Merry Christmas

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 24 – Santa's Secret

Santa's Secret

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 - 2/4
Bruce - 2/4
Me - 2/4
(family average - 2.5/4)

Black Tea
Ever wonder how Santa manages to deliver all those presents in just one night? Well here’s the hush-hush formula. He uses a special combination of Chinese black tea, peppermint leaves and spices – all sprinkled with real little candy canes. It’s both energizing and remarkably soothing. All Santa needs is one cup and his motto changes from “ho ho ho” to “go go go”.”

DD#1 absolutely loves this one.  The rest of us just thought it was ok.

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado sugar, & a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 23 – Gingerbread Cookie

Gingerbread Cookie

DD#1 - 3/4
DD#2 - 3/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 2/4
(family average - 2.75/4)

Mate
Happiness is…the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. Warming up with a perfect cup of tea. And sharing something sweet with your family and friends. And with this sweet and toasty tea, you can have all three at once. We started with a smooth base of rooibos, then added a sweet hint of maple and molasses. Then we warmed it up with spicy cinnamon and crystallized ginger. Finally, we added a dash of yerba maté for an energizing kick. With this in your tea cupboard, happiness is just a steep away…

Everyone except me liked this one giving it a 3/4.  Me it was just ok with a 2/4

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 22 – Snow Day

Snow Day

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 1/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1/4)

Herbal Tea
Got a blizzard on the way? Score! There’s no better excuse to cozy up inside with a great cup of tea. And this all natural chocolate-mint tisane is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter day. With peppermint, cacao nibs and dark chocolate drops, it’s sweet, creamy and oh-so comforting. The best part? Cute little snowflake-shaped sprinkles that add a touch of sweetness. Bring it on, winter!

Whoa!!  NEVER AGAIN!! This one was way to peppermint-y.

Sweetener of choice:  Nothing helped this one.

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 21 – Cardamom French Toast

Cardamom French Toast

DD#1 - 3/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 3/4
(family average - 3.25/4)

Black Tea
Something about cardamom just puts us in a festive frame of mind. We love its rich, fragrant taste any way we can get it. One of our faves? The buttery, cardamom-scented Christmas breads popular in Sweden and Finland. And cardamom toast is great,it only stands to reason that cardamom French toast would be out of this world. With black tea, cardamom, cane sugar and cinnamon, this rich, sweet blend tastes just like the decadent breakfast of our dreams. Only this is one brunch item you’ll be wanting all day long.

This one definitely needs turbinado sugar.  Yummy!!

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado Sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 20 – Moments of Zen

Moment of Zen

DD#1 - 2/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 2.5/4)

Green Tea
Whatever life throws our way, we can always find comfort in a great cup of tea. Especially when it’s scented with dreamy, night-blooming jasmine. Itsdelicate, floral aroma is as relaxing as it gets – like aromatherapy in a cup. First created during China’s Song Dynasty, jasmine tea has been improving moods, relieving stress and just making people happy for over 1000 years. In this oh-so soothing blend, we mix jasmine green tea with sweet blackberries and pretty cornflower blossoms. It’s the perfect little escape.

This one was all over the board with a 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 & 1/4 giving it a family average of 2.5/4. 

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 19 – Dark Chocolate Delight

Dark Chocolate Delight

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 2/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1.25/4)

Black Tea
What is it about dark chocolate? Its taste is sinfully decadent, but studies say it might actually be good for you. But wait – it gets better. Now you don’t even have to wait until dessert to get your fix. With this black tea blend, you can treat yourself anytime, anywhere. With cocoa shells, blueberries and big chunks of luscious dark chocolate, it’s a deliciously rich taste of our favourite indulgence. Welcome to the dark side…

 Chocolate & tea should NOT be mixed.  Now if it was a tea & a separate bar of chocolate that is acceptable.  DD#1, DD#2 & myself gave it a 1 saying 'never again' & Bruce thought it was just ok, saying there are better chocolate teas.

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado Sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 18 – Forever Nuts

Forever Nuts

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 -  2/4
Bruce - 4/4
Me - 3/4
(family average - 3.25/4)

Herbal Tea
It looks all normal when it’s loose. But steep it and you’ll see that it’s nuts. Within seconds, this tempting jumble of almond slices and chunks, apple bits and cinnamon bark starts turning a crazy shade of pink. Why? Because it contains a hint of beetroot. That’s what gives this rich almond tea its earthy depth and its all-natural signature colour. Deliciously nutty, decidedly addictive. Caffeine-free.

 DD#1 & Bruce loved this one but DD#2 said it was ok & I just liked it.

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 17 – Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine

DD#1 - 3/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 3/4
(family average - 3.25/4)

Oolong Tea
Maybe you spent the day on the slopes. Maybe it was a frantic afternoon of holiday shopping. Or maybe you’re coming in from an epic snowball fight. No matter what you did on this chilly day, there’s no better way to warm up than with a great cup of tea. And it doesn’t get more comforting than this mulled wine-inspired all natural oolong, with orange zest, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Whether you’re sipping it at the ski chalet, in front of a roaring fire or just between errands, it’s the perfect way to warm up your winter.

This one was a real surprise.  DD#2 gave it a 4/4, & the rest of us gave it a 3/4.  

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 16 – Japanese Sencha

Japanese Sencha

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 1/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1/4)

Green Tea
Japanese monks were writing about tea in the 9th century, but the world had to wait until 1740 for Sencha, when a tea merchant named Nagatani perfected a new process of steaming, rolling and heat-drying green tea. The result? An emerald-green tea that’s refreshing and smooth. No wonder it’s Japan’s most popular drink.

It may be Japan's most popular drink but we did not like this.  The green tea monster did not like this one either giving it a definite 1.

 Sweetener of choice:  Agave but nothing helped this one.

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 15 – Honey, I Dew

Honey, I Dew

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 3/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 2/4
(family average - 2.25/4)

White Tea
In Vietnam, melons are a sign of good luck. In Chinese medicine, they’re said to help cool the body down. Around here, we think they’re just about the tastiest fruit around – especially when you pair them with fresh, delicate white tea. With fruity hints of pineapple and mango, this melon-packed blend is refreshing, juicy and naturally sweet. The best part? This tea was named by our customers! Is there anything they can’t dew?

This one actually tastes like Honey Dew melon.  Rather different!   Bruce & DD#2 really like this one.  I gave it a 2 & DD#1 gave it a 2 before adding agave then it dropped to a 1.

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 14 – Alpine Punch

Alpine Punch

DD#1 - 2/4
DD#2 - 2/4
Bruce - 2/4
Me - 2/4
(family average - 2/4)

Rooibos
This is the kind of tea we imagine they serve in fabulous ski chalets in the Swiss Alps. With apple, cinnamon, ginger and the heady scent of almonds, it’s warm, comforting and totally decadent. What better to sip after a long day of skiing, sledding and snowball fights? Just cozy up in front of the fire and warm up with this sweet, fortifying brew. And if a little splash of brandy makes it in there too, all the better.

This one was just ok.

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 13 – Buddha's Blend

Buddha's Blend

DD#1 - 2/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 3/4
(family average - 3/4)

White Tea
We don’t like to brag, but we’re pretty sure we just found the key to achieving nirvana. It’s easier than you might think – you’re actually just a cup away. You start with a fresh, delicate mix of white and green tea. Then you sprinkle in a few jasmine pearls for their sweet, floral perfume. Next, you add the unexpected fruity aroma of some beautiful white hibiscus blossoms. Finally? You sit back, relax and take a sip. Heavenly...

DD#2 loves this tea, it is one of her go-to's.  Bruce & myself liked this & DD#1 said it was ok.

Sweetener of choice:  Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 12 – The Spice is Right

The Spice is Right

DD#1 - 2/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 2/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1.5/4)

Green Tea
Is there any flavour combo more comforting than orange and cinnamon? There’s something about it that’s instantly comforting – like warm spice cake or a glass of hot punch. But nostalgia isn’t the only thing giving you that warm fuzzy feeling. Cinnamon is said to have warming properties, and one sip of this spice-laden green tea is all it takes to get that cozy fireside feeling going. Add some sweet orange peel and a zingy hint of chili pepper, and you’ve got a zesty blend that warms you up from the inside out.

DD#2 & myself said 'never again' it was too cinnamon-y for us.  Bruce & DD#1 said it was ok

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado sugar, 2 tsp & a drop of milk.

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 11 – Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1.5/4)

Pu'erh Tea
We take hot chocolate pretty seriously around here. It’s gotta be rich, decadent and mega-creamy. And after searching high and low for the ultimate hot chocolate tea, we finally found the perfect blend. We took a flavourful base of pu’erh and black tea, then we added real cocoa nibs and fudgy chocolate chips. The result? An uber-chocolately blend worthy of the name Hot Chocolate. Dark, sweet and totally satisfying, it’s the perfect winter treat.

Chocolate & tea DO NOT mix & it should stay that way!!  Us three girls said 'never again' while Bruce said he liked it.

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado sugar & a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 10 – Nepal Black

Nepal Black

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 - 2/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 2/4
(family average - 2.75/4)

Black Tea
There are good things brewing in the Highlands of Nepal. Like this hand-made black tea, from a small family-owned tea garden named Jun Chiyabari. From the first sip you’ll notice its rich, sweet, honey-like flavour. What doesn’t come through in the cup is how much good this little tea garden does. They’ve set up a ton of amazing community programs to benefit local schools, underprivileged families, and the elderly. This particular tea is a DAVIDsTEA exclusive – now that’s a good thing

Of course DD#1 loved this tea.  She loves black tea.  Bruce liked it & DD#2 & myself said it was ok

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado Sugar & a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 09 – Cinnamon Rooibos Chai

Cinnamon Rooibos Chai

DD#1 - 2/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1.75/4)

Rooibos Tea
Cinnamon is so much more than just the tastiest spice around. According to aromatherapy principles, it supposedly enhances your ability to concentrate. Plus it has a clean and refreshing taste your breath will thank you for. In in this cinnamon-packed rooibos tea, its benefits truly shine. Amazing hot, iced or as a spicy tea latte, it’s a delicious new way to enjoy a classic spice.

Wow!  this one was all over the board.  DD#2 & myself said 'never again' it was far too cinnamon-y -- is that a word? --  Bruce did like it and DD#1 said is was just ok.

Sweetener of choice:  Turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 08 – Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 4/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 2.5/4)

White Tea
When it comes to making a romantic statement, this alluring white tea simply can’t be beat. For starters, it’s packed with big, juicy cherries, said by some to be an aphrodisiac. Hey, it can’t hurt. Plus it’s strewn with pretty pink rose blossoms – a sure-fire sign of love, friendship and affection. But the real key to their heart? Its delicately bright and fruity taste. Just one sip and they’ll be saying “I do!”

Bruce & DD#2 loved this one.  DD#1 & myself said 'never again'.  

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 07 – North African Mint

North African Mint

DD#1 - 1/4
DD#2 - 1/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me - 1/4
(family average - 1.5/4)

Green Tea
Explore Northern Africa, from its souks to its deserts, with this intense combination of spices and mint. It combines organic green tea and peppermint with organic cardamom, ginger, licorice root, fennel clove and black pepper. Deliciously sweet, with all the romance of the Maghreb.

The mint monster in our house said never again.  I think it must be just real fresh mint from the garden she likes.  Bruce did like this one, giving it a 3/4.  DD#1 & I said never again as well.

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 06 – Glitter & Gold

Glitter & Gold

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 - 3/4
Bruce - 4/4
Me - 2/4
(family average -  3.25/4)

Black Tea
Looking for a little star power? This sweet, spiced black tea is filled with pretty little gold star-shaped sprinkles. Take a sip and the slow suggestion of cinnamon will warm your body. Your toes will tingle and your mind will turn to fireworks, falling stars, late-night seduction. It’s basically magic.

 After the tad of milk was added, this tea jumped a point for all of us.  Definitely needs the milk but only a tad!

Sweetener of choice: Turbinado sugar & a tad of milk

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 05 – Banana Nut Bread

Banana Nut Bread

DD#1 -  5/4
DD#2 - 5/4
Bruce - 5/4
Me - 5/4
(family average -  5/4)

Herbal Tea
Like all amazing recipes, this one took years to perfect – and it was totally worth the wait. This tea miraculously captures the flavour of freshly-baked banana bread. The taste of real banana slices blends perfectly with almonds and the sweetness of dates and currants. It’s fragrant, with all the warmth of a loaf hot from the oven. As deliciously comforting as mama’s special recipe, but without the calories.

The rating is NOT a mistake.  We ALL rated this tea as a 5/4.  It's our absolute favourite!  Just tastes like Banana Nut bread.   

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 04 – Sweet Almond Green

Sweet Almond Green

DD#1 -3/4
DD#2 -3/4
Bruce -3/4
Me -1/4
(family average - 2.5/4)

Green Tea
Our favourite part of the holiday season? The treats, of course. And those little almond-scented cookies have an extra-special place in our hearts. Buttery and sweet, with the nutty crunch of an almond on top, they’re a dangerously delicious part of any festive cookie spread. But with a nutty kiss of almond and an organic base of green tea, this sweet and subtle tea is our guilt-free version of the classic treat. Because indulging yourself should have no strings attached.

Everyone really likes this one.  For me, never again, and no it was not the green tea I didn't like, it was the almond flavour.  Reminds me of marizpan & I cannot stomach marizpan.

Sweetener of choice: Agave 

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 03 – Orange Pekoe

Orange Pekoe

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 - 3/4
Bruce - 4/4
Me - 2/4
(family average -  3.25/4)

Black Tea
We’ve polled the entire country and this is, in fact, the perfect pekoe. The classic of all classics. The ultimate pick-me-up. The blend to turn to when you crave a good, honest cup of tea. Some say it evokes thoughts of warm comfort and familiar friends, others go off on tangents about doughnuts and red roses. Either way, everyone falls hard for this tea from top estates in Ceylon, Sri Lanka.

DD#2 likes this one but only when it was black & 1 tsp of sugar.  DD#1 & Bruce loved this tea with a tad of milk and turbinado sugar.  Me, I do not like black tea but it was ok!

Sweetener of choice: a tad of milk & turbinado sugar

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 02 – Mango Madness

Mango Madness

DD#1 - 4/4
DD#2 - 4/4
Bruce - 4/4
Me -  4/4
(family average -  4/4)

White Tea
One sip of this tea and you’ll do anything to get your hands on more. In fact, we’re a bit worried about letting people get a taste. There might be riots. Looting. Traffic jams. It’s a lot of responsibility! But who can blame you for going crazy over this delicious white tea? It’s fruity. It’s refreshing. It tastes just like a ripe piece of mango. In short, it’s total madness.

Sweetener of choice: Agave

David’s Tea: 24 Days of Tea – Day 01 – Sleigh Ride

Sleigh Ride

DD#1 -  2/4
DD#2 - 2/4
Bruce - 3/4
Me -  2/4
(family average - 2.25/4)

Herbal Tea

Falling snow, popping chestnuts, cold hands and noses…yep, winter has arrived. But don’t worry, we have the perfect tea to warm you up all December long. Cinnamon, apples, raisins, almonds, and hibiscus combine for a tea that is sweet, tart, and earthy. And beet pieces make it as nice and rosy as a caroler’s cheeks. So hop in your sleigh, snuggle up, and pass a thermos around. It’s lovely weather for a Sleigh Ride together.

Sweetener of choice: agave