We had some real cold last weekend, with temperatures in the low teens overnight. Monday's weather brought the dreaded wintry mix, and because of some car troubles I had to walk home from the car repair place in a bit of snow, sleet, and rain. I arrived home wet and freezing, which prompted me to make soup, bake bread, wear a Hitchhiker and some fingerless gloves, all in an attempt to get warm. But before I did those things, I made a hot, steaming mug of tea to begin the warming up from the inside. So, today, Tea on Thursday.
- Tea India has been my favorite morning beverage ever since one of the scientists in John's team brought some back from India as a gift. It's just regular orange pekoe, but I think it has a nice, strong flavor without being bitter. I like it so much that I've quit using my coffee maker for coffee, and just put the tea bags in the basket to make a whole pot. I'm glad I can order it from Amazon and don't have to make a trip to India.
- I had perfect dirty chai (chai tea with a shot of espresso) in Fort Collins, but our coffee place here at home makes awful chai, and I didn't think espresso would improve it. I was glad when Celestial Seasonings came out with dirty chai tea bags, so that's another tea I buy from Amazon, six boxes at a time. It's not quite as good as the perfect one from Fort Collins, but still spicy, warming, and delicious.
- Lastly, there is peppermint tea. I drank lots of it iced the summer, and it's equally wonderful hot. Sometimes I add a little bit of peppermint mocha creamer if I'm really feeling decadent.
Peppermint is my favorite herbal tea and I'm also a big fan of Earl Grey. Thanks for the recommendations of your other favorites.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get, the more I rely on tea rather than coffee. I like that it is a more gentle "lift" than coffee, and I can drink it late into the evening, if I like. Coffee is a no-no after noon for me; it interferes with my sleep. I drink herbal and black teas. My current faves are Rishi Tumeric Ginger, Republic Downton Abbey Christmas Tea, and Hibiscus tea from varied sources. I love a good Chai, and I think it is hard to find one. Republic Tea's Chai is the best I've found. I will have to try yours! I am also intrigued by the Tea India tea. Your walk in the wintry mix sounds like a miserable one, but you turned the day into a comforting one. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteJohn used to say that I was really just drinking coffee as a carrier for creamer, and he's pretty much right! I don't really like the taste of coffee but was just drinking it for the caffeine, and like you, I can get that in a much better way with tea. I think I'll be adding some Rishi and Republic of Tea to my tea stash. Thank you for the recommendations!
DeleteThe Rishi herbal teas are an acquired taste, I think, just like me!
DeleteI've never heard of Dirty Chai, but I think it sounds like just my cup of tea ;-) must track that one down. I don't drink much tea in the summer (not a fan of iced), but I love it once it gets chilly. I drink Bedtime most evenings and Constant Comment or Chai during the day.
ReplyDeleteTea is the best, no matter what. Except Lapsong Souchong. Even the smell of it makes my stomach turn.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big Peppermint tea fan and I also drink Sleepytime in the evening. I'm going to find that Dirty Chai though...it sounds delicious! (It must have caffeine though right?)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of dirty chai - tea & espresso sounds weird, but I want to try it now. I'm going to look for the Celestial Seasoning's one. Thanks for the recommendations! I definitely drink more tea in the winter months - my favorites have ginger in them and I find most Stash teas to be really good.
ReplyDeleteCelestial Seasonings peppermint is probably my favorite herbal tea, but I also enjoy Stash Licorice Spice (especially good after choir rehearsal), & Stash Golden Cup Chai, a spicy chai with turmeric. My current favorite black tea is Stash Breakfast in Paris, it has lavender & bergamot & is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWait! Espresso & mocha in tea?? I could become a tea fan!
ReplyDeleteI love your 3s post
ReplyDeleteHm. How can I have three current or former baristas in the family and not know about Dirty Chai?? Must investigate...
ReplyDeleteI just got a really wonderful tea from TJ's - its called Winter Wake Up. And, wow is it good!
ReplyDeleteEver since I found a local tea shop (several years ago) I have become a bit of a tea snob. I like loose tea and I drink assam in the morning and an oolong in the afternoon. I have a few other favorite, too. I got a sample of chai to try. I bet I'd even like it dirty!
ReplyDeleteDirty Chai? Sounds mighty fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE dirty chai -- and I'm thrilled to have your recommendation for a source. Mmmmm. I drink Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Tea pretty much every afternoon -- each time reminding me of the "Mint Room" at Celestial Seasonings down in Boulder. (Because that is an experience that will never leave my brain! It is seared in. . . ). Wish we could sit down for a cup together! XO
ReplyDeleteSome coffee houses make chai from a powder, which might be what your local place does, because it's horrible! I used to have a bakery that made a fantastic chai blend that was amazing, but when they moved to a wholesale operation, I lost out on that. I should have asked them for their recipe. There is a local chai bar that sells the raw ingredients for chai (as well as other Indian specialty items), and they might be willing to help me concoct a blend myself…
ReplyDeleteOh! The tea supplier where I order my year's worth of tea from sells a chai blend they mix with hot chocolate, which is also a little unusual, but since you like dirty chai, you might want to give that a try some winter afternoon.
Thanks for the opportunity to geek out about chai!
My favorite is green decaf by yogi -yum yum! My mom drank a cup of tea every single evening all year round while eating a vienna finger cookie :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tea is the Egyptian Licorice from Yogi, which I also have to buy from amazon 6 boxes at a time. The grocery store used to carry it, but no more!
ReplyDelete