grades of Matcha?

There is a wide range of Matcha grades for different uses, ranging from ceremonial grade Matcha to industrial grade Matcha for use as an ingredient in food and beverage processing. In the United States, AOI offers everything from award winning ceremonial Matcha to cost effective industrial grade Matcha.

Does Matcha come in loose leaf and tea bag form?

No. Matcha is by definition a powder. It mixes directly into hot water to make tea (or with other ingredients in recipes).

How should Matcha be stored?

Matcha should be stored in its tightly closed container in the refrigerator. Heat, light and excess exposure to air are the enemies of delicate matcha powder.

Is there a special technique for preparing a cup of Matcha?

Although Matcha has traditionally been associated with the formal Japanese tea ceremony and all of its special rules and etiquette, making a cup of Matcha at home is actually very easy. The formal tea ceremony uses a special tea scoop (chasaku) for measuring the tea, a bamboo whisk (chasen) for mixing the powder smoothly into the liquid, and a tea bowl (chawan.) However, it is perfectly acceptable to use a plain teaspoon, a small egg whisk, hand-held frother, or blender, and a small bowl or mug.

First, place the whisk in the bowl and warm them both by pouring in some hot water. Let the water sit in the bowl for a minute or so, then discard the water. Place about 2/3 teaspoon (or 1 ½ heaping scoops if using a chasaku) into the bowl. Bring some water to a boil and let it cool down to 160 – 180 degrees. Add the water to the Matcha. Whisk briskly with one hand while holding the bowl/mug with the other. Whisk until a fine foam appears on top of the liquid, which means the tea is smooth and ready to drink. Foam is as integral to the enjoyment of Matcha as it is to that of espresso!

Matcha roll cake. Photo courtesy of shok.

Creative cooks and chefs use Matcha green tea in a wide range of foods and beverages… entrees, pastas, chocolates, scones, cakes, ice cream, lattes, smoothies, cocktails, and much more. AOI Tea Company can provide recipes.

Where can I find Matcha in the U.S.?

Matcha is becoming more widely available in the U.S. through specialty retailers and health and natural foods stores or online at www.aoitea.com .

Is there any recommended reading on Matcha?

Yes. Mutsuko Tokunaga’s comprehensive book, New Tastes in Green Tea (Kodansha America, 2004) is a must-read for anyone interested in Matcha and other green teas.

Have you ever tried the “champagne of teas?” Considered the most expensive tea because the leaves are smaller than other teas, Darjeeling tea traditionally possesses an allure over other black teas, especially in places like the United Kingdom and countries once belonging to the former British Empire. Can you imagine tea that costs $1,700 per kg? Below you will find a handful of pricey selections, including the most expensive teabag in the world.

Darjeeling Tea

Purchase prices for Darjeeling tea have broken world records, including the 18,000 rupees ($390.70) per kg paid at an auction at the main tea market in Calcutta in 2003. Weather conditions also play a significant role in the price of the tea because too much or too little rain can negatively affect crops.

When purchasing Darjeeling tea, get in the habit of identifying the ‘flush,’ which indicates when shoots have been plucked. In early April, the first flush usually takes place – producing fragrant tea with multiple layers of flavor. The second flush comes early summer and is often less expensive. The tea is softer, fruitier (and at times smokier) in taste.

Tieguanyin Oolong Tea

Hailing from the Fujian province, China, Tieguanyin tea generally sells for $1,700 per kg. Demanding multiple infusions in order to bring out the intensity of its flavor, the oolong tea is brewed three to four times – in a style known as ‘gung fu.’ With a characteristic floral appeal, the Chinese favor the tea for special occasions.

Tea drinkers may choose from two types of Tieguanyin:

* Jade Tieguanyin – Harvested the second week in May, the flowery aroma and taste complements its soft green color.
* Autumn Tieguanyin – The deeper flavor of this Chinese favorite comes courtesy of a fall harvest.

Da Hong Pao Tea

If you’re looking for the most expensive tea in the world, the original Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) from Wuyi China is a clear winner. In 2002, 20 grams of Da Hong Pao (which measures out to about two-thirds of an ounce) sold for the equivalent of nearly $23,000. In 2004, the same quantity fetched about $21,000. This is because the original Da Hong Pao tea trees date back more than 350 years.

With a history of being an exquisite treat for government officials, emperors, and religious leaders, the public has only been granted limited access to the teas at auctions. While it’s next to impossible to get a hold of the original Da Hong Pao tea, the wonder of modern science has allowed clones of original plants for commercial growth. Known as “secondary” Da Hong Pao tea, consumers enjoy easy access to the essence of a historical treasure at affordable prices.

A Diamond Teabag

While you can’t drink it, it’s certainly an impressive sight to see – a teabag filled with diamonds. Boodles Jewelers handcrafted a diamond teabag worth £7,500 (US $15,250) to pay homage to PG Tips’ 75th birthday. Inside, 280 diamonds glisten. It’s fate? To raise money for a children’s charity in Manchester, England.

The term ‘tea-party’ usually brings one of two images to mind. The first, a little girl playing dress up and inviting all of her stuffed animals over for some delicious imaginary brew set up on plastic furniture.

The second, a group of upper society women boasting silver tea services, sipping from porcelain cups and nibbling at dainty crustless cucumber sandwiches in a quiet English garden abode.

Can there be more to a tea-party then either of these age-old stereotypes?

The answer is, but of course! You just need to put the ‘tea’ into ‘creativity.’ While the fundamentals of the traditional tea-party are lovely, a few twists and stylish updates can help liven up this charming custom.

To get things started, never underestimate the allure of a solid theme.  Themes are timeless and make any gathering all the more unique and memorable.  You can be inspired by fashion, Parisian pastries, awesome retro tea-cups, vintage lace table cloths, an amazing one-of-a-kind centre piece, a love of hats, the list literally goes on, and on, and on!

Here are a few fabulous ideas to inspire your own inner creative hostess.

The MAD-HATTER:

photo courtesy of "Baskets with an Attitude"

Straight from the pages of Alice in Wonderland, comes an immediate favourite theme, due to it’s whimsical eclectic nature. Although this fun fantastical approach may seem like a lot of work, it is actually quite easy, because the secret to success lies in the fact that (are you ready for this?) nothing matches.

You need lots of mismatched cups, saucers, cutlery, mugs, tumblers and dessert plates, of all shapes and sizes. Use crisp white linens to offset the outrageous collection of china-ware colours and maintain a classic vibe. Serve tantalizing finger foods and host this party outdoors in a garden, or at the very least include lots of varied flowers amidst your décor. And of course, an assortment of hats should be present for guests to wear and perhaps take home as party favours.

The FRENCH FLAIR:

Frills, frills and more frills will make you feel like you’re taking tea with Marie Antoinette! Be sure to use pastel colours, like powder blues, warm yellows, soft greens and pinks, and have an abundance of floral features arranged in elaborate long stemmed wine glasses to get the full French flair effect. Pastries galore should be on the menu, including (but definitely not limited to) jelly cookies, decadent chocolate éclairs and mouth-watering truffles, all set up on tiered cake stands. And don’t be afraid to include some savory bite sized sandwiches and croissants to offset the profound sweetness – after all, this is France!

The ULTRA URBAN:

Tea infusions

Why not put a cool twist on the warming tradition of a tea-party? After all, tea can be enjoyed both as a hot and a cold beverage. Serve a wide-variety of iced-teas and iced-tea infusions in frosted cocktail glasses with fruity garnishes, and you have transformed your gathering into a hip and happening affair. Hold your gathering in a sleek urban bistro, or decorate with one in mind, and accent with chrome, metallic or bronze. Should you still wish to serve the traditional hot teas, choose clear glasses and mugs to maintain the contemporary look. Last but not least, in lieu of flowers on the table, have funky little cacti and a variety of modern square cut candle holders to give your décor a bit of an edge.

The YESTERYEAR:

photo courtesy of Beeeeezzz

Lover of all things vintage? Fantastic! Incorporate some old-fashioned tea-cups, lavish lacy tablecloths, amazing floral centerpieces, porcelain sweet trays, or whatever else you can find, with your modern day place settings, and va-voom, you have a throw-back to yesteryear in the here and now. The secret to keeping it modern? It is all about the colour scheme. Black, white and pink provide an instant undeniable chicness, as do patterns like exaggerated polka-dots and simple classic line designs. Create an old-world ambiance by dotting your table with romantic candles. Pretty linen sachet bags as party favours are an absolute must!

There you have it….

Courtesy of toastandtables

You can centre a tea-party around absolutely anything; princesses, cupcakes, English roses, a funky colour scheme, pearls, a love of the outdoors, whatever your heart desires!

The most memorable tea parties, however, are those that are centered around a cause for celebration. Whatever your next occasion is, be it a child’s birthday, a farewell, a reunion, a day for congratulations, or anything else that turns up in your life, keep in mind the trustworthy tea-party tradition and it’s endless possibilities.

Served strong without sweeteners, drenched in cream, flavored with fruits, or blended with citrus oils, black tea is one of the most popular brews in the United States and abroad. When compared to other varieties, black tea undergoes a lengthier oxidization process, which produces stronger flavors and more caffeine than less oxidized selections. Black tea also retains its flavor for several years, unlike green tea, which typically loses its taste within a year. From worldwide classics to exotic blends, below you will find 10 variations of black tea to add to your tea-drinking repertoire.

1. Earl Grey
Sip on a cup of Earl Grey and taste the distinct flavor of bergamot oil, which comes from the peel of a citrus fruit with juice that tastes less sour than lemons, but more bitter than a grapefruit. Ways to enjoy Earl Grey varieties include Twinings ‘Lady Grey’ (with lemon and Seville orange), French Earl Grey (with added rose petals), and ‘London Fog’ – a combination of Earl Grey, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup.

2. Assam
With a full-bodied taste and vibrant color, the strong flavor of Assam generates a characteristic ‘malty’ black tea often categorized as a ‘breakfast tea.’ Originating in the lowlands of Assam, India, tea drinkers often take advantage of the intense brew by adding cream, milk or lemon – all of which unable to overpower the true taste of the tea.

3. Masala Chai
While the preparation of Masala chai differs in the United States, the traditional beverage of India blends a strong black tea (like Assam), milk, spices, and sweetener (such as sugar or honey) to produce a dessert tea out of this world. Whole milk enhances the richness of this beverage, while some people use condensed milk to increase overall sweetness. The spiciness of the tea relies on cardamom mixed with one or more of the following spices: cinnamon, peppercorn, cloves, ginger and star anise.

4. and 5.English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast
For a full-bodied black tea with a strong, rich taste, sample English Breakfast with milk and sugar for a peek into British tradition. A cup of Irish Breakfast tea delivers a full-bodied, malty brew comprised of several different black teas (usually including Assam teas). Typically served with milk, Irish Breakfast tea also goes well lemon and sugar.

6. Darjeeling
Delivering a floral and fruity experience, Darjeeling tea originates from West Bengal, India and is known as a favorite in the United Kingdom. Known as the ‘Champagne of Teas,’ the small-leaved Chinese variety of tea is selected to produce distinct astringent and spicy characteristics. Today, Darjeeling may include blends of green and oolong added to black tea.

7. Ceylon
A Sri Lankan delight, Ceylon black tea is typically strong with hints of citrus. The tea bags shown are from the Impra Flavour Collection, which offers easily detectable fruitiness, including black current, lemon, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, and even pineapple.

8. Turkish (or Çay)
Hailing from the Rize Province on the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, strong (dark) or weak (light) versions of this mahogany black tea competes with Turkish coffee as the most popular drink in the country. Too strong and full-flavored for large cups, the tea is served in small glasses with cubes of sugar.

9. Lapsang Souchong
The original source of Lapsang Souchong tea is highly expensive, as Mount Wuji located in the Fujian Province of China is a small region. This unique black tea is dried over pinewood fire, which creates a strong, smoky flavor known to produce extreme reactions. Interestingly, some chefs in China actually smoke foods over the smoldering black tea.

10. Tibetan Butter Tea
You probably never imagined tea made with butter and salt, but in Tibet, the warming properties of this brew is a fascinating custom. This special black tea comes in varying shaped bricks from Pemagul, Tibet. To make, crumbles of tea are boiled for many hours before being churned with butter, salt, and milk (or milk powder).

Courtesy of cakesknitsandcosies

Brrrrrrrrr!!!! It may shock you to learn that your tea-pot feels the cold.  That is to say, tea-pots lose heat quickly, and need to be insulated to retain their warmth, so they can preserve their precious cargo — aka, your delicious tea brew!   Thus, the necessity of a tea-cosy should not be underrated.

Traditionally made of cloth or wool, the tea-cosy was first introduced during the 1660s in Britain, and is rumoured to have been popularized by the Duchess of Bedford — a woman extremely devoted to her afternoon tea taking ritual.

Do not be fooled, however, for the humble tea-cosy is no longer just a frilly piece of fabric glorified by stuffy nobles and royalty.  In fact, nowadays there is a tea-cosy for absolutely everyone!

Courtesy of endlessdrones

At “Tea Cosy Folk” you can find every kind of tea-cosy under the sun!   Whether you like woodland creatures, fairies, mermaids, or perhaps just want something festive for the season, like a Santa-Claus or a Jack-O-Lantern, to spruce up your tea tray, you can find a cosy to satisfy your every whim.

They even offer an R2-D2 cosy, as well as race car, tank and historical figure designs (plus many, many others) for the more adventurous tea drinker.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to cozy up to the idea of investing in a tea-cosy.  Why not keep your tea-pot hotter longer and have something of a novelty item too?

It was my grandmother who taught me the importance of not rushing a cup of tea. She told me that the drinking of tea was like spending time with an old friend, it was warming, comforting and above all an occasion that should always be kindly anticipated. She said that like any long lasting friendship, time must be invested in its creation.  It was then that the making of tea became something infinitely more complex and meaningful than simply boiling water, tossing in a tea-bag and frantically stirring it around in a mug.

An important part of the tea-drinking experience is atmosphere.

The making of tea was about patience. First, water must be boiled. Any left-over water residing in a kettle must be emptied and fresh placed in its stead. A proper tea pot, preferably ceramic, must be used, and used only for the brewing of tea so that flavour is captured and thus all the more enhanced. When the water boils, pour a small amount into the tea pot and swirl it in a circular motion so the pot warms.

Next, place a tea bag (Earl Grey was always our favourite) into the pot and gently pour in the remaining hot water. Cover the tea-pot with a cosy and let stand for 3-5 minutes (the perfect amount of time to rustle up a few biscuits or chocolate squares to accompany the brew). China tea-cups should be used for increased flavour and longer warmth, and most importantly of all one adds milk to the tea, never ever the other way round.

My grandmother said you then move yourself, and your steaming tea-cup, to a place where you feel comfortable and at ease. You sip it slowly, savouring its flavourful variants and herbal infusions, and pair it with good company and lively conversation.  Only then could you have the perfect cup of tea.

About Sencha Naturals

Enlightening mouths since 2001, Sencha Naturals is a leading provider of green tea inspired foods. Based out of Los Angeles, Sencha’s all-natural line of gourmet Green Tea Mints & Green Tea Bars, all infused with natural green tea, are available at cafes, tea shops, natural & specialty food stores worldwide. All Sencha Natural products are certified vegan, gluten/wheat-free, and contain Organic Fair Trade certified green tea extract.

SEN CHA Green Tea Mints

Available in four distinct flavors, all SEN CHA Green Tea Mints are certified Fair Trade and provide the following traits:

Available Flavors:

Original Green Tea Mints

The original green tea flavor that revitalizes the breath naturally

Delicate Pear Green Tea Mints

With fresh pear extract  for extra sweetness

Lively Lemongrass Green Tea Mints

A mixture of citrus, ginger and lemongrass zest

Morning Lychee Green Tea Mints

An invigorating blend of green tea, lychee, and coconut extracts

SEN CHA Green Tea Bars

Available in the four flavors as the mints, the SEN CHA green tea bars are certified kosher and provide the following traits:

Available Flavors:

Green Tea Bars

Mixed with lightly roasted brown rice, antioxidant rich goji berries, nuts and seeds.

Delicate Pear Tea Bars

The original bar with ripe pears, dates and prunes to extra sweetness.

Lively Lemongrass Tea Bars

The original bar with fresh lemon peel and zesty ginger.

Morning Lychee Tea Bars

The original bar with lychee fruit and coconut pieces.

Where to find Sencha Naturals

You can order Sencha Naturals online.

Or visit any of these nationwide retailers: Bristrol Farms, Ralph’s, Whole Foods, Tevana, CostPlus World Market, or The Vitamin Shoppee. Find the closest store with the Retail Finder.

Who would have known? You can have your cake, and drink it, too! Adagio Teas offer signature blends, that recreate some sweet treats, to give you what you need to feed your sweet tooth, without all the guilt. Here are a few of these ‘dessert’ teas they have to offer:

A #1 Chocolate Cupcake

If you love the smell and the taste of a chocolate cupcake, but don’t always have the time to whip up a batch, this tea is for you! Chocolate chip is the base of this tea with cream and vanilla tea swirled in. Its the best way to get some of the same flavors, but in a healthy cup of tea. So ’sip back and enjoy!

A #1 Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a popular dessert that is enjoyed by so many people. Peach tea provides a sweet fruity base with a swirl of cinnamon for spice and a hint of vanilla that acts as that vanilla ice cream flavor just to top it all off.

A #1 Raspberry Cheesecake

Raspberry Cheesecake  tea is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors you associate with cheesecake without the guilt, hassle or effort of making it!  A blend of cream, chocolate chip, and raspberry teas. Enjoy!

A Bite of Peach Pie Chai

Delicious peach flavor and aroma blended with the delicious spices of masala chai… smells and tastes like a freshly-baked spicy peach pie. Delicious hot with a splash of cream, or makes a refreshing peachy iced tea. Great gift to introduce someone to loose leaf teas.

Fresh Picked Berries’n'Cream

A refreshing blend of fruit teas with a touch of cream. This custom blended tea has  combined blueberry, raspberry, and and cream tea to create a tea that can be served hot or cold.

Birthday Tea

A treat for any day of the year! A tasty blend of vanilla, cream, and a touch of caramel. The inclusion of rainbow sugar sprinkles adds a festive note and makes this tea perfect for celebrating your special day.

Accidental Awesome

A delicate blend of chocolate and peppermint flavored teas with a hint of vanilla.  Makes a great after dinner tea!

A Chocolate Caramel Nightcap

Delicious, warming blend of chocolate, caramel, with a touch of rum. Just the thing to warm you on a chilly night. Smooth and sweet!! Chocolate black tea, caramel rooibos and rum tea. Yum!

All custom blend teas featured are $10 per 4oz, or $0.20 a cup.  For more varieties, please check out Adagio Teas.