Warm up and unwind with one of these popular herbal teas
From tea-inspired cocktails (this was the summer for the Matcha Mule) to loose-leaf, cold-brew concoctions, there are endless ways to enjoy tea. As fall approaches, here are five hot herbal varieties to try:
Fit for Royalty
Teapigs Liquorice and Peppermint Tea
Rumored to be the hands-down favorite of Duchess Meghan Markle, this caffeine-free herbal tea from Great Britain is blended with pure licorice root and whole peppermint leaves to create a sweet but refreshing drink.
Best to try: after a meal. From $22 for an 8.8-oz. bag of loose tea, www.teapigs.com
Savor Provence
Harney & Sons French Super Blue Lavender
You’ll be wowed by the deep periwinkle color of this tea, sourced from Provence, France. It is caffeine free and has an intense, captivating lavender scent.
Best to try: anytime you want to relax. $30 for a 1-lb. bag of loose tea, www.harney.com
Sweet & Sour
Tea Forte Chamomile Citron Tea
Made with Egyptian chamomile (which gives it a distinctive apple-like taste), this tea is blended with all-organic ingredients, including rosehips, lemongrass, lemon verbena and licorice root. The result: a bold citrus canvas with a hint of natural sweetness.
Best to try: as a nightcap. $56 for a box of 48 pyramid infusers www.teaforte.com
Ruby Red
The Republic of Tea 100% Organic Natural Green Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea gets its vibrant red color from a bush plant found in South Africa. Touted for its great taste and health benefits, this version is smooth, with delicate flavor and a hint of malt.
Best to try: with both sweet and savory foods. $10.50 for 36 tea bags www.republicoftea.com
Sip a Superfood
Kiss Me Organics Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelions are considered to be superfoods, as they’re packed with key vitamins and minerals and are loaded with antioxidants. This best-selling tea is enhanced with hibiscus and cinnamon, which add a hint of sweetness to the flowery taste.
Best to try: as part of a sweet afternoon snack. $7.80 for a pack of 20 bags us.kissmeorganics.com
Follow these tips to steep the perfect cup of tea:
Tea first, then water: Pour the heated water directly over the tea bag, infuser or a tea strainer containing leaves.
Easy does it: Use one teabag or about one teaspoon of leaves per cup of water.
Less is more: Let the tea steep for a few minutes (timing will vary according to tea type). Typically, teas will begin to taste bitter if they’re steeped longer than five minutes.
Add a squeeze of lemon: Not only does the citrus enhance the flavor of most teas, but lemon juice contains vitamin C, which is known to speed up the absorption of antioxidants.
