Friday Afternoon

It's finally Friday. Reward yourself with this calm yet refreshing brew.

1 Tbsp mint
1 Tbsp lavender
1 big pinch of rosemary

Rosemary adds an interesting texture to the flavor. I recommend starting small and adding as your palate sees fit.

Brew close to boiling for about 4-5 minutes. Add honey or rock sugar and enjoy.



Faithfully yours,
The Tea Mistress Extraordinare

Oh... That's Due Tomorrow?

We've all been there. Afterwards we find ourselves curled up in bed suffering from caffeine withdrawal or hangover.  It's okay though because that paper got turned in.  The exam is over with, the presentation presented, so all the suffering was worth it right?  WRONG! No longer must we suffer from the migraine that occurs when our high levels of concentration have devoured every last bit of caffeine induced energy! I present to you a study aide sans caffeine hangover:

• 1 teaspoon of Mao Feng Green*
• 1-2 heaping tablespoons of Peppermint
• 1-2 teaspoons of Honey

*any simple, light green will do really

Steep around 200-205° for 3-5 minutes, to taste.

Only downfall about this tea is that Peppermint is not good for multiple infusions. Luckily, it's cheap!

Best of luck with those all nighters ;)

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire

Lavender White

I found myself looking for a way to make plain white tea more exciting because let's face it, White Peony on its own is quite bland.  I originally thought of adding dried peaches to the mix or even blueberries, but that will have to be another day.  I managed to come across some bulk lavender at the store and thought this would be worth a try.  If you are like me, I usually start my day off with a powerful black tea blend and then coast through the rest of the day on lighter greens and whites.  This combo makes a nice post-dinner tea.

• 1.5 tsp China White Peony 'Pai Mu Tan' (SpecialTeas #557)
• 1/4 tsp Lavender (Frontier)
• 1/4 tsp Elderflower (Frontier)

Steep for 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: The delicate floral notes of this 'Pai Mu Tan' are enhanced by the addition of Lavender and Elderflower.  To be enjoyed without sugar or honey for experiencing this blend's nuances.

Happy brewing,
The Tea Fiend

Smoky, Smoky Gunpowder

Let's admit it, any form of 'gunpowder' green tea is an... acquired taste. Not everyone enjoys the particular taste coming off of the barrel of a recently fired gun.

mmm...We all know how much the Brit's love their tea!

While I openly recognize my addiction to those little scrumptious dried Camellia sinesis leaves, I find it difficult to consume a straight cup of Gunpowder Green. Even reducing the steeping time, that potent smoke taste still is...unpleasant.

Do not fret readers! For I have found a solution (I had to, I have a whole gallon tupperware container of this stuff that was a gift). Although I despise Teavana for a number of reasons, they do have a wonderful blend that makes our friend Smoky Green divine. I'm working on replicating Teavana's blend since they are discontinuing it, and let's face it- they are overpriced anyways. In the meantime, if you happen to have a few dollars to spend, buy a 2 oz sample of their blend to mix with your dastardly smoke infiltrated tea.

• 1- 1 1/2 heaping tablespoons of Tahitian Limeade from Teavana
• 1 teaspoon of Smoky Gunpowder Green
• 3/4-1 teaspoon of Agave Nectar (or Honey)

Steep around 200-210° for 3-5 minutes to taste.

It's tricky, because the herb needs a several minutes to reach full flavor potential, while the green is ready to go within the first 2 minutes. On second thought, maybe go for 3-4oz (if you are on a budget) of the Tahitian Limeade to give yourself some room to experiment.

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire

Moroccan Mint

There is something about the combination of a smoky green and mint that wakes me up from any slump.  After stealing several cups worth of peppermint from TTME, I finally broke down an ordered a 100g tin from Upton Teas (suggested to me by my partner in crime).  I must say, I am pleased with the herb.  It is more powerful than any other mint blend I have had at the school dining hall.

• 3/4 tsp China Gunpowder Green Organic (Special Teas #520)
• 1/2 tsp Domestic Peppermint (Upton Teas #389A)
• 1/2 tsp Spearmint (Frontier)

Steep 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: A Moroccan mint that will knock your socks off.  The smoky gunpowder taste is noticeable with the first sip, followed with cooling mint tones that linger.  No need for sugar here.

Happy Brewing,
The Tea Fiend

Sweet Dreams

Okay, so after my very successful trip to Morning Glory I was a little excited to start mixing things.  I've been on the lookout for a new bed-time brew and plain old Chamomile just isn't doing it for me anymore.  I went for the tried and true sleep/relaxation aides.  We will see what happens from there!

• 1/4 tsp Elderflower (Frontier)
• 1/4 tsp Lavender (Frontier)
• 1/2 tsp Chamomile (Frontier)
• 1/2 tsp Raspberry Leaves (Frontier)

Steep 10 min @ 212 degrees F


Review: After adding a touch of honey to this herbal infusion, the flavors balanced out wonderfully.  The Raspberry Leaves are the first taste to hit the pallet, followed by the sweet and calming flavors of the Lavender.  The Chamomile and Elderflower add their own sweetness to the brew, making this the perfect blend to drink before bedtime.  Elderflower is known for its ability to maintain a healthy immune system as well, so drink up!


Happy Brewing,
The Tea Fiend

Red Rooibos and Lemon Grass

I have seen similar attempts from other tea companies, but sometimes you just can't mess with the goodness of simplicity.

• 1/2 tsp Rooibos Superior Grade Organic (SpecialTeas #950)
• 1/2 tsp Lemon Grass, Course Cut (Upton Teas #BH65)

Steep for 10 mins @ 212 degrees F

Add honey if desired


Review: Lemon Grass has been a long-time favorite of mine since childhood.  Tangy, yet smooth in nature, it boosts the natural sweetness of the red bush tea.  A simple and excellent blend to try.


Happy Brewing,
The Tea Fiend