Drink

Tea concentrate is poured into a mason jar sitting on a wooden table.

How to Make a Tea Concentrate

There are times in our lives when we just can’t seem to slow down enough to enjoy a carefully prepared cup of tea. For times like this, we need a tea concentrate. Consolidate that tea crafting time by creating numerous cups all at once, to be enjoyed later without as much prep. Not only will […]

A white and blue ombre mug full of tea sits in front of a show-covered camellia bush.

How to Make Sun Tea in the Winter

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

Here in Portland, winter is in full swing. Days are short. There’s a chill in the air. And sometimes in the dead of winter, we need a little reminder that there is light at the end of the “14-hours-of-darkness-every-day” tunnel. Enter: sun tea, a beverage that can capture the sunny spirit of summer all year […]

Overhead view of two teaspoons. The one on the left holds powdered cinnamon, while the one on the right holds honey and herbs. They are surrounded by dried hibiscus, fruit pieces, rosehips, and flowers and are sitting on a white-washed table.

What Tea is Good for a Cold?

Drink, Health, Tea 101

On the dreariest of winter days, during the most inopportune times, while hibernating indoors and surrounded by kids, coworkers, and family — a cold rears its ugly head. The dreaded stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, and sneezing crud! So, I find myself asking the infamous question, “What tea is good for a cold?” Truthfully, […]

Three different green tea shots in fancy glassware sit on a wooden board with shrubbery in the background. They are surrounded by citrus slices, decorative snowflakes, evergreen boughs, pinecones, and twinkle lights.

Cheers! Green Tea Shots to Help You Party All Night

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

The season of merrymaking and full calendars is upon us. Parties, shopping, and outings, all topped with extra errands and tasks on the to-do lists, are inevitable for anyone who throws themselves into the holiday season. We look forward to it all year, and yet all the hustle and bustle can be draining. So while […]

Overhead view of a mug of mulled apple cider surrounded by red poinsettias on a while table.

Mulling Spice Recipe for Apple Cider

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Warm & Cool Sips

The holidays can be a delicious, albeit busy, time of year. The flavors are some of the best, but they can be a little time intensive and elaborate to prepare. If you’re like me and would rather just get it done quickly and still have an awesome dish, then you definitely want this mulling spice […]

A brown teacup and saucer full of chai made in the instant pot sits in front of a file of fall foliage.

Stay Cozy with Easy Instant Pot Chai

Crock Pot Foods, Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Warm & Cool Sips

Chai aficionados would often say the only proper way to prepare a cup of chai is in a pot on the stove with tea, spices, milk, and sweetener simmered together for perfection. Many people find peace and comfort in the process of making tea. Then there are those of us who just don’t have the […]

Overhead view of a package of Plum Deluxe loose leaf tea, a matching green teapot and teacup, and a spoon full of loose leaf tea arranged on a wooden table and pink doily.

How Many Calories In Hot Tea

Drink, Health, Tea 101

A calorie is, scientifically speaking, the amount of energy it takes to raise one gram of water by one degree. The calories we talk about in regard to food are numbers that represent how much potential energy a certain type of food can provide for your body’s use. Some people are interested in tracking how […]

Overhead view of a purple mug of tea with a victorian tea infuser. A bag of Plum Deluxe Mindful Morning loose leaf tea and a wooden spoon sit next to it on a white lace doily.

The First Cup: Finding the Best Tea to Drink In the Morning

Drink, Tea 101

Are you a morning person? I know I’m not. I’m not even a night owl; I like to say I’m at my best in the middle of the day. Maybe you are one of those people who wake up in the morning, fresh to start your day like one of those chirpy princesses who are […]

Overhead view of a pitcher of pumpkin spice creamer, a pumpkin, teacup and saucer with infuser, and a bag of loose leaf tea on a wooden table.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer Recipe

Drink, Superb Sides & Sauces, Tea How To, Warm & Cool Sips

It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins. They’ve become synonymous with this time of year, when the leaves turn to rich bright colors and crackle underfoot. Perhaps your favorite part of fall is the abundance of pumpkin spice treats. Plum Deluxe has some wonderful fall tea flavors, such as Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cinnamon Warmth, Full Moon […]

A bowl of loose leaf chai tea and spices sits on a patterned cloth next to a clear glass cup of brewed chai.

What Spices Are In Chai Tea?

Drink, Tea 101

Word nerds and tea purists will be quick to remind you that “chai” means “tea,” making the phrase “chai tea” redundant. Linguistically, they are absolutely correct. However, they would probably be disappointed to order “chai” at a coffee shop or Indian restaurant and receive a cup of Earl Grey tea or jasmine green tea. In […]

A clear glass pitcher of pineapple agua fresca sits on a wooden slab next to a glass of agua fresca and several sprigs of fresh mint.

Sweet & Refreshing Pineapple Agua Fresca

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

When we’re hot, we often want nothing more than to cool down. While we could take a dip in a swimming pool or crank the air conditioner, sometimes the best way too cool ourselves is from the inside out: With a refreshing drink. Today we’re going to be making a pineapple agua fresca. If you […]

Two glasses of passion fruit agua fresca sit on a wooden cutting board next to a sprig of mint and a bag of loose leaf tea. Sparkling water is being poured from a bottle into one of the glasses.

Sweet & Fruity Sips: Green Tea Passion Fruit Agua Fresca

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Warm & Cool Sips

Summer is here and that means long days full of sunshine and the chance to make happy memories with friends and family. Are you an entertainer who loves having people around to your home? Maybe you’re looking for a nice drink to cool down and relax in this warmer weather? This Green Tea Passion Fruit […]

A glass jar full of black tea smoothie garnished with mint leaves sits on a rough wooden table.

Start Your Day Right With a Cool Black Tea Smoothie

Breakfast & Brunch, Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To, Warm & Cool Sips

Sometimes, the best thing for a summer morning boost is a power-packed, refreshing smoothie. You don’t need to abandon your daily tea routine just because you’re craving a smoothie, though. Enjoy the best of both worlds by whipping up a black tea smoothie! What Is a Black Tea Smoothie? There are two routes you can […]

Side view of a glass of pina colada frozen iced tea with a pineapple and blue flower garnish.

Chill Out: Four Ways to Enjoy Frozen Iced Tea

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To, Warm & Cool Sips

Sometimes, iced tea just doesn’t cut it. As we get into the hottest of summer days, you may find yourself looking for something even colder than iced tea. May we recommend frozen iced tea? Frozen iced tea can come in several forms, but when made correctly, still carries that burst of flavor and energy you’ve […]

Overhead view of a bag of pecan black tea surrounded by pecans, a pecan pie, and a cup of brewed tea on a wooden table.

Black Tea 201: Best Black Tea Flavors

Drink, Tea 101

Welcome back, tea scholars! If you’re like a lot of tea drinkers, much of your tea exposure has been to black tea. These dark, rich, and caffeinated leaves make a delicious brew either on their own, or blended with different flavors. If you want a refresher on the wide variety of pure black teas that […]

Closeup of lavender and chamomile buds on a wooden table.

Lavender Tea Blends: What’s the Best Lavender Tea?

Drink, Health, Recipes Using Tea, Tea 101

Lavender is dreamy, especially during hot, lazy months when it feels like these barefoot days might stretch on forever. More than just an olfactory delight, these blooms add something uniquely special to teas. The best lavender tea blends are hand-picked and lovingly combined with complimentary flavors. Why Lavender Is Seldom Alone in Teas As you […]

Two glasses of bubble tea sit on a counter with a bowl of green straws in the background.

Boba Shop Delights: How to Make Bubble Tea at Home

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

Have you ever wished you knew how to make bubble tea so you could enjoy it at home? With this bubble tea recipe, you’ll be able to make endless flavor combinations with all your favorite tastes. What is Boba or Bubble Tea? Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink usually made of black or green tea, […]

Overhead view of a glass of iced tea, basket of strawberries, and white dish of loose leaf tea on a red and white checkered cloth.

How To Make Sun Brewed Iced Tea

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

There’s nothing quite as satisfying in summertime as a refreshing glass of iced tea. When you have a sunny afternoon in front of you and some strong, fruity black tea in your tea cupboard, you can make the weather work for you, and make yourself some sun brewed iced tea! Best Teas for Sun Tea […]

A tall glass of chai affogato sits on a wooden board next to a pile of chai spices and a green pitcher.

Cool Chai Desserts for Warm Weather

Decadent Desserts, Drink, Food, Recipes Using Tea

There’s something so comforting about the spicy taste of a good chai tea. While chai is typically a tea that’s associated with winter weather and crackling fires, there’s no reason to avoid these flavors in warmer weather! Today’s post is going to show you the perfect chai desserts to enjoy this summer. Chai Tea Affogato […]

Overhead view of a glass of iced black tea with a wedge of grapefruit next to a pile of loose leaf black tea on a wooden board.

Best Black Tea for Iced Tea

Drink, Tea 101, Warm & Cool Sips

One of the best parts of warmer weather is iced tea! If you’re a black tea lover who is getting ready for some summery drinks, then you’ve come to the right article. Today, we’re going to talk about the best black tea for iced tea! Obviously, the best black tea for iced tea is a […]

A clear, Turkish style glass full of iced tea sits on a crochet floral coaster in front of a stack of books.

How Healthy Iced Tea Can Help You Beat the Heat

Drink, Tea 101, Warm & Cool Sips

Who doesn’t love summer? Several years ago, my hand would have shot up. That is, until a friend in India put a bug in my ear about the many ways tea could keep me cooler on hot summer days. Since discovering the cooling bliss of healthy iced tea, I don’t bat an eye at even […]

Bulletproof Tea Recipe

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To, Warm & Cool Sips

Do you ever wish you had a tea that could give you all the powers of a superhero like Superman or Captain Marvel? A bulletproof tea recipe that made you impervious to all man made weapons? Me too, honestly. Unfortunately, this is not that recipe. If I ever find one, I promise I’ll share it […]

Overhead view of a package of loose leaf tea and three yellow flowers on a wooden table.

The Healthiest Hot Tea You Can Drink

Drink, Health, Tea 101

You’ve probably seen at least one clickbait article advertising some kind of tea as a “miracle cure” or “this one weird trick.” While more often than not, these “miracle cure” claims turn out to be false, tea does seem to have some great benefits. Let’s take a look at the healthiest hot tea. What Is […]

Overhead view of brownie bites, mini sandwiches, and other best snacks with tea in a teacup on the side.

The Best Snacks With Tea

Drink, Food, Tea How To

Right now, I’m having some gluten free toast with a cup of Strawberries and Cream tea. I love having tea and toast together. Tea and snacks come in infinite combinations, and every tea drinker seems to have that one tea-and-food combination that we pull out when we need a self-care afternoon. Here are some of […]

Closeup of bright green matcha green tea powder in a white square dish.

What to Make with Matcha Powder

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

Matcha has recently become a bit of a trend in the foodie world. Matcha ice cream, cookies, and cakes are popping up left and right. Want to get equipped for the upcoming matchapocalypse? Here are a few ideas of what to make with matcha powder. While it has become popular in the west in the […]

Overhead view of a bowl of cereal, spoon, and mug of breakfast blend tea on a red and white checkered tablecloth.

What Is Breakfast Blend Tea?

Breakfast & Brunch, Drink, Tea 101

I am not a morning person. When I stumble down the stairs in the morning, I need something to jumpstart my day. Since I don’t drink coffee, this something is usually a black tea of some kind. Luckily for me, there is a whole subcategory of teas developed for the purpose of giving you a […]

Overhead view of a dark blue teapot, teacup infusing loose leaf tea, and a digital timer on a teacup print tea towel.

What Does it Mean to Steep Tea?

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

If you’re a regular tea drinker, you probably do a lot of steeping on a daily basis. But what is that magical process that turns some hot water and dry leaves into a steaming, delicious beverage? And how can you make it work to give you the best possible cup of tea? At first glance […]

Overhead view of a tea steamer in a white mug, sitting next to a cherrywood spoon on a wooden table.

How to Make a Tasty Tea Steamer

Drink, Tea How To

I rarely like to add any extras to my daily cups of tea, but there’s something magical and soul warming about a well-balanced, warm, creamy tea beverage. Tea lattes are a popular option that can be found at most coffee shops. However, another decadent tea-based treat, the tea steamer, is just as warm and cozy […]

Overhead view of a cup of tea on a floral saucer next to a dish of heart shaped chocolates.

What Is Dessert Tea? (And How Do You Enjoy It?)

Drink, Tea 101

If you’re keeping up on the hippest and newest in tea, the phrase “dessert tea” may be old news to you. But whether you’re a connoisseur of dessert teas or have only a vague notion of them from something you saw at your local coffee shop, you may still be wondering what a dessert tea […]

Overhead view of three teacups with different shades of tea, on a white and gray teacup print tea towel.

Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Re-Steeping Tea

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

You just finished a delicious cup of tea. It seems like such a waste to throw away the leaves… but will the flavors still hold up if you steep them again? How can you ensure that the tea doesn’t taste too watery, or too bitter? Re-steeping tea can be a bit of a delicate art […]

What’s the Best Way to Drink Tea?

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

At this point, you’ve probably been bombarded with ideas and opinions about how tea is best made and served. Advice from tea-loving friends on what sweetener to use. Pinterest graphs on the ten best tea infusers to buy. Amazon reviews for this tea pot or that. Arguments between cream enthusiasts, and tea purists. But what […]

A cup of tea, Himalayan sea salt candle holder, several polished crystal stones, a bag of a loose leaf herbal tea, and a book sit on a wooden surface.

The Best Tea to Calm Nerves and Chill You Out

Drink, Tea 101

As a communi-tea of tea lovers here at Plum Deluxe, it’s likely that in times of stress or turmoil, most of us are already more than likely to reach for a cuppa to calm us down. But what exactly are the best teas to calm nerves and chill you out? Today, we’re going to dive […]

How To Make Good Chai Tea

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Is there a more well-known tea beverage around the world than chai? Whether you’re sipping a frothy chai latte in your local cafe or a spicy traditional cup in India, chai is known all over for its signature warm, soothing spices and its dark and hearty brew. Today, we’re going to take you one step […]

Overhead view of blue and white teacups surrounded by scattered orange, yellow, red, and white flowers on a wooden table.

Drink Your Flowers: A Guide to Floral Tea

Drink, Tea 101

Floral tea has always felt a bit magical to me. Seeing the brightly colored petals floating in my tea cup gives me a sense of fairytale wonder and makes the enjoyment of my cuppa that much more delightful. Floral tea is not only visually enticing with its colors and shapes, it also enchants with the […]

Tea-Infused Pomegranate Celebration Cocktail

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

Get ready to celebrate with a fun and festive Pomegranate Celebration Cocktail! Our new favorite way to toast friends and loved ones is a blend of gin, tea, and winter-time fruits, with chilled Prosecco floated on the top for a bubbly finish. It’s both sweet and tart, with hints of blueberry and pomegranate and herbal […]

Overhead view of a white teacup of tea with a lemon slice floating on top, on a purple placemat next to a wooden cutting board with more lemon slices and anise pods.

How To Make Tea Taste Better Without Sugar

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Life has enough dessert-like temptations without you adding sugar to your teacup as well. If you have a sugary habit in your mug, you might be wondering how to make tea taste better without sugar. There are lots of ways to switch up your favorite cup to taste delicious without added sugar. Leaves and Infusion […]

Overhead view of loose leaf tea, tea infusers, mugs of brewed tea, and weights on a blue and white tea towel.

How To Make Strong Tea

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Sometimes there is no better feeling than having a mug of bold and flavorful tea in hand. That cup of tea can be essential to waking up, feeling good, or rewarding yourself. But if your cup of tea is leaving you unfulfilled, perhaps you could benefit from some of our suggestions on how to make […]

Overhead view of various kinds of loose leaf teas surrounding a clear glass teapot.

Caffeine In Tea Types

Drink, Tea 101

Many times I choose to drink teas based on their flavor, but the caffeine level in my tea can also be a deciding factor. Let’s explore the range of caffeine in tea types to help you choose the right caffeine level in your next cup. One of the biggest factors in determining caffeine in tea […]

Overhead view of a bag of loose leaf herbal tea surrounded by two teacups and flowers.

Herbal Tea List of Herbs and Their Properties

Drink, Health

Herbal tisanes don’t actually contain any camellia sinensis, and so many folks regard them as being not as good. But herbs are amazing in their own right, with each plant having its own special properties and benefits. This herbal tea list will walk you through some of the most commonly-used ingredients and what they’re often […]

Overhead view of bowls of herbal loose leaf tea, bowls of sugar and honey, and a teacup with victorian tea infuser.

How To Make Herbal Tea Taste Better

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Your favorite everyday tea doesn’t always have to be a typical breakfast black tea. Herbal teas can be a great change of pace in both caffeine levels and flavor. But if you’ve ever asked yourself how to make herbal tea taste better, maybe your mug is in need of a little experimentation. Unlike other teas, […]

A large jar and glass of citrus white sangria sits on a table next to a platter of oranges, lemons, and limes with a background of daisies.

Green Tea and Citrus White Sangria

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

Sangria is a wonderful summer drink, and this Citrus White Sangria is so exquisitely refreshing and zingy, you may want to keep a pitcher handy for leisurely sipping on every sweltering afternoon. As the sun sinks lower in the sky and the hope of cooler evening temperatures inches closer, an icy glass of Citrus White […]

Overhead view of bags and canisters of loose leaf tea with mugs and tea infusers on a wooden board.

Discover Your Best Evening Tea

Drink, Tea 101

A nice cup of tea isn’t just for breakfast time; tea can be the perfect end to a busy day. Depending on the kind of evening you’re looking for, check out these recommendations for different types and flavors to find your best evening tea. Teas with Low Caffeine Most people find that drinking lots of […]

Two glasses of sparkling iced tea with green tea and lemonade are garnished with lemons and fresh basil.

Carbonated Tea Recipe: How To Make Sparkling Iced Tea

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

As far as drinks go, iced tea is a pretty classic choice that we love — but as you know we sometimes we like to add a little something special to standard recipes. In this case we are opting for a carbonated tea recipe for our little something special. We will show you how to […]

A pitcher full or fruit and iced tea sangria is in the foreground along with thinly sliced lemons on a floral plate. A glass of sangria and daisies are in the background.

Arnold Palmer Iced Tea Sangria

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

As summer temperatures soar each afternoon, a tall glass of iced tea sangria is a luscious way to bid farewell to the heat of the day and beckon a balmy summer evening. A delightful blend of wine, sweetened tea, and fresh fruit, iced tea sangria is not only a refreshing drink, it is beautiful to […]

Overhead view of two glasses of iced Moroccan mint tea.

12 Summer Iced Tea Recipes

Drink, Recipes Using Tea

The summer brings warm weather, which means that iced tea season is upon us. To help make the hot months cool and flavorful, here are twelve summer iced tea recipes! These recipes are broken into three of my favorite iced tea types: creamy, latte “fogs;” sweet and tart Arnold Palmers; and smooth and cool Moroccan […]

A trio of tea and orange juice drinks sits on a checkered cloth.

Tea and Orange Juice: 3 Citrus-Infused Drinks

Drink, Food, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

Tea and orange juice may not be the combination that first comes to mind when you are thinking up new recipes for your next brunch, but we think it’s a combination you should definitely try. So, we paired orange juice with three of our favorite teas to create a delicious trio of drinks that are […]

How To Make Thai Tea from Scratch

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

Thai iced tea, which originates in Thailand, has become an incredibly popular drink here in the U.S. First introduced in Thai restaurants across the country, its deep color and sweet, creamy flavor make it an easy drink to enjoy. But don’t think you have to venture to one of these establishments just for a glass […]

Communi-tea Roundup: Favorite Tea Mix-Ins

Blog, Drink, Tea How To

One of the loveliest, most fun things about tea is simply how customizable it can be — for every unique tea drinker out there, there is a tea blend to match. But what about when you start feeling the itch to get creative in your tea corner? Mix-ins can be an inspired way to doctor […]

An overhead view of two glasses of red iced tea with a green iced tea pitcher and package of Plum Deluxe loose leaf tea on a wooden background.

Gifts for Iced Tea Lovers

Drink, Tea 101

Some like it hot, and some like it iced. Many of us drink iced tea to help keep cool during warmer weather, but some iced tea lovers prefer iced tea year-round. Maybe they like the taste, maybe they like the soothing sound of ice cubes clinking in a glass. If you have an upcoming occasion […]

Overhead view of loose leaf tea brewing in several cups, a cup of matcha and a whisk, and a bag of tea on a wooden board.

How to Start Liking Tea

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Today we delve into a question about personal taste, namely, how to start liking tea. There are so many different types of tea and so many different ways to brew and experience tea, you are bound to connect with at least one of them. Tea Types and Flavors When most people think of tea, they […]

How Long Does Tea Last In the Fridge?

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Iced tea: It’s cold, it’s refreshing, and it’s what everyone looks forward to on a warm day. Many folks like to make big batches of tea ahead of time, for easier as-needed sipping. But just how long will it stay good? Today, let’s answer the question of how long does tea last in the fridge. […]

organic tea of the month club - plum deluxe tea subscription box

Support Plum Deluxe with a Membership

Drink, Food, Goods, Health, Home, Lifestyle, Podcast

Do you follow and enjoy all the great recipes and mindfulness tips we share here on the Plum Deluxe blog three times per week? Then please consider supporting us with either a purchase from our online shop, or joining our tea of the month club (gift subscriptions and caffeine-free options available.) Not only do your […]

chocolate spiked hot tea in a pink Hello Gorgeous mug with a white teapot and chunks of chocolate

Spiked Hot Tea: A Trio of Warming Winter Toddies

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

In my home, growing up, there were two remedies to treat a cold: sleep, and a hot toddy. Now, in my adulthood, I turn to a cozy, spiked hot tea for more than just the sniffles. A traditional hot toddy typically consists of a simply brewed black tea, lemon and honey, and an ounce or […]

overhead view of tea in a blue teacup surrounded by chocolate, marshmallows, cacao nibs, and loose leaf tea

Searching for the Best Chocolate Tea

Drink

Are you searching for the best chocolate tea? Tea and chocolate can be a hard flavor profile to pin down due to the variety of ingredients and brewing methods available. Read on to learn more about chocolate and how its different forms can factor into the tastiest chocolate tea blends. Chocolate Ingredients Cacao Nibs — […]

Here's our guide on how to make fruit infused tea, for your comfort and sipping pleasure all year long.

How to Infuse Tea with Fruit

Drink, Tea How To

As winter winds whip around the eaves, it’s lovely to make something that remind us of summer, like infusing tea with luscious fruits that hark back to days of endless sunshine and brilliant blue skies. Here’s our easy guide on how to make fruit infused tea, for your comfort and sipping pleasure all year long. […]

When you’re planning your cold-weather parties with friends and family, turn to this warming winter foods list for easy and creative small menus.

Warming Winter Foods List for Easy Entertaining

Appetizers, Breakfast & Brunch, Crock Pot Foods, Drink, Food, Gluten Free, Gourmet Fruit & Vegetables, Home, Soups, Superb Sides & Sauces

When you’re planning your cold-weather parties with friends and family, turn to this warming winter foods list for easy and creative small menus. Menu duos offer simplicity to your planning when hosting a party, and they highlight for your guests memorable tastes to truly savor. Gluten Free: Chicken and Dumplings & Rice Salad This hearty […]

Here are nine ways to use leftover champagne that will elevate even the unfizziest of forgotten bubbly to its rightful place at your table.

9 Ways to Use Leftover Champagne

Drink, Food

Leftover champagne — like albino alligators, total solar eclipses, and finding a parking spot at the mall on the Saturday before Christmas — is rare, but it does happen. While no one plans for leftover champagne, you might find yourself in the predicament of opening several bottles of bubbly for, say, a holiday party, and […]

Feeling less than your best? Let's dive in to the best tea to drink when you have a cold.

Sniffle Supporters: The Best Tea to Drink for a Cold

Drink, Health, Tea How To

For those of us who love tea, a hot cuppa on a daily basis is just a part of our routine. But there’s nothing that better unifies the tea lovers with less habitual tea drinkers than feeling under the weather. Something about a case of the sniffles brings out our innate desire for a warm, […]

Here are our picks for the best tea for winter to warm up, heal up, and cheer up this season.

Health and Cheer: The Best Tea for Winter

Drink, Tea How To

The winter season is known for its snowy weather, sparse landscape, and the busy holidays. Some people find it to be pleasantly crisp and peaceful, while others might feel a bit glum and chilled. The good news is that we have found the best tea for winter to warm up, heal up, and cheer up […]

Warm Christmas Drinks for Holiday Indulgence

Drink

There are some wonderful indulgences that come along with the Christmas season: cookies, pies, wearing ugly sweaters, and spending lots more time with friends and family. As the spirit of the season finds its way into your mug, consider brewing one of these delicious warm Christmas drinks. Cocoa Let’s start with a fan-favorite: hot cocoa. […]

As you begin your search for new tea like Teavana, let's compare popular Teavana tea flavors to similar Plum Deluxe blends and help you connect with a new source for tasty tea.

Where to Find Tea Like Teavana

Drink, Tea How To

It is a specific kind of disappointment when a product you like gets discontinued and you can no longer find it on the shelves or in stock. When that happens, you have to embark on a trial basis with similar products, hoping one of them is the right fit for you. Maybe this is all […]

What Liquor Goes With Tea

Drink, Happy Hour Cocktails, Tea How To

Here at Plum Deluxe we think tea can pretty much go with anything. This is because there are so many varieties of tea and an infinite number of tea blends that it’s pretty easy to find a pairing that works. We have paired tea with cheeses and tea with soups, and now we are talking […]

How to Make a Chai Tea Latte at Home

Drink, Recipes Using Tea, Tea How To

Long ago, before the days of my super-stocked tea cabinet and desire for encyclopedic knowledge about every loose leaf tea that crossed my path — er, cup — there were the days of the chai. All I knew was that it was creamy, spicy, sweet, warming, and autumnal, and with $4, I could pick one […]

What to Drink In the Morning Instead of Coffee

Drink

Trying to take a break from coffee? But then you’re left with that empty, mug-shaped hole in your morning routine. Don’t worry, today we’ll help you explore what to drink in the morning instead of coffee with a few great suggestions ready to pour into your mug. Catch the Caffeine Buzz If you’re just looking […]

Dia de los Muertos Tea Party with Mexican Cinnamon Drink

Decadent Desserts, Drink, Food, Tea Parties

Skulls made out of sugar may seem like a bizarre feature for a fabulous tea party, but on Dia de los Muertos — The Day of the Dead — they are perfectly suited for a treasured day of remembrance and partying. Far from a macabre ritual with hints of Halloween ghoulishness, Dia de los Muertos […]

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Tea Latte

Drink, Recipes Using Tea

Can you put brown sugar in tea? Absolutely! But should you? Most definitely. Especially when it’s spiced brown sugar, fragrant with molasses and cinnamon, and stirred into strong black tea with lashings of foam for a fabulous brown sugar tea latte. I like using unusual sweeteners in my cup of tea, from palm sugar and […]

What to Mix with Green Tea

Drink, Tea How To

I know most days, I reach for my tried-and-true black tea, but sometimes I need to take a break from all that robust flavor and caffeine. The lush flavors of green tea are just the right alternative. Green tea can be in loose leaf form, ground into powder, or even rolled into little tea pellets. […]

Pumpkin Spice: Hot Buttered Rum and White Chocolate Truffles

Decadent Desserts, Drink, Food, Happy Hour Cocktails

Pumpkin Spice Season is here! How can you tell? First, it’s hard to miss the store displays of pumpkin spice everything, from coffee to chips to beer to room deodorizers. I’m pretty sure I spotted some pumpkin-flavored cat treats in Target. Back-to-school displays are emptied and replaced with Halloween costumes, and folks are breaking out […]

Best Hot Teas to Drink

Drink, Tea 101, Tea How To

Something happens to me every year around Labor Day. The leaves start changing, I start sneaking sweaters and scarves out of the back of my closet (even if I may be sweating while wearing them for a few more weeks), and all of the mason jars full of cold-brewed tea sit, abandoned, in my fridge. […]

Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Maple Butter Glaze

Pumpkin Scones with Spiked Orange-Pumpkin Iced Tea

Drink, Food, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea, Scones

Pumpkin and spice and everything nice make this pairing of Spiked Orange-Pumpkin Iced Tea and rich, tender Spiced Pumpkin Scones a perfect combo for fall brunch or tea time. You can make the tea in advance and let it cool overnight, saving you prep time. Scones are always best made the day they’re served, but […]

Pumpkin Spice Cider Cocktail and Sorbet

Decadent Desserts, Drink, Food, Happy Hour Cocktails, Recipes Using Tea

Fall is apple cider time! Here are two recipes that make the most of the season’s apple cider — be sure to get freshly pressed cider if possible. The Pumpkin Spice Cider Cocktail is a cold cocktail featuring the addition of pumpkin spice tea. It’s extra autumn-y! You’ll want to use the cider reduction that […]

From Floral to Fruity: What Goes Well with Earl Grey

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Some teas seem to pair well with everything. Give me a robust English Breakfast, and I dare you to find me a pastry that it doesn’t compliment. (Truly, that sounds like a delicious challenge I am willing to accept.) But others? Well, some teas can be downright finicky. Earl Grey, for example, often gets a […]

Best Tea for Sweet Tea

Drink, Tea How To

In the movie “Steel Magnolias,” Dolly Parton’s character proclaimed that sweet tea was, “the house wine of the south.” We’re here to affirm that yes, Dolly was onto something. Summer just doesn’t feel complete to me without jar upon jar of cold-brewed, loose leaf tea clinking into one another on my refrigerator shelf. But while […]

What Tea is Good for You?

Drink, Tea How To

What tea is good for you? In one sense, all of them! Many people consider tea to only be blends derived from the camellia sinensis plant. This includes tea that we label black, pu erh, oolong, green, yellow, and white. All of these have natural antioxidants which may offer a variety of health benefits such […]

What Goes Well With Tea

Drink, Home, Tea How To

Tea-lovers know there are plenty of things that pair well with tea, like honey and lemon, or milk and sugar. But let’s explore some less-expected accompaniments and look at what goes well with tea. Teaware A cup of tea always tastes a little better from your favorite mug or brewed with your best kettle. The […]

Oh Sugar: The Best Sweeteners for Tea

Drink, Tea How To

Hand a cup of tea to any tea-drinker, and you’re likely to see them doctor it up in a whole variety of ways. Cream? Black? Sweet? Even within those categories, the customization choices are endless. One of the most impactful ways that you can change the flavor profile of your tea to suit your liking […]

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