enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

adventures in tea.

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In August, I tweeted that I was looking for new teas to try. Kal suggested David's Tea and then while I was up in Winnipeg, I was able to go to the David's Tea storefront. Safe to say, prior to a visit there I knew next to nothing about tea. Okay, I knew something about tea – but that something was : it all tastes similar and comes in tea bags.

Turns out there is a lot more to the story.

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The experience in the shop reminded me so much of wine tasting except that everything is cheaper, brighter and you don’t need a designated driver by the end of the night.

At Kal’s the day before I had tried Jesse’s Tea, a great non-caffeinated version so I bought that as well as Forever Nuts and Copabanana. And then, I choose a few caffeinated versions : Movie Night, Read My Lips and Pumpkin Chai.

Since I have been home, I have tried all six. When Paul was home we tended to eat dinner and then drink wine. Sometimes I still do. But the other nights, when I really don’t want alcohol, I still miss the feeling of sipping and enjoying something. Enter non-caffeinated David’s Tea. Not the same, but really good and already habit forming. (My favorites so far are Read My Lips & Forever Nuts.)

Paul is also not able to drink wine while on deployment but has said he’s been drinking a ton of coffee all day long. (He’s exact words were “I feel like Mikael Blomvist [from the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo] drinking a cup of coffee on every page.”) I’m excited to see what he’ll think of drinking teas instead so I'm going to send a box of different favors and a infuser. Hopefully he’ll enjoy it. (I’m pretty sure that while on deployment it is all about the little things.)

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Right now, I am just heating water and using a metal tea infuser but I am hoping to upgrade to something like this when I need to reorder.

If you are in Canada and haven’t already been to a store (which is unlikely, I know) drop in! And if you’re in the states, and want to try, they ship! We don’t get much of a fall in San Diego, but that will not stop me from wearing scarves and drinking hot tea for the next few months. 

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Any other teas I should be trying?

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67 responses to “adventures in tea.”

  1. taylor Avatar
    taylor

    The republic of teas makes an awesome blueberry tea. Oh and kiwi pear. Mmmm!

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  2. Valocrat Avatar
    Valocrat

    Teavana! I love the jasmine, peach tranquility, and spice of life! http://www.teavana.com

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  3. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    Elise – def upgrade to a tea infuser. The flavor is much better. Apparently tea leaves need lots of room in the hot water to brew properly. Tea = yum!

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  4. desiree Avatar
    desiree

    I am not much of a tea person, but my sister loves it! I will have to get her some Davids Tea for Christmas or something. 🙂

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  5. VanessaMeryl Avatar
    VanessaMeryl

    I LOVE tea! We are expanding our tea selection at the cafe so I’ve been doing a lot of research. Might I recommend Adagio.com they are really great, good prices and fantastic customer service! Enjoy! A great new habit to form!

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  6. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    My favorite teas aren’t as fancy, but I do love Celestial Seasonings Cinnamon Apples Spice and Twinings Ultra Spice Chai. Like you, I love to drink tea at night, and I usually go for Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time.

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  7. Rebekah Hanna-Lozano Avatar
    Rebekah Hanna-Lozano

    I have this: http://www.amazon.com/Adagio-Teas-16-Ounce-Ingenuitea-Teapot/dp/B000FPN8TK
    And I love it! You put the leaves in it, and let it brew and then set it on top of your mug and it strains it and fills up your cup! Super easy, and easy to clean, too.
    When I’m sick (or having a hard time sleeping) I love chamomile tea with honey. When I’m sick and at work, I love Tazo Refresh. For every day, I adore Earl Grey and Tazo Zen. I buy Tazo teas at Starbucks for individual cups, or boxes of it for home use at Whole Foods. When I’m feeling homesick (I’m originally from Canada, living in California :)) I have orange pekoe (black) tea with half-and-half, which reminds me of my Dad and home.
    If I want “fancy” tea from a coffee shop, I usually get Chai lattes. They’re delicious, too 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying teas!

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  8. stephanie p Avatar
    stephanie p

    hi elise! like you i am new to the “tea wagon” (i’m trying to kick my starbucks habit) but i recently ordered from adaigo teas- which was recommended on another blog i read (cathy zielske)and the website is great- the tea came super fast too. i’ve tried vanilla oolong & irish breakfast- both good. oh and definitely get the mug- i picked one up at my local wegman’s and it really is perfect!

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  9. Nadia Avatar
    Nadia

    oh you have been opened up to the best tea in the world! trust! I have tried all of them! you picked some of my faves but I would also add goji pop (great iced), honey bee (smells wonderful!) and love tea #7. they also had an immuni tea, but not sure if they still do. every season they come out with these assortments in little packs and they are wonderful to try new teas. for making the tea I suggest:
    http://www.takeyausa.com/
    It was my favourite thing for last year and I gave it to everyone for christmas. next time will you come to edmonton? enjoy! ciao!

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  10. stephanie p Avatar
    stephanie p

    oops- sorry, its adagio teas- i misspelled in my original comment 🙂

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  11. Leah Buckley Avatar
    Leah Buckley

    mmmm that pumpkin chai sounds delicious; I may have to order that. I really like Teavana, which I think someone else mentioned, and I also have a gadget like the one Rebekah linked to and I second her recommendation wholeheartedly!

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  12. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    I am not a hot tea person at all unless I have a sore throat. I heart ice tea though, all flavors! I am a huge- o coffee drinker all day just like the dragon bk! I do remember Cathy zielske mentioning a awesome tea brand and fancy tea contraption on her blog. I did love visiting the twinings shop at epcot the last visit to buy fancy teas for a friend though. I love the thought of tea.

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  13. Nicole Hurley Avatar
    Nicole Hurley

    I ventured into tea last Christmas and I loved it but apparently I must love coffee just a little more. We got tea from a store near us call Teavana. The tea was fabulous but tricky to get used to because it goes stale quickly unless you get a big expensive tin that apparently keeps it fresh longer. Lately, with cold season and the weather changing, I have been absolutely addicted to Tazo Wild Sweet Orange tea bags with a little bit of Truvia (natural stevia sweetener-this brand was the only kind that didn’t taste gross to me). It is delicious and perfect for when you are in a hurry and want to just pop the tea bag in a cup with a lid on the way out the door. Just a suggestion. Here’s a link to that Teavana store though. They are in the malls here in Colorado so I’m wondering if you have them in CA too. David’s Tea looks to be slightly less expensive but sometimes it’s nice to actually be able to go into the physical store and shop.
    http://www.teavana.com/

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  14. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    good to know! I am excited to switch – but have had a really hard time finding a good one in stores here!

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  15. Kal Avatar
    Kal

    Nice post! There’s nothing like being IN the store and smelling the teas. I always get hooked by something I didn’t expect. The Pumpkin Chai is delicious, but my classic favourite from David’s is Cream of Earl Grey. It’s pretty amazing. And so is Cocobanana. Jessie’s Tea, Glitter + Gold, Happy Kombucha, Long Life Ooolong. Creme de Menthe… I love them all. I love David, too. He’s gotta be great. Look at his tea.

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  16. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    awesome – thanks for the teapot link.

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  17. Kelly Cree Avatar
    Kelly Cree

    I really like Teavana because I can walk right in and try new teas. Their Jasmine Oolong is so nice to drink with their “German Rock Sugar”. I use their “Perfect Tea Maker”…quick and easy for loose teas like the ones you are using. I know Paul will enjoy his goodie box. A soft roll of toilet paper might really make his day! 😉

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  18. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    thanks for the recs! and love that teamaker!!

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  19. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    we have a local Teavana store! I was in there the other day and it was packed… I think tea is the new cupcake. 🙂

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  20. Stacy Avatar
    Stacy

    I mentioned this on Twitter, but you would love Halcyon Tea in South Park. They also do free tastings on Friday nights! Here is my visit a few months ago.
    I don’t do much caffeine, so their Restful Calm herbal tisane is like a cozy sweater crossed with aromatherapy for your soul.

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  21. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    YES. Thanks for reminding me. Going to check this out.

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  22. Jessi Avatar
    Jessi

    We are tea fanatics in our house. But we just stick to the basics: earl grey, english breakfast, chamomile. Yum yum 🙂

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  23. ~Kristina Avatar
    ~Kristina

    The tea cup is a must!
    David’s is amazing. If you’re into green teas, give the butterfly jasmine or the dragon pearls a shot. A bit more $ but worth every penny. My go to is always the Cream of Earl Grey. Swamp Water is also pretty yummy and very appealing to the kiddies.

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  24. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    I love the tea from TeaGschwendner especially this one http://shop.tgtea.com/store/product/5140/Indian-Chai/
    They have an amzing Christmas and cream caramel. You realy cannot go wrong with any of them though. We have a cupboard of options from here.

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  25. Tenika Avatar
    Tenika

    I have had tea that had coconut in it that was just delicious! My favorite when it comes to fruit flavored tea.
    As for me, I’m more of a dark British tea girl but I love to venture out every once in awhile 🙂

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  26. Gabriella Avatar
    Gabriella

    Davids Tea is awesome! You have to try their Pomegranate tea, iced.

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  27. annakristina28 Avatar
    annakristina28

    I like Tazo and Tea Forte, but I think my favorite is the tea from Aveda (what they serve in the store). SO good. I also fell in love with a tea we picked up in Singapore. Alas, you can only get it there.
    I also like making chai at home – learned from an amazing local coffee shop in my college town. Chai tea with milk, sugar in the raw, and honey. They made it look fancy and you got the brewed tea and mug with milk, sugar and honey separate, so you could brew how you wanted then mix. So much better than the preboxed chai latte blends. 🙂

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  28. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    Your care package gift is a GREAT idea. Coffee and tea became almost a ritual. It is the little things. We tried all different kinds of concoctions. Had “fun” trying to track down sugar (or sweetener). One day we drank out of paper bowls from the chow hall…errr DFAC (ask Paul) because we couldn’t find any cups. My friend even became a cup cozy knitting machine to keep our hands safe (see her stuff cute cozies here: http://jennnash.typepad.com/blog/2011/01/deployment-crafting.html). Anyway… I think he’ll love it. I drank so much coffee and tea there 24seven. oh… and it HAD to be full strength… no room for decaf in afg!

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  29. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    yay! glad you think so. 🙂

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  30. Megan Anderson Avatar
    Megan Anderson

    I’m obsessed with loose leaf teas! There is a little shop called Tea Drops in my neighborhood, and I love that I can buy the goods and make them at home for so much cheaper than constantly going to coffee shops (which was my habit prior).
    I’m partial to hot mango black tea with milk and honey. Yum!

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  31. yvette Avatar
    yvette

    The ingenuitea teapot that is linked above looks similar to one that Teavana carries. I love mine. I also love the stainless steel water kettle I have from Costco. I couldn’t find a link to it but they have them locally (in San Diego). They are only 20 bucks. I like that it is not plastic and is so convenient.

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  32. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Just wanted to chime in here and agree with some of these great tea reccomendations. Especially Cream of Earl Grey and Glitter and Gold. And I need to add Toasted Walnut green tea to the list. It’s amazing!

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  33. Laura Melohn Avatar
    Laura Melohn

    Yes, The top listed above is supposed to be “the” one. I don’t have one yet, but hope to get one soon.

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  34. Ashlee Avatar
    Ashlee

    I just invested in some cocoa and Organic Apple Red Tea for the cooler month ahead. I tried my Apple Red Tea last night and fell in love! Tempted to try out some of your recommendations! ❤

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  35. victoria | vmac+cheese Avatar
    victoria | vmac+cheese

    For bagged teas, I think Mighty Leaf is the best. The teas are pretty close to loose leaf, no ground up dusty bits. For tea ‘accessories’ — I used to work at Sur La Table and they had all kinds of different infusers, tea pots, n things. If you start buying loose leaf teas, definitely check this out!

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  36. DianneT Avatar
    DianneT

    Elise, check this out before you go shopping! Fabulous, leaves lots of room for the leaves to expand.
    http://www.teaopia.ca/category.cfm/CurrentPage/1/tea/Teaware-Tea-Master/

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  37. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    I’ve recently made a habit of infusing a big cup of tea (Stash ginger peach) in the morning and pouring it over ice in the afternoon for a sip. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of lemonade to Jazz it up. I always use teabags, but maybe I’ll have to go loose leaf.

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  38. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    Ah Elise I loved this! I always stick to the same teas because I’m fearful of trying out new ones and hating them! But I’m definitely going to the try ones that you suggested. Thanks for linking the metal tea infuser, I’ve been looking for one everywhere and haven’t been able to find any for a price I can agree with.

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  39. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    I’m no connoisseur but I really enjoy tea and like you, need something to sip on in the morning, night or when I’m cold. There are currently in my tea drawer right now: Mighty Leaf Tropical Green tea, Hot Apple Cider tea and Blueberry Strawberry tea by The Republic of Tea, Yogi Blueberry Green tea, and Celestial Seasonings Sweet Coconut Thai tea.
    Right now Twinings is giving away your choice of three pouches of tea here:
    http://www.twiningsusa.com/pantry/

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  40. Skye Avatar
    Skye

    I agree, tea is so soothing and it’s great in the fall. I love green tea with jasmine. I think Paul will love your sweet tea care package!

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  41. jennifer Avatar
    jennifer

    Tealuxe, which has locations in Cambridge, MA and Providence, RI is incredible – and offers online ordering as well, here: http://www.tealuxe.com/
    (I might suggest the Monks Blend, Lady Londonderry, Copley Vanilla, Brattle Street English Breakfast, and Pear and Green Teas)
    Harney and Sons, which has locations in New York, and is a great place for gifting, offers online ordering here: http://www.harney.com/ (Green Tea with Thai flavors is unbelievably delicious, as well as the Royal Wedding Tea)
    Samovar, which has three locations in San Francisco, is another very unique tea experience, and highly recommended: http://samovarlife.com/

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  42. Katherine Wilkinson Avatar
    Katherine Wilkinson

    I love Tazo’s Green Ginger Green tea… although its not a loose leaf tea its pretty damn delicous. PLUS the ginger helps with heart burn!!! or any stummy aches for that matter!

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  43. suzanne Avatar
    suzanne

    i have recently switched from coffee to decaf rooibos tea. combined with agave and milk, you don’t miss a hot cup of coffee to sip 🙂

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  44. cinback Avatar
    cinback

    Love David’s Tea! One thing I have learned along the way is that water temperature matters! Some leaves are delicate and ‘boiling’ water is too much! Some leaves need 96degrees, some 102 degrees. The nice thing about David’s Tea is they tell you that on the packaging!

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  45. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Love Twinings tea – Earl Grey, Lady Grey & English Breakfast. Not terribly exciting but I love them!

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  46. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    I’m drinking Creme Brulee from David’s Tea right now. I also love the Happy Kombucha from there as well…very pineapple/mango fruity. You’ve inspired me to try the Pumpkin Chai next time I’m there. It sounds delicious!

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  47. Sarah W Avatar
    Sarah W

    I really like Good Earth Original Tea. It’s a black tea and herb blend, delicious! I honestly laughed out loud at Paul Mikael Blomkvist comment. I remember thinking the books should almost be a drinking game because they seemed to be making coffee and sandwiches every other page!

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  48. sophie Avatar
    sophie

    hey elise, try your local Barnes & Noble for the tea infuser lid mug. we have them at the store that i work at, so i’m thinking most of the stores carry them. i happen to LOVE any tea that is Ginger Peach flavor. Fresh & Easy and The Republic of Tea both make great ones sold in bags, but it’s worth giving up the infuser just for this yummy flavor. happy sipping! ps: so looking forward to fall + hot tea days!

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  49. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    GREAT tip. I will visit one for sure.

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  50. Julie Coryell Avatar
    Julie Coryell

    Hi Elise. We love Teavana! Our favorite is a mixture of White Ayurvedic Chai & Samurai Chai mate. My husband loves to add the German rock sugar to his. He lovingly refers to it as his “crack”. They sell that in the store as well.
    My husband spent 6 months in Afghanistan in 2008 and I tried to send him some type of care package each week. He was stationed at a NATO camp & was the only American in his office. The other guys quickly caught on that I sent regular packages and started putting in requests for different types of American candy. I found that out of all the homemade treats, brownies & cookies shipped the best (in gladware with a couple slices of bread). Homemade Rice Krispy treats did not ship well at all. All the guys loved the flavored water packs as plain water got really old after a couple of months. My husband still talks about how much my weekly care packages made his time there so much more bearable.

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