Hot Tea
My system does not handle coffee--or caffeine, or acid, or most things--very well. So hot tea has been my favorite comforting drink for many years. I thought I'd share some of the different drinks I've learned to enjoy making for myself at home, rather than wasting $4 per beverage at a fancy coffee shop or chain.
Of course, I started out with plain old tea bags and sugar, still a favorite in which I indulge on the regular. I did get an electric tea kettle a year or so ago and have never looked back. It's a real game changer, and I love that the temperature is consistent every time and the base will keep the kettle warm for me if (when) I want another cup. It's so nice, and quick. Plus it frees the stove top for more actual cooking.
I have this Hamilton Beach kettle. I purchased it from Bed Bath & Beyond with a gift card, but I saw it's currently on sale for $39.99 and you can receive 4% cash back right now if you order online through Ebates (not an ad or anything, but if I buy things online-which is always-I check Ebates to see how much I can get back). I've also seen it at Target, and I'm positive Walmart and Amazon would carry some good options at different price points.
These are my current favorite tea bags, both purchased from Walmart. I do also love peppermint tea, it's great for upset tummies, or right before bed, or to wake up in the morning. I'm prone to heart burn, though, so no more peppermint for this girl. That lemon ginger tea has been a great replacement. It's kind of my dessert after dinner, I add more honey than usual and it's a pretty sweet treat.
I'm convinced there is nothing better than a steaming cup of Constant Comment with maple syrup first thing in the morning. The amber maple complements the orange spices so nicely and it's just heavenly. It's my only caffeine cheat, it's that worth it. Try it. You'll thank me. (Hopefully).
Matcha Tea
I first heard about Matcha green tea when we lived in Atlanta, but don't honestly love green tea bags so never felt compelled to try it. I finally bit the bullet once we moved back to Charleston and invested in this bag of Matcha powder from Amazon. Now. I'm. Hooked. It's so good and energizing, but there's no caffeine or crash later in the morning. It's also pretty good for you. Antioxidants and metabolism boosting and such.
For my birthday last year, my husband surprised me with this literal pound of Matcha tea powder and I am not even half way through it! Not to mention, I've discovered recipes for Matcha cookies, frosting, energy bites, and more. It's all very exciting, this new world of possibilities. One you may wish to check out for yourself - I am self taught through Pinterest and Youtube. My go-to is just a teaspoon of powder in 6-8 ounces of hot water. I whisk that together for a smoother experience (otherwise you get chunks of green powder that don't exactly thrill me).
Once I've whisked that well, I simply add my favorite Silk creamer and stir. I've also added coconut milk and maple syrup in the past, which is absolutely delicious. The creamer is just two birds with one stone, so it's easier and cheaper in the long run.
Voila! Delicious. It truly tastes very similar to the Starbucks green tea latte with vanilla soy milk (my drink of choice), which should come as no surprise since that is literally what it is. But it rivals theirs. Seriously.
(True story: I once went to a Starbucks in Atlanta where two Emilys were employed and drinking green tea lattes with vanilla soy milk and I, Emily, ordered a green tea latte and they told me the best way to enjoy it was with vanilla soy milk, so I did and we three Emilys bonded over our favorite green tea latte with vanilla soy milk.
Also: this week a Mike P., Mike H., and my husband, Michael, have been installing our new AC unit. Ain't life funny?)
Onward.
Teeccino Herbal Coffee
My next favorite, and a much newer discovery to me, is this herbal coffee I've discovered by Teeccino. I was so beyond bummed to have to give up coffee because I love the smell, the different flavors, the options, the smell. I love the smell. I want a coffee scented candle. Think they make an essential oil? Doubt it. Anyway...this herbal coffee is literally everything I love about coffee (ahem..the smell) without any of the side effects. It's seriously so like coffee I couldn't tell the difference. But I got to enjoy it. I have now tried the Dandelion dark roast, French roast, Hazelnut, Maya Chai, and Java. The dark roast is my favorite, I'm a bit of a classicist, but not a single one has disappointed in the least. I will gladly sample the many other flavors they have. I usually purchase through Amazon, but I've also found them at Whole Foods (honestly they're a little cheaper there).
(Don't worry, there are absolutely no traces of dandelion flavor. I was concerned, too).
I love the ease of the large "tee bags," especially when traveling, but usually I just purchase the grounds and make them in my coffee maker like I would normal coffee. It's a better deal and not too much of a hassle for me. It's so nice to have options, though. And I believe this goes without saying, but all I do is add a bit of my favorite soy creamer and enjoy!
I have also enjoyed iced lattes, made with the Oregon Chai Tea Latte concentrate or the Tazo Green Tea Latte concentrate, which I've found at many grocery stores, Target, even Barnes & Noble. I usually pour half and half concentrate and coconut milk or rice milk over ice. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
A good homemade hot chocolate can be good, too. I found some Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix at Target last year, and it was excellent. Rich. It's an 8 count package for under $6--not a bad deal. But I knew I could make my own with just some dark cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and I even add some cinnamon or peppermint extract or vanilla extract for a little variety. The possibilities are endless, and the recipe is on the back of any Hershey's cocoa powder box (my personal preference is the Special Dark). You can also make some killer brownies. Win-win.
Hopefully this was helpful, informative, and inspiring! You don't have to throw away money to drink like a king (or queen). Of course, I still splurge on road trips or date night, but this saves so much time and money. Most importantly, I don't have to leave my house or brush my hair.
Best,
Emily
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