Sipping Through Mornings, Afternoons, and Moods
My favorite caffeinated tea bags
Given how much I love coffee, it’s kind of strange that I often find myself sipping tea instead.
Most mornings, my fiancé or I brew a pot of coffee. I’ll drink a cup or two if I’m working from home, or just one before heading to the office. But for the rest of the day, tea has become my constant companion, quietly making its way into my routines until one day we realized we needed a whole cupboard just for tea bags.
No, I’m not a purist when it comes to tea bags. I grew up drinking loose-leaf black tea. But during grad school, I discovered the tea aisle in a grocery store (I’m not from the U.S.), and it felt like finding treasure. So many flavors, so much convenience, and a tea for every mood, every speed, every feeling I didn’t know I needed comfort for.
Over the years, some tea bags have become regulars in my rotation. Here are a few favorites:
(Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fund my growing tea cupboard.)
Paris by Harney and Sons
I love this tea so much that I’ve bought the 50-count box three times in the past year. Its floral scent and rich red color wake me up gently, especially on days when I haven’t slept well. It’s also surprisingly versatile: I’ve used the tea bags to bake cookies, and the subtle notes of bergamot and vanilla make them taste like something out of a fancy bakery. I even added two photos of it here to prove how much I love it.
Ginger Peach by The Republic of Tea
This fragrant black tea is a staple in my office drawer. The peachy flavor is bright and energizing. I usually steep two bags in 12 oz of water and sip it slowly through the morning. It lasts me until lunch on most days.
Lemon & Orange by Taylors of Harrogate
I discovered this in a sampler box, and it’s never left my tea cupboard since. It’s light, citrusy, and the kind of tea I reach for when I need a gentle reset.
Dragon Jasmine Pearl by Harney and Sons
My fiancé got me this tea for my birthday as part of a large box of assorted tea bags I’d requested. Since then, we’ve bought it several times. The floral scent is beautiful, and the flavor is elegant but comforting. For this one, I don’t follow the instructions on the box, which is to use one tea bag for two cups. I use a tea bag for 8-10 oz of hot water, brew it for 3 minutes, and enjoy it all by myself.
Honey Lemon Ginseng by Celestial Seasonings
In my opinion, this one is gold. I’ve been drinking it for years and still buy it in bulk. The lemon fragrance, combined with the sweet aftertaste of ginseng, brightens my afternoons and keeps me going without overwhelming my senses.
Jasmine Green Tea by Taylors of Harrogate
Another floral favorite for the afternoons. It has just enough caffeine to keep me focused during those late-day work sprints, but it’s gentle and smooth enough to feel relaxing too. The fragrant jasmine and the crisp finish of green tea are exactly what I need to stay focused.
Orange Blossom White Tea by The Republic of Tea
This tea is light and slightly floral, with just a hint of citrus. I often reach for it when I want something gently caffeinated after a tiring day, especially when I feel like taking a nap. I’m very sensitive to caffeine and try to avoid anything stronger after 2 p.m., but this floral white tea feels like a cheat code. It helps me stay awake just long enough without sabotaging my night’s sleep.
I haven’t even gotten into the herbal teas yet, as those deserve their own spotlight.
In the meantime, sampler packs like those from Taylors of Harrogate, Harney & Sons, or Tazo samplers are a lovely way to explore a mix of black, green, and herbal blends without overcommitting. I’ve tried all three, and I loved having so many little surprises to choose from.
There’s something comforting about having a box full of tiny choices waiting for you. You never know which one will become your new go-to.
