By Danielle Modica | October 23, 2023
Welcome back to a long-awaited three-quel to Tea Time with Danielle. As the fall chill approaches, the need for tea and a cozy Halloween movie runs through my veins… or my spooky skeleton bones. This edition will expand upon the first edition of Tea Time, where I touched upon five teas that are similar to those listed below.
Travel mug filled with tea in front of a Dutch Quad fall floral arrangement.
Photo Credit: Danielle Modica / The ASP
1) Turmeric Ginger Tea: Starting with the brew-at-home blends, turmeric ginger is a tea-cabinet essential. Though it is debated whether tea has a true medicinal effect, drinking a hot cup of turmeric ginger assists in soothing a sore throat and opening up sinuses. Perfect for the fall sniffles, or just a morning under a warm blanket. Turmeric ginger has an herbal taste, the tang from both root vegetables awakens the taste buds more than a sweeter bagged tea would. This blend pairs well with raw honey.
D’s Pick: ImmuneSchein Tea Haus in Saugerties, New York. ImmuneSchien is a small local business downstate specializing in various herbs, teas, and elixirs. If you’re not looking to make the drive, they also sell online. For a local dupe, check out Trader Joe’s pre-bagged version, as mentioned in the first edition.
2) Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Herbal Tea: This limited-stock pre-bagged tea is a cute and simple way to dip your toes into the seasonal tea world. At $2.49 for 20 bags, this tea won’t break the bank and will warm you up. Noting a blend of cinnamon, ginger, hibiscus, chamomile, roasted chicory, orange peel, and apple flavor, this tea has a flavor for everyone. The various flavors do not overwhelm the beverage, the complexities can be enjoyed in every sip. Personally, the apple and cinnamon flavors stand out the most. With the added perk of being caffeine free, this tea can be enjoyed at any time of day. This tea is best served hot.
Harvest Blend Herbal Tea box in front of a colorful music poster backdrop.
Photo Credit: Danielle Modica / The ASP
3) Uncommon Grounds’ Peach Cobbler Chai Latte: Available iced or hot, though I prefer iced, this seasonally-available beverage packs a pleasant surprise. Sweeter than a traditional chai, bringing subtle notes of peach, the drink is not too sweet and tastes similar to the spices of an apple pie flavoring. When ordering with a meal, the drink does not overpower the taste of an Uncommon Grounds bagel, rather it provides a complement. The peach cobbler chai is a slow-sipper, one you can enjoy over a longer period of time.
4) Starbucks Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin Cold Foam: I know what you might be thinking – “Iced? When it’s 50 degrees out?” Yes. I stand by my decision. Especially on warmer fall days where a pick-me-up drinky-poo is appropriate, the seasonal Pumpkin Cold Foam is a must for my favorite Starbucks chai latte. As mentioned in the first edition, chai is a popular Indian beverage with hints of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves that come together for a wholesome warm flavor. Starbucks uses a syrup concentrate to mimic this traditional flavor, but it is still a good substitution when on-the-go.
D’s Pick: Order the drink with oat milk & cinnamon on top. Oat milk’s light flavor and thicker consistency pairs well with the rich flavor of Starbucks chai concentrate, creating a nicely textured beverage. Not too thin, but also not as thick as a frappuccino would be; this is a hardy order. The cozy taste of cinnamon accentuates the pumpkin flavoring, contributing to a fall vibe.
Two Iced Chai Lattes with Pumpkin Cold Foam & cinnamon on top.
Photo Credit: Danielle Modica / The ASP
Nothing’s better than a festive flavor while admiring the Upstate leaves change. Here’s to hoping these suggestions help guide you through OcTEAber even better than last year. 🫖☕
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