Growing up, I’ve found myself to always be comforted by a warm cup of aromatic tea. Whether I am studying late at night or simply reading a book early in the morning, tea is perfect for every occasion — it keeps me awake and relaxed. Over the years, I’ve found the following teas to be especially comforting.
One of the first teas that I ever drank was jasmine green tea from Fortnum and Mason. With its aromatic and subtly floral flavor, drinking jasmine tea always leaves me feeling refreshed and reminds me of a sunny spring afternoon. Since it is a green tea, every cup has around a moderate 40-50mg of caffeine, which is great for a small boost of energy in the evening.
Another tea I drink regularly is Earl Grey Tea from Numi. Earl Grey is a mixture of black tea leaves and bergamot, a type of citrus. By using Assam tea leaves that are aged longer, Numi creates a particularly pleasing flavor. Because it is fermented for a longer period of time, the tea has a stronger and deeper flavor compared to green tea. This tea is also rich in antioxidants and has a higher caffeine content, making it a great tea for late-night studying.
In the heat of the summer, iced teas are great. My favorite iced tea is definitely Ito En’s Oi Ocha, an unsweetened green tea. It may be a very basic choice — in fact, it was the No. 1 green selling tea in Japan during 2018 — but nothing can quench thirst like a crisp, cool bottle of Ito En. The flavor of the tea is slightly bitter and always leaves me feeling hydrated.
While other caffeinated drinks like coffee are certainly stronger in taste and more popular, I think tea deserves more attention. Tea is often overlooked because of its mild flavor, but that is precisely why it’s soothing and the perfect for any occasion.
