I’m sure most of my readers are aware of the soothing and focusing powers of a warm drink. Some of you might be coffee drinkers, but what about those who have caffeine sensitivities, or those who write in the evening when having that cup of coffee is not advisable? These are my top 5 teas for writing. These teas are not listed in any particular order. They each have their place and time.
1. Earl Grey
If you read articles on the health benefits of Earl Grey, you might find yourself rushing out to buy boxes upon boxes of this elegant tea, and not just to curl up with a book like a certain Starfleet Captain.
Here are two links about the aforementioned health benefits:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/health-benefits-earl-grey-tea.html
https://www.myteadrop.com/blogs/news/earl-grey-tea-benefits
Earl Grey on its own can be delightful enough, but there’s something to take things over the top. Ready for this? Starbucks’ lovers will likely already know where this is going. This drink is called the London Fog. It is simply Earl Grey Tea with the addition of steamed milk and some vanilla flavor syrup.
Here is how I make my own. It isn’t exactly Starbucks, but it approximates well enough in a pinch and saves money.
Brew the Earl Grey of your choice but with half water. If you have a latte machine this would help, but I don’t, so what I do is warm some milk in a pan (equivalent to half of the liquid you need to finish your cup of tea), then let it cool slightly and pour it into a container that will allow you to safely beat with a hand immersion blender and wisk attachment. Stir some vanilla extract and sweetener into your tea base before adding the warmed and whisked milk. Combine and enjoy.
On to the teas for those like me, who must be careful with their caffeine levels.
2. Bengal Spice by Celestial Seasonings.
I’m not a fan of all the Celestial Seasonings teas, but this one definitely deserves a mention. It’s one of my ‘go-to’ teas.
Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices. I find it very soothing and invigorating at the same time, along with cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Guess what? All of these spices are in Bengal Spice. It also contains roasted chicory and carob, which I understand are supposed to add a sort of coffee vibe, though I don’t taste that. Cardamom, black pepper, and vanilla top this tea off with a nip and smooth undertone.
This is another tea that does well with an addition of warmed milk (at this point, some might prefer a little sweetener, which is not needed with just the plain tea.)
3. Sweet and Spicy caffeine free flavored herbal tea by Good Earth
Here is another tea that requires absolutely no sweetener. It is also more potent than the Bengal Spice, so take that into consideration.
In the spices list, you will probably notice a couple of similarities to Bengal Spice, but don’t let that fool you. These two teas are at least as different as they are similar.
You will find my favored cinnamon and ginger. You will also find chicory… and that’s where the similarity ends. There’s lemongrass, and orange peel/oil for that hint of citrus. Peppermint soothes and invigorates. Rosehip adds that hint of dry to the tea. Then, there’s the first ingredient, rooibos, which I haven’t been able to learn as a flavor yet. (How would you describe rooibos? Leave a comment below.)
4. Lemon Ginger
This is a general tea. I have no particular recommendation. There are, of course, some to avoid, such as Bigelow or Great Value. (I know there are some who would argue this point with me, but I have not found Bigelow to provide a tea I like.)
Now, ginger is good for stomach issues and lemon is full of vitamin C, so naturally, this tea is healthy and a good choice if you’re having one of those off days when your head and stomach doesn’t quite feel right even if you’re not sick. Then there’s the fact that it’s a flavor blend that just tastes so darn good.
If you want to make your own fresh lemon ginger tea, here is a recipe from The Mediterranean Dish, one of my go-to sites for recipes. (themediterraneandish.com/lemon-ginger-tea)
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute with regular cane sugar. However, if you have honey, use honey. By using regular sugar, you sacrifice health benefits and flavor.
5. Mint
Who could forget this tried and true tea? “Wait a minute.” You say. “Which mint do you mean?” Isn’t that part of the fun? I could mean spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, and cat mint. Yes, there is the possibility of having catnip (cat mint) tea.
See this post for more information :
https://eattheplanet.org/catmint-a-useful-and-irresistible-herb/
Each mint is different, so the beauty really is in the taste buds of the beholder.
There are, of course, possibilities when it comes to store bought tea bags, or you can purchase mint plants to make your own fresh mint tea. For some suggestions I found a very informative site,
rosielovestea.com/blog/a-guide-to-fresh-mint-tea
I hope this top 5 list of teas sets you up well for your evening (or nighttime for you owls) writing sessions. Even if we ignore all the health benefits of various teas, the mere act of holding that cozy mug and sipping that warm liquid can start the creative juices flowing. So, as you settle down with your tea and your writing, remember; enjoy the wonder.
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