Your Guide to All Things Tea

28 Ways to Celebrate Hot Tea Month

Tea

Sam Burnett Photography / Moment / Getty Images

January is a time for new beginnings, health, and the home. Not coincidentally, it's also National Hot Tea Month. Whether you're drinking to new beginnings, your health, or the domestic realm, get inspired with these great ways you can celebrate Hot Tea Month.

  • 01 of 28

    Learn About the Origins of Tea

    Tea
    Andy Brandl / Getty Images

    Hot tea month is a great time to enjoy learning the story behind that tea you're drinking. Get a little history lesson about tea, and its ancient (and mysterious) origins in China, before sitting down with your steaming mug or frosty glass.

  • 02 of 28

    Teabags vs. Loose Leaf Tea—Which Is Better?

    Green tea

    The Spruce / krisanapong detraphiphat

    Find out why leaf teas usually trump teabags, and how to make the switch from standard teabags to more flavorful loose-leaf tea, with these helpful tips. You'll also get great pointers for finding and brewing teas you’ll love. If you're into reading tea leaves, tasseography is a divination practice dating back thousands of years.

  • 03 of 28

    5 Wonderful Ways to Brew Whole Leaf Tea

    Tea

    Dana Hoff / Getty Images

    So you've learned about whole leaf tea and why it makes the best brew. Do you know how to brew a cup of tea to bring out the best of its natural flavorHere are five easy, wonderful ways you'll want to learn, so you can brew loose leaf tea at home, on the go, at the office, and beyond.

  • 04 of 28

    The Right Water Temperatures for Brewing Different Teas

    Tea being poured

    Champion Photography Ltd. / Photodisc / Getty Images

    When it comes to brewing tea, should you prepare your pot with piping hot water, or is cooler water better for some types of tea? Whether you're new to tea or just not getting the flavor you want from your tea, these tips will help you get the most out of your brew. You'll find helpful tea brewing advice here for different types of tea, including white teagreen teaoolong tea, black tea, and herbal teas.

    Continue to 5 of 28 below.
  • 05 of 28

    Make a Perfect Cup of Tea Every Time

    Tea

    RFB Photography

    There are plenty of opinions on how to brew the "perfect" cup of tea. Here, a popular writer, a tea expert, and a scientific study square off to convince you how you should brew your next cup. It's a fun read and, whichever expert advice you follow, you're sure to get great results from your brew.

  • 06 of 28

    The Proper Way to Store Tea

    Flour, sugar, tea, and coffee

    Poplis, Paul / StockFood Creative / Getty Images

    Much like good coffee storage, proper tea storage is essential to the shelf life, quality, and flavor of your drinks. In honor of National Hot Tea Month, learn how to keep your tea fresh and delicious, with these easy tea storage tips.

  • 07 of 28

    Grow Your Own Tea at Home

    Loose-leaf tea and tea

    Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images

    You don't need a large garden to grow your own tea. If you've got a balcony or even a window sill where a pot could be placed, then it's possible for you to grow your own container tea plants, to enjoy whenever you want. Find out the important basics here, including tips for growing different popular types of tea.

  • 08 of 28

    An Introduction to Black Tea

    Black loose-leaf tea

    Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images

    If you enjoy tea, you've probably been drinking black tea for years, but what do you really know about it? The category of black tea is diverse, flavorful, and filled with so many fantastic types. Learn more about popular types of black tea, which ones are meant to be enjoyed with milk and sugar (and which ones aren't), and how to prepare it, including delicious and creative recipe ideas.

    Continue to 9 of 28 below.
  • 09 of 28

    An Introduction to Herbal Teas and Tisanes

    Herbal tea

    Sam Burnett Photography / Moment / Getty Images

    Herbal teas (also called tisanes) are a popular hot beverage among health-conscious consumers. Caffeine-free and flavored with a variety of delicious herbs, fruits, and other plants, these teas have a long history and have been enjoyed for centuries, for all kinds of purposes. They can also be served hot or cold, making them a versatile beverage option in your household.

  • 10 of 28

    An Introduction to Green Tea

    Green tea

    John Block / Blend Images / Getty Images

    Green tea is the most popular type of tea in Japan and in parts of China, and it's gaining popularity in the West due to its reported health benefits, which include high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Learn all about green tea, including how it's made, what you need to know to when shopping for green tea, and important tips on how to brew this delicate tea to maintain its fresh, delicate flavor.

  • 11 of 28

    An Introduction to White Tea

    White tea

    Getty Images / Margarita Komine

    Come explore white tea, which originated in Fujian, China, in the 1700s. You'll find much to love about this fruity, delicate flavored tea besides its lovely taste and aroma—for instance, that it's naturally low in caffeine. Learn how to make and enjoy the perfect cup.

  • 12 of 28

    An Introduction to Puerh Tea

    Puerh tea

    Tea Tea / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

    Puerh tea is a dark, rich Chinese tea with a complex flavor. Learn about the two main varieties of puerh tea—shou tea and sheng tea—and what makes them different. Plus, explore the fascinating origins of this tea that's been enjoyed in Asia for thousands of years, and is beloved by tea connoisseurs around the world.

    Continue to 13 of 28 below.
  • 13 of 28

    An Introduction to Jasmine Tea

    Jasmine tea
    Gyro Photography / amanaimagesRF / Getty Images

    Get the lowdown on aromatic jasmine tea, which is scented with jasmine flowers or flavorings. We look into the health benefits of jasmine tea and offer tips on brewing the perfect cup of jasmine tea.

  • 14 of 28

    An Introduction to Earl Grey Tea

    Earl Grey loose-leaf tea

    Peden+Munk / Photolibrary / Getty Images

    Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular teas in the Western world, but who or what was Earl Grey, and why is the tea preferred by so many tea drinkers? There's a whole lot to know about Earl Grey, so bone up with our guide to this tea's history, what types of Earl Grey tea are available, and how best to make and enjoy Earl Grey tea.

  • 15 of 28

    An Introduction to Ceylon Tea

    Ceylon tea

    Getty Images / Maximilian Stock Ltd.

    Ceylon tea is a popular type of black tea that is also known as Sri Lankan tea. Served as an iced tea or nice and warm, it is a favorite beverage for many tea drinkers. While Ceylon is known for its bold flavor, you might be surprised to know that it can vary greatly in taste, depending on where it's grown in the country. We introduce you to the most popular varieties and what you can expect to taste when you enjoy these different teas.

  • 16 of 28

    Popular Milk Tea Blends and Recipes

    Milk tea
    Roy Hsu / Getty Images

    Do you enjoy a little milk in your tea? Then you're one of the many tea drinkers throughout the world that love to sip on a "milk tea." Milk is a perfect way to mellow and smooth out the flavors of tea, and this can take on many forms, from a splash of milk in your morning English Breakfast to a complex milk tea recipe, such as masala chai or bubble tea. Find out about the variations of milk tea and get some of our favorite milk tea recipes here.

    Continue to 17 of 28 below.
  • 17 of 28

    The Link Between Tea and Health

    Loose tea and tea pot

    Maria Melnikova Photography / Moment / Getty Images

    This National Hot Tea Month, explore the strong link between important health benefits and certain teas. To get hard science on tea and health, we talked to Douglas Balentine, director of nutrition and health at the world's largest tea company, to find out the benefits of drinking tea.

  • 18 of 28

    Top 5 Reasons to Choose Organic Tea

    Organic tea

    Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images

    Many people buy organic tea for health reasons. But did you know that there are many other good reasons to opt for organic tea, over conventionally grown varieties? Learn how you can not only help your own health but aid farmers and the planet by choosing to shop for organic tea.

  • 19 of 28

    Enjoy the Creamy, Chewy Goodness of Bubble Tea

    Bubble tea

    Getty Images / IMAGEMORE Co. Ltd.

    Have you tried bubble tea yet? This futuristic-looking and yummy tea drink combines brewed tea, milk or fruit flavors, a sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls that add texture and fun. Whether you're simply curious or have already tried a bubble tea or two, there are plenty of flavors and possibilities for enjoying Taiwanese bubble tea. We examine this tasty, creamy, chewy beverage and explore some of the ways bubble tea can be made, including some unusual and surprising ingredients.

  • 20 of 28

    Explore the Tea Latte

    Chai latte tea

    Ben Phillips / Getty Images

    The tea latte is everything you love about warm tea, but can elevate or differentiate your everyday cup, served hot or as a chilled latte. The variations can include deliciously creamy, perfectly spiced, served over ice, or blended up. The most popular version that might come to mind is the masala chai latte but others that work nicely include green tea, Earl Grey, black tea, or even yerba mate.

    Continue to 21 of 28 below.
  • 21 of 28

    Our Top Tea Smoothie Recipes

    Tea smoothie

    The Spruce / Marko Goodwin

    Tea is a surprising, flavorful, and healthy way to add variety to your smoothies. With these top tea smoothie recipes, you can easily make healthy black, herbal, or green tea smoothies with fresh-brewed tea, tea ice cubes, or quality tea powders. Try our delicious Matcha Green Tea Smoothie Recipe, and more. We've got recipes here to make your morning or afternoon smoothie tastier and more nutritious.

  • 22 of 28

    Blueberry Tea Warm Cocktail Recipe

    Blueberry Tea Warm Cocktail Recipe

     The Spruce

    This sweet, boozy tea cocktail is a restaurant favorite for a good reason. While the name "Blueberry Tea" is deceiving (there are no blueberries used in the recipe), the taste of this warm mixed drink that blends orange pekoe tea with alcoholic ingredients is surprisingly reminiscent of the sweet berries. Simple to make and a treat to enjoy, especially on a cold winter's day or evening, the combination of Grand Marnier, amaretto, and black tea is fascinating and an absolute delight to the senses. Serve it the traditional way, in a brandy snifter, which captures the fragrant aromas and enhances the drinking experience.

  • 23 of 28

    Make Your Own Delicious DIY Mint Tea Blends

    Mint tea

    The Spruce 

    Cooling, warming, and refreshing all at once, mint tea is one of the world's favorite types of tea. This National Hot Tea Month, rock your herbal world with these 10 incredibly flavorful mint tea blends that you can enjoy any time you want the comfort and warmth of tea. Every single one can be made in five minutes or less, and because they're made with dried herbs, they can be used for months and months to come. Mint tea blends make a great gift, too.

  • 24 of 28

    Turmeric Tea Recipe

    Turmeric tea

    The Spruce / Teresa Trimm

    Want to try something different as a tasty hot tea beverageTurmeric powder is the star ingredient in this delicious, soothing milk tea recipe, which also tastes great when made with soy or almond milk, instead of water. It's especially delicious served right before bed and contains no caffeine.

    Continue to 25 of 28 below.
  • 25 of 28

    The Best Iced Tea Recipes

    Iced tea
    GMVozd / Getty Images

    Iced tea is a wonderfully refreshing cold beverage that can quickly be dressed up to create an even better and more impressive drink. Many of the best iced tea recipes are also the easiest, so don't think that you have to stick with that same tea you've been drinking for years. Whether it's a Sparkling Jasmine Tea, a spicy Lemon-Ginger beverage, or a cooling Cucumber Mint Green Tea, have fun exploring these iced tea recipes that are perfect for entertaining or enjoying on the patio by yourself.

  • 26 of 28

    Traditional Afternoon Tea Recipes

    Afternoon tea
    Getty Images

    Why not celebrate National Hot Tea Month with a sophisticated tea party for your closest friends? We've got all the recipes and tips you need to put on an impressive afternoon tea spread, complete with ideas and instructions for assembling a fabulous array of finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts, all served with—of course—tea.

  • 27 of 28

    Top Afternoon Teas to Serve to Guests

    Tea

    The Spruce / Andrei Spirache

    Afternoon tea is an occasion to socialize and relax in style with friends. Selecting a great tea for afternoon tea is just one of the many aspects of the occasion, but it's often largely overlooked by people putting on or attending afternoon teas. This list of top afternoon teas includes old and new favorites that are well suited to pairing with afternoon tea sweets and savory sandwiches.

  • 28 of 28

    Say 'Tea' Around the World

    Tea in a green dotted cup

    Karin Dreyer / Getty Images

    Have you ever wondered how to say "tea" in different languages, or found yourself traveling abroad and in need of a cup of tea? This National Tea Month, educate yourself with our handy listing that includes the words for "tea" in over 60 different languages from around the world.

Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Prasanth M, Sivamaruthi B, Chaiyasut C, Tencomnao T. A review of the role of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in antiphotoaging, stress resistance, neuroprotection, and autophagyNutrients. 2019;11(2):474. doi:10.3390/nu11020474