Hot Tea Review
An excellent way to enjoy the approaching fall weather is with hot tea.
There is a great variety of hot teas, ranging from traditional black and green teas to uniquely flavored herbal teas. Because of this wide range of options, trying new teas can be a fun and relatively inexpensive way to stay cozy this fall.
One of my favorite hot teas is Licorice Spice from the brand Stash. This non-caffeinated herbal tea is perfect for drinking on a chilly fall or winter night. The licorice and anise flavors in this tea are not overpowering while adding a dark and slightly sweet flavor. Also, there is a subtle spicy note which pairs nicely with the licorice flavors. This tea makes an excellent dessert tea with a subtle sweetness but maintains a well-rounded flavor profile thanks to the licorice root and spices. This tea has a slightly dry texture that can be pleasant in cool weather. Although some may not enjoy the licorice flavors in this tea, I recommend this tea to people wanting a unique flavor of tea.
Another hot tea that I enjoy drinking is Tazo Passion. This fruit-flavored tea has an intense flavor and color. The hibiscus and rose hips add a slight floral note to the tea that complements the tart and sweet fruit flavors that dominate this bold tea. Of all the teas I discuss in this article, this tea has the loveliest appearance. The deep red hue looks similar to a glass of wine and is especially gorgeous in a clear teacup or mug. The one issue I have with this tea is that it can be rather sour, especially as it cools, an issue that is likely exacerbated by its lack of sweetness. This tea would pair nicely with a holiday feast, and I would recommend Tazo Passion to anyone looking for an intensely flavored fruity tea.
An excellent dessert tea I enjoy is Gingerbread Cuppa Cake Teas from The Republic of Tea. Unlike Stash Licorice Spice Tea, the sweetness here is not subtle. This tea is deliciously sweet with an earthy flavor reminiscent of baked goods. I would have liked a stronger ginger flavor, as there is little to no spice in this tea currently, but overall, the flavor is delightful. Despite the lack of definite spice, the warm ginger flavor provides a cozy drinking experience. This tea is excellent for anyone interested in a dessert tea to drink in place of sweet fall favorites such as apple cider or hot chocolate.
These three non-caffeinated herbal teas are all delicious and offer just a glimpse of the wide world of hot tea. Even seemingly basic categories of tea such as black tea are varied, as demonstrated by lapsang souchong, a smoked black tea with intense flavor. Whatever flavors you enjoy, as the temperatures drop, be sure to brew a hot cup of tea to stay cozy this coming fall!
