Summer

It's summer, and we all probably have some extra time on our hands. So, you might be searching for some new tea thrills! If so, I could have the perfect summer fun for you in the list below.

1. Go tea shopping. If you have a local tea store, well, lucky you! If not, you could check at a health-food store like Whole Foods for a new brew, or jump in to the virtual world and head to TeaTrader or adagio teas. Note: I am not guaranteeing the validity or appropriateness of these sites, or that you will enjoy them. I just enjoy them myself and have not found them inappropriate. Sorry about the legalese!
2. Research tea. Although "research" may remind you of a dusty library or your fifth-grade science teacher, you can actually find lots of really cool info on the World Wide Web! Just google "tea", "tea history", or anything else that interests you! Or you could look up "tea" in Wikipedia -- that site is full of factoids. If you find any particularly neat factoids, feel free to post it as a comment, along with the site you found it on. Note to kids: Be sure your parents have given you permission to go on the sites.
3. Try your favorite tea iced. You could find a tasty summer treat! Try adding chunks of chilled fruit for a possible vernal delight to offset the dusty heat.
4. Try a specialty tea. You might want to sample boba tea, which puts bubbles of tapioca in your glass, or blossom (flower) tea, which, when you drop in a "bud", opens out into a really neat flower! Or so they say.

Enjoy your summer!

Happy sipping,

CoolCat

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Dressed-up Golden Chai!

My Tea Thoughts:
March 26, 2008

This is the most amazing brew! It is Golden Chai (black tea with chai spices added, see my "What is Chai?" sidebar) with milk or cream and a squirt of agave nectar. Sounds pretty ordinary, but it tastes like something from a restaurant! In this fabulous blend, the Chai contributes a sweet yet strong base, the milk or cream adds a sumptuous texture, and the agave nectar gives it an added touch of appealing sweetness. If you can't find Golden, don't worry-just use another Chai.



Rating: 5 out of 5.

At-a-Glance:


Name: Dressed-Up Golden Chai.

Type: Black Chai.
Package: Paper Teabag.
Source: Numi.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Cozy.



Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Herb Garden update!

Hi! CoolCat's herb garden is coming along nicely. I planted some wildflower seeds, and they have come up but not yet gotten big enough to bloom. My herb seeds in the seed starter tray have almost all sprouted, and when they are big enough, I will put them in the garden itself!
Happy Sipping,
CoolCat.

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Blackberry Sage

My Tea Thoughts:

March 9, 2008

Blackberry Sage is actually, surprisingly, black tea, not an herbal sage tea as the name implies. It's an all-right tea, but not super, as the sage note is nearly nonexistent. This might be good iced or perhaps with sweetener (see sidebar Agave Nectar).

At-a-Glance:

Name: Blackberry Sage.
Type: Black Tea.
Package: Paper Teabag.
Source: The Republic of Tea.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Simple.

Happy Sipping,

CoolCat

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

My Herb Garden

Hi! This is CoolCat again, here to tell you about something BRAND NEW in my tea life. I have planted an HERB GARDEN!!! I am so excited -- I have planted some herbs known to be tea-lovers' staples, like chamomile and lavender, and others that I'll brew, just to find out, like thyme and marjoram. Right now my young plants are settling into their new home, and my seeds are cozily down in the seed starter tray. Check back for more updates on CoolCat's terrific HERB GARDEN!

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Guan Yin Tea

My Tea Thoughts:
March 5, 2008
At first glance, it doesn't look like much tea. But add hot water, and this thing EXPANDS!!! As for the flavor of the tea, it is a bit bitter to be my favorite, but it might be excellent as a "tea-party tea" with sugar, cream, and lemon. I'll tell you, when I try this, how it works. Note: After you have had your tea, you can use the leaves again for a second cup! All-in-all, a fairly good tea.

At-a-Glance:

Name: Guan Yin.
Type: Green Tea.
Package: Looseleaf.
Source: China (sorry, that's all I know -- this was a gift.)
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Powerful.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Leaf Tips

My Tea Thoughts:

December 3, 2007

This is a neat tea. Under some lights, it is a vivid orange; under others, it is a clear green, as befits a green tea. But who drinks teas for their color? Certainly not me, CoolCat! But this tea is as tasty to drink as it is to look at! It has a full yet gentle traditional tea flavor, and it certainly brings out the best in green tea. This tea is good for the morning, with its gentle flavor.

At-a-Glance:

Name: Leaf Tips.

Type: Green.

Package: Looseleaf.

Source: China (that's all I know. This was a gift.)

Group: Light.

Key Word: Gentle.