UPTOWNflavor

If you are anything like me then you are always looking for something hot to warm you from the inside out during the frigid winter months. While I am admittedly a coffee lover and hot cocoa is usually the first choice that comes to mind on a cold snowy day, my opinion quickly changed with my first sip of Not Just Tea.

As the name implies, Not Just Tea is not your average run of mill tea that comes in a bag and is boxed up for display on grocery store shelves. It is marketed as a boutique specialty tea that is hand-blended.  I define it as a wonderful blend of flavors that work together in a unique synergy of highs and lows.  And, to make it even more perfect Not Just Tea is based right here in Harlem.

Jennifer Jackson, the owner of Just Not Tea knows her tea.  She is the former tea education coordinator of the Specialty Tea Institute of the Tea Association of the USA.  Her loose teas have creative names like Nefertiti’s Garden and Serenity Blue.   Jennifer sent me a variety of her teas which were all were exceptional, although I do have two stand out favorites. You can read my review of six of her eight hand-blended teas below.

Autumn Sunset

Autumn Sunset is an oolong tea that is blended with citrus peels and blossoms, apples, rose hips, hibiscus and ginger root.  There are generous bits of each of these ingredients that look like a wonderful and delicious potpourri.  The brew is the perfect escape from the winter weather outside.  You will be instantly transported to a tropical island with warm, sandy beaches with each sip of this light and fragrant tea.

Peppermint Patty

Peppermint Patty is one of my favorite blends, especially for the holidays.  It is a blend of Assam black tea, peppermint leaves, South African Rooibos, and dark chocolate.  It tastes like you have eaten a cool and minty peppermint patty without the added guilt of consuming empty calories.  While I enjoy drinking it plain, you might enjoy it with a splash of cream and a little sweetener.

Sassy Strawberry

Sassy Strawberry is a wonderful light fruit and floral blend that is perfect for the summer.  A combination of real dried strawberries, hibiscus, papaya, South African Rooibus, and rose petals makes this tea a lovely breakfast blend.

Nefertiti’s Garden

Nefertiti’s Garden is another favorite.  A blend of Egyptian chamomile combined with white teas and mallow flowers, this tea has a light fruit flavor. Since Egyptian chamomile is my favorite variety of chamomile the blend of the other flavors gives it an extra something that can be a calming end to your day or a midday boost.  The best part of this blend is that the chamomile isn’t overbearing.

Jasmine Paradise

I am a also a big fan of Jasmine tea so I was excited to try out Jasmine Paradise. A blend of Chinese green tea, Jasmine blossoms, green South African Rooibos and freshly dried peaches, it is jasmine tea with a delicious and sweet twist.  The tea smells amazing! There is a perfect combination of each of the ingredients that gives the tea a nice balance of all the flavors.

Coconut Vanilla Chai

This was a surprise favorite of mine.  The thought of a coconut tea didn’t seem appealing and since I wasn’t really a fan of Chai, I was sure it would be at the bottom of my list.  Boy was I wrong!  A perfectly blended combination of pure black tea with coconut pieces, ginger root, cinnamon, cardamom and a splash of vanilla makes this another winter favorite.  When you open the canister the smell of vanilla and spices instantly takes hold. The coconut gives it an extra little kick. Perfect as a stand alone tea or with a splash of milk and sweetener, Coconut Vanilla Chai is probably my favorite blend offered by Not Just Tea.

So there you have it.  Not Just Tea also offers a selection of specialty teas that include Diva Grey and Butter Cookie.

High quality teas that come in a variety of unique flavors and are worth the price.  An 8 ounce canister costs $10.00 and will brew up 25-30 cups of tea. For more information visit the website.

For a limited time only, Not Just Tea is offering a limited number of samples of Butter Cookie !

Not Just Tea
(646) 863-2149
info@notjusttea.com
www.notjusttea.com