A reader wrote to me recently with these comments:
I just finished another of your books and I really enjoy them……In your stories the women drink a variety of teas…..I’d like to find a good breakfast tea to replace coffee in the morning, is there one that you would recommend? So many choices on the shelves its
confusing……
Although I didn’t realize the characters in my novels drink a lot of tea, it really is not surprising, since I am a serious tea drinker. Always have been. When the Englishman entered my life, that particular habit found a cozy spot and settled in for good. We always drink tea first thing in the morning, and when together mid-afternoon will often indulge another. It’s easy and comforting and reviving. If you, like the reader above, are overwhelmed when it comes to shopping for and preparing a good cup of tea, I am sharing the advice I sent in reply. Perhaps you’ll find it handy.
Dear Reader:
To replace coffee, the main thing to remember is that you want black tea. Not green or anything else. And most coffee drinkers prefer to start with something not flavored, so go with straight black tea.
My #1 favorite breakfast tea is PG Tips, but you have to get the kind that is imported from England (the “English” tea sold in the US is made with different parts of the tea leaves and is not as flavorful). Unless you’re just insanely in love with tea, that’s a bit expensive. Because Christopher Robin is British and must begin his day with a classic cup (two sugars and milk), we have his mother send boxes of it. I also buy it at the English store (most towns have one). Again, pretty expensive, but fun to try maybe.
Those are the best black teas.
For some other great things to try, here are a few:
Constant Comment, by Bigelow, the classic orange flavored tea. Also try their Lemon Lift and Mint teas.
One of the best teas in the world to me is Good Earth caffeine-free blend. It’s strong and sweet without sugar, and has no caffeine, so I can drink it all morning while I’m writing. It smells wonderful, too!
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I just finished ‘The lost recipe for happiness’ which I loved, and jumped online to find out more about you. Tea is also a major part of my life… I cannot start the day without a cup. Sure I love coffee too, but as a luxury not a necessity as tea is. I’m sipping a glass of iced tea (made with white tea, honey and lemon juice). Dilmah is my tea of choice, but I also have some nice loose leaf teas I brought back from Sri Lanka earlier this year, I like to bring them out when I feel like something a little stronger and more special. I agree with you on the Celestial Seasons, my favs are Sleepy Time and Bengal Spice.
Tea… My Country Favorites Drink. I’m From Indonesia and I Think your tips was so good for me. Thanks Had Shared this.
Sorry If My English So Bad
Just came searching for you after reading a book of urs and what do I find here as the top post on your blog … TEA … my comfy passion, if I may say
Coming from a Pakistani family where tea runs in our stream and a dad who is always searching for that aromatic perfect blend whereever he goes: be it the darjeeling tea or the leaves from ceylon … ebglish blends are usually milder … we end up loving that strong teas When I came to UK, I was thrilled to experince so many blends readily available … PG Tips is though my usual tea for daily uplifting of spirits… have you tried tea with a pod of cardamom in it … when you boil the water add a pod to it and then add the usual tea bag to make the tea and a tablespoon or two of milk … I dont know what does the trick but this recipe always give me that soothing feel you find in mom’s lap only. LOVE. Sheer love
I will definitely give the cardamom a try! It sounds wonderful.
Love this blog! Yep, tea is one of my love languages. However, I am a green tea girl, with Yogi kombucha green tea being the top of my list. Funny how we all have our little fav’s. There is a great tea and herb shop in Old Colorado City which has just about every thing in all forms and all sorts of cool tea pots. They even have blooming tea’s which you can then save and float in a clear bowl and enjoy like a flower bouquet on your table. Ciao ciao bella!
I love those teas that bloom in a clear bowl. Very, very pretty!
LOVE tea. I’m a big fan of Taylor’s of Harrowgate brand of tea: Scottish Breakfast is what I start every day with, followed by a cup of Earl Grey later in the morning. Scottish Breakfast is hearty and a bit malty, but not too much.
Tazo is a tasty brand — Wild Sweet Orange if you like orange tea without the “spice” element. That’s my fall evening tradition with a couple of speculaas (Dutch windmill) cookies.
Yogi brand of Lemon Ginger tea is tart and spicy and so lemony and gingery, both.
In fact, I love to enjoy any of those teas with one of your books. Although I didn’t notice the frequent tea drinking — now I’ll be on the lookout for it.
Arloa
Heya,
Just came searching for you after reading a book of urs and what do I find here as the top post on your blog … TEA … my comfy passion, if I may say
Coming from a Pakistani family where tea runs in our stream and a dad who is always searching for that aromatic perfect blend whereever he goes: be it the darjeeling tea or the leaves from ceylon … ebglish blends are usually milder … we end up loving that strong teas
When I came to UK, I was thrilled to experince so many blends readily available … PG Tips is though my usual tea for daily uplifting of spirits… have you tried tea with a pod of cardamom in it … when you boil the water add a pod to it and then add the usual tea bag to make the tea and a tablespoon or two of milk … I dont know what does the trick but this recipe always give me that soothing feel you find in mom’s lap only. LOVE. Sheer love 
Loving ur blog