Expand your palate this winter with a minty, fruity, sweet or spicy cuppa. Lucy Egan spills the tea.

So why should you drink tea this winter? The routine of preparing tea, or any hot drink, can be soothing, ritualistic and can even encourage mindfulness.

Hot drinks can create great social connections and can also be an act of service, making a cuppa for someone you care about. Tea can be used as a study break. A time to stand and stretch while you take a moment away from the computer, as you watch the kettle is boil.

There is also evidence the properties of tea are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Though different teas do have different benefits. Did I mention, it is also a great way to stay warm in winter.

.Alright, let’s dive in. I took the plunge and taste tested eight teas in Yak’s first ever tea review.

Twinings Camomile & Spiced Apple 

With ingredients of chamomile, apple, cinnamon, cardamon and clove this tea has a lovely aroma. I’m hoping it will taste like an apple pie, since that’s what the name suggests. It does! The chamomile is not too overwhelming; the apple is balanced, leaving a slight sweet yet spiced aftertaste. Twinings suggests that should not be served with milk and is “best enjoyed hand-in-hand with a good book’, of which I would have to agree.

Red Seal Lemon & Lime

This citrus tea is a bit of a zinger. This is a light and refreshing tea. I enjoyed it more than I remembered. According to the website, Red Seal fruit brews have “no caffeine, no added sugar and minimal calories”, so this could be a great option for those who are health conscious. This tea can be served hot or cold, with serving suggestions to add some ice and mint for iced tea.

Pukka Night Time

If you’re having trouble sleeping or winding down before bed, this is the tea for you. With traditional herbal medicine ingredients like licorice root, chamomile, lavender flower, limeflower, valerian root and tulsi, this tea is formulated to help you relax after a long day. It is pleasant to drink, with a weirdly sweet aftertaste. It is also fair trade, caffeine- free, organic and ethically sourced; so you can feel good while you drink.

Red Seal Peach and Pineapple

While this may sound like a weird combination, it is probably my favourite non-traditional tea. It smells great and is an appealing apricot colour.The peach and pineapple flavour is soft and sweet. If you like Allen’s Peaches and Cream lollies you will like this tea.

Tetley Extra Strong Black Tea

This tea is a mainstay in my house and is consumed several times a day. You can add the milk and sweetener of your choice, or be hardcore and have it straight. It smells like my childhood and tastes strong. The tea bags also have funny little witticisms, mine says, “For the next five minutes, I’ll be with someone stronger”, so if you have any escapist fantasies or dream of being older (and slightly bitter?), this is the tea for you.

Twinings Peppermint & Spearmint

Naturally caffeine-free, this tea smells and tastes like toothpaste, with a side of your favourite breath mint. If you want to be minty fresh, inside and out, this is the tea for you. Not bad, but not great.

Pukka Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey

According to the label, this is a “welcoming cup of spicy-sweet bliss”. This tea is alright, it has the signature weirdly sweet aftertaste, but with a hit of ginger. Points for immune-boosting properties in winter though.

Twinings Strawberry, Raspberry & Loganberry

A damn fine cup of tea! Lolly tea, but still.

I hope this review has filled your cup with some steamy beverage content this winter.

Feature Image by Loverna Journey via Unsplash.