An herbal tea experience

My next suggestion on how to enjoy National Hot Tea Month, is to try a tea you wouldn't normally choose. Step outside of your tea comfort zone! In order to practice what I preach, I decided to do something I never, ever do... drink an herbal tea!  I usually shy away from herbals, because I love the flavor of actual tea leaves and don't have much time for purely herbal infusions.  I don't really care for floral infusions such as chamomile or lavender, and I cannot stand peppermint. But, I was meeting an old friend at Radiance tea house in the evening, and I didn't want the slightest bit of caffeine at that hour.  Besides, I need to keep more of an open mind for herbal teas.

So, I looked over their herbal and wellness tea menu and selected Spring in Paris.

I don't think I've ever had juniper berries before, so I had no idea what to expect. A few minutes later I was brought a dainty glass teapot with berries and petals floating inside, producing a gorgeous bright, reddish pink brew.  The aroma was sweet and tart at the same time.  It made my mouth water! The flavor had a strong tart taste (I'm assuming it was the juniper berries), but I didn't really taste the flowers.  This is not a bad thing for me.  The tea was juicy and bright.  A perfect taste of spring on a dreary January night. It would probably taste great iced as well.  This tea usually comes sweetened, but I asked for the sugar on the side, which came as a small pitcher of 'rock sugar' which looked like simple syrup.  I added a tiny drop to the cup, and it cut the tang and made the tea even more palatable. When I finished the pot, I was offered water for a second infusion.  I was surprised that the second steep was just as flavorful as the first. 

the second steep

I'm happy to have experienced a tisane that I truly like! The lesson I learned is to keep an open mind to non-traditional teas, because you never know what you will discover! 

Radiance Tea House Spring In Paris- **** 4 out of 5 stars