Once a British-imposed tax on tea helped push North American colonies to declare independence; now we can enjoy tea taxed by our own government on Independence Day.
Here are our favorite red, white, and even blue teas to make your festivities more flavorful.
Red Teas
When Americans refer to red teas, they’re normally talking about Rooibos herbal tea, made from a bush native to South Africa. It has notes of earthy vanilla and tobacco with a touch of sweetness.
Recommended Iced Red Tea: Orange Blossom Rooibos. This naturally-caffeine free herbal infusion imparts a splash of citrus that blends well with the crispness of rooibos.
Alternative Iced Red Tea: Organic Hibiscus Tea. Hibiscus is fabulous as a cocktail base and we love it carbonated. Try cold brewing to retain the high levels of Vitamin C.
White Teas
White tea is picked before the tea plant’s leaves open fully. The young buds are still covered by fine white hairs, hence the name “white” tea. Its minimal processing and lack of oxidation give it a delicate flavor that’s great iced.
Recommended Iced White Tea: Organic White Peach Tea. The fruity tang of peach melts into White Peony to create a balanced cup.
Alternative White Tea: Subtle Strawberry White Tea. Smooth white teas and juicy strawberries make an irresistible combination.
Blue Teas
Yes, there is a blue tea! We love adding blue cornflowers to some of our teas for visual appeal before they’re brewed, but butterfly pea blossoms turns the liquor bright blue.
Recommended Iced Blue Tea: Blue Butterfly Garden Herbal Tea. We first discovered this tea in Thailand. Dried lemongrass adds a bright, fresh flavor while pink peppercorns make it pop!
Alternative Blue Tea: Blanc de Blueberry Organic White Tea. Although this brew isn’t really blue, the mix of hibiscus, elderberries, and cornflowers make a lovely color.
Bonus: Asian Red Teas
While Americans refer to the color of the tea leaves, Asian tea drinkers refer to the color of the brew. Fully oxidized tea leaves produce a red brew, so “red tea” in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian languages actually refers to what we call black tea.
Recommended Iced Asian Red Tea: Ceylon Star Black Tea. This tea from Sri Lanka has a classic flavor that is smooth, crisp and familiar.
Alternative Iced Asian Red Tea: Ginger Peach Black Tea. A sweet and sassy blend of black tea with real dried peaches and bits of ginger.
What tea did you serve on the 4th of July? Let us know in the comments below!
