Perhaps that seems unimaginable as you sip on a lightly roasted blend to get you up in the morning or enjoy a frappe with friends, but it is true. Perhaps you wish to cut down on coffee, maybe you just want something different. You might even just want to mix up your warm beverage intake, to try something very similar to coffee but unusual to you.
In that instance, tea would be a great drink to try. Tea is popular the world over but is often associated with the United Kingdom, a nation of tea drinkers. Indeed, Gala Bingo reveals tea is enjoyed by much of the nation, with 31% of Brits having at least five cups per day.
Here in the US, where you might imagine less is drunk, that’s not the case. In fact, the Tea Association of the USA suggests that 159m of us drink at least one cup per day, resulting in 3.9 billion gallons being drunk each year. That’s a lot of tea.
When you think about it, tea plays an intrinsic part in our history thanks to the Boston Tea Party, an important political protest in 1773.
Tea really is a US institution, something that we’ve taken from the British and made our own. That’s why it is a good alternative to coffee, and if you’re stuck as to which type to try, perhaps one of these will tickle your fancy.
English Breakfast Tea
This is a traditional blend, the type you’ll likely find in the mugs of most British tea drinkers. It is a black tea that goes well with milk and a sweetener.
Despite the name, it is a blend believed to have originated here in the US courtesy of a tea merchant named Richard Davies, who formulated it by starting with a base of Congou and adding a bit of Pekoe and Pouchong. Even their national tea started over here.
Licorice Blend
The Licorice Blend is caffeine-free, which may put some staunch coffee drinkers off, but it is believed to have benefits beyond refreshment. It naturally boosts energy and reduces stress courtesy of the licorice, a herb that stimulates your adrenal glands.
Quick Fact: It is made from South African Rooibos, licorice root, star anise, and fennel, making it a very distinct flavor for your cup.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a North African green tea prepared with spearmint leaves and sugar. After its country of origin, it is also known as Moroccan mint tea but is just as popular in Algeria, Niger, Libya, and Mali.
Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant, so don’t expect it to perk you up in the morning. It is also caffeine-free, making it a good alternative if you’re looking to reduce your intake.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a great option for coffee drinkers who don’t wish to cut down on caffeine but want to try something different, it packs almost as much as a good coffee. It’s a South American tea that has found a foothold here in the US, and it’s made from the yerba mate plant.
It has been credited with numerous health benefits, including acting as an appetite suppressant and possible weight loss tool. Be aware that it has a strong and bitter taste that may not appeal to everyone.
Imperial Matcha
We wrap up our look at tea-based alternatives to coffee with imperial matcha, a powdered green tea that is again high on caffeine. It also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, a mind relaxant, but that does not produce drowsiness. Expect all mellow vegetal flavor combined with natural sweet nuttiness in terms of taste.
