We Have a Winner!, Fall Into a Delicious Tea Cocktail, New Seasonal Teas, and More Reasons to Stay Healthy with Tea

In this issue: We Have a Winner!, New Seasonal Teas, Fall Into a Delicious Tea Cocktail, and More Reasons to Stay Healthy with Tea

We Have a Winner!

Angela G and Olivia O, our winners! Pictured with The Tea Smith owner Tim.

Two, actually.

Say hello to Olivia O and Angela G, who joined their brewing prowess to create "Fall in Love", the winning blend in our Creativitea Tea Blending Contest!

Olivia started her tea journey with bubble tea, then ventured into tea bags, eventually finding her way to The Tea Smith and bringing her friend Angela in tow. Now this dynamic duo is enjoying the flavors of real loose leaf teas and laying the groundwork to become tomorrow's master blenders. Congratulations, ladies!

A portion of the sales for the tea sold between now and year end is being donated to a charity they chose: Hope Connecting Hearts Nigeria Inc.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and voted. We'll be featuring Fall in Love at The Tea Smith, so if you haven't stopped by to try it yet, make sure you pick some up during its limited run.

New Tea Arrivals

Have you checked out our seasonal fall teas?

Our ever-changing catalog has been updated once again with some exciting new flavors.

You don't have to take our word for it. Here's what Hannah from Omaha had to say about our South of the Border Chocolate Tea:

I was skeptical of this tea because it smelled like chocolate at the store, and I was unsure of how chocolate and tea would mix. This tea is wonderful! I grew up on hot cocoa, but always thought it was too much sweet with not enough chocolate. This tea has that subtle chocolate flavor without all the extra sweetness of hot cocoa. This tea exceeded my expectations.

Cinnamon Sensation Rooibos

South of the Border Chocolate Tea

Get Ready for Fall with an Orange Spice Tea Cocktail

Can you believe fall is here already? School is in full gear, the leaves are changing color, entire aisles at the grocery store are already stocked up with enough candy corn to last a lifetime, and the weather is starting to hint at the frosty months ahead. It's the best time to brush up on a great tea cocktail recipe that's hearty, spicy, and makes great use of one our favorite selections that you might not already be familiar with.

This recipe from About.com is a perfect way to usher in Autumn. Use it with our Orange Spice Special, a smooth blend of citrus fruit flavors with sweet vanilla tones as well as a spicy kick of cinnamon and ginger for a specialty cocktail that your guests are sure to love.

It's Not the Same Without Our Orange Spice Special Blend

Ingredients:

1 quart water
1 T. Orange Spice Special loose-leaf tea placed in a tea sack
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups Pyrat XO ultra-premium rum
8 cinnamon sticks
3 teaspoons butter

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or kettle.
Heat to a simmer on the stove, stirring well at first.
Cover and continue simmering for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve by ladling into heated Irish coffee glasses or mugs.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange.

New Reasons to Drink One of the World's Oldest Beverages

For a Healthier Heart, Try a Black Tea: Organic Golden Monkey

If you're like us and you're always interested in learning more great news about the health benefits of tea, you'll want to check out this

article. The Atlantic has a recent story called

New Reasons to Drink More Tea, which frames tea in a slightly different light by comparing its potential for improving health with the benefits obtained from foods like fruits and veggies.

While some of the reasons for drinking more tea are claims we've heard before (weight loss, and a healthier heart), the article also points out tea's potential ability to increase bone and muscle strength!

Not a bad tip for athletes looking for an

all-natural supplement to go along with their exercise regimen. According to studies, it might even help prevent the loss of bone density in post-menopausal women.

Black Teas for a Healthy Heart

Green Teas for Weight Loss & Bone and Muscle Strength