There's nothing better on a cold night than wrapping your hands around a warm mug. But if you're sensitive to caffeine, an evening cup of black or green tea can keep you up. The good news: herbal blends are naturally caffeine-free, and they're full of flavor. Here are five of my favorites for winter evenings.
1. Chamomile Ginger
The classic wind-down tea, with a warming twist. Soft, floral chamomile meets spicy ginger root and a bright note of lemon myrtle. It's gentle, comforting and exactly what you want before bed.
2. Apple Cider Rooibos
If winter had a flavor, this would be it. South African rooibos (say ROY-boss) is blended with cinnamon, orange peel and warm spices for a cup that tastes like hot apple cider. Rooibos is naturally sweet and never turns bitter, so you can steep it as long as you like.
3. Hibiscus Berry
A jewel-red cup of tart hibiscus and rosehip with blueberry, passionfruit and mango. It's bright and fruity, a nice change of pace when you want something lively but still caffeine-free. Try it with a little honey.
4. Turmeric Ginger
Golden, earthy and warming. Turmeric and ginger are balanced with lemongrass, a touch of licorice root and citrus. It's especially nice as a "golden latte": steep it strong and top it with warm, frothy milk.
5. Peach Paradise
Ripe peach, tart cranberry and soft notes of rose make this fruity herbal blend a little taste of summer in the middle of winter. Sweet, smooth and fragrant.
Try three at once
Can't decide? The Calm Evening Set bundles Chamomile Ginger, Peach Paradise and Hibiscus Berry together for less than buying them separately. It also makes a lovely Christmas gift for anyone who could use a little more calm this season.
Brewing tip: herbal teas love fully boiling water (212°F) and a long steep of 5–10 minutes. For more tips, see our guide on how to brew loose leaf tea.
Cheers,
Ted