Iced Tea -- the Tea Lover's Way

I know, I know, this blog is about HOT tea. But it's so hot out, and Southern gal that I am, it was impossible for me not to explain how to make real iced tea, with real tea leaves, and really impress your friends! So here goes...

Really Good Iced Tea

Take 2 quarts of hot water to 7-10 teaspoons of loose Earl Grey leaves; steep for 8 minutes, then strain into another pitcher and add 4 cups of ice.

You probably know this, but mint and lemon both make great garnishes for Really Good Iced Tea.

If you prefer a mint tea, just take regular black tea leaves and mix them with dried mint.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Earl Grey Creme

My Tea Thoughts
April 15, 2009
*W*O*W*! This is a totally amazing tea. Earl Grey Creme is based on the familiar favorite, with all its charms of note and body, but takes it in a new direction with a striking yet subtle combination of a sweet, creamy taste and a mysterious flavor that resembles hazelnut and anise. It's got a smooth mouthfeel and bitterness is completely absent. Possibly the most interesting feature of all is the dry tea leaves: in addition to (extra)ordinary black tea leaves and the classic lavender buds, a few small white flowers a heavy sprinkling of bright blue ones adorn the mix!
Thank you for this great gift -- you know who you are.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

At-a-Glance:

Name: Earl Grey Creme.
Type: Flavored Black.
Package: Looseleaf.
Source: Gift.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Mellow yet varied.

Happy Easter!

I don't have time to make a proper tea-related post before church, but I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Easter! Enjoy this blessed day of celebrating Jesus' Resurrection!

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Haiku Day

Summer's peeking out
Like a moth from a cocoon:
Its first flight is now!

In celebration of my first watermelon of the season, I remembered to post! With this poem, try some Lemon Ginger tea, a delicious tea available in our church's new building (hooray)!

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Sweet and Spicy Tea and Herb Blend

My Tea Thoughts:
February 27, 2009

Mmmm! This tea is well named! Though it has such diverse ingredients as rosehips, cinnamon, papaya, and anise seed building on a strong, sweet base of black tea, the delicious spiciness stands out the most. It's an active tea, not a passive one, and has a rough swallow, but this only enhances its pleasant piquancy. All in all, a delicious tea, especially for times when you're ready to get moving! Thanks for the great gift -- you know who you are!



Happy Sipping,
CoolCat



At-a-Glance:

Name: Sweet and Spicy Tea and Herb Blend.
Type: Black tea plus herbs.
Package: Paper teabag.
Source: Good Earth Teas.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Cinnamon.

Haiku Day

Maybe I will just switch to "Haiku Whatever-day-I-remember". Or maybe not.

Each day slipping by
Like the wind that blows so swift --
Seek it and it's gone.

Feel like your days go just too fast? Try some MateVana Rooibos Chai for an energizing boost to keep up with the calendar.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Valentine's Day

Tea and Valentine's is not the most traditional combination. But if you want to warm your loved one's heart with a last-minute tea-related gift, there are some great options:

• Tea-infused chocolates. Yes there is such a thing! Try looking in gourmet shops, as well as tea shops. (I have even spotted something of the sort in a local HomeGoods store!)
• Rooibos. This yummy tea is a delicious and healthy Valentine's gift. It's great for those of us who like creating neat gift packages. Try enclosing it in a clear bag: it matches all the colors of the season!
• Tea in a tin. Lots of tea stores sell their products in beautiful tins, and if you can't find one pre-filled with tea, just pick one up anywhere and fill it with looseleaf tea. Note that you may have to line some tins.
• A tea starter kit. This is always a great gift! Check Adagio Teas for kits with black, green, or herbal tea.

No matter what you choose to do to celebrate, enjoy today!

Happy Sipping,

CoolCat