Winter has unofficially arrived, and the temperature has finally dropped for good — or until tomorrow if you live in the South. Despite the daytime highs in your area of living, nighttime lows are made for snuggling up on the couch with a hot mug of tea and a holiday movie to match.
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The hardest part? Deciding which one of these 6 teas to make tonight!
1. Peppermint Tea
When it comes to winter flavors, there is no other that comes to mind quite as fast as peppermint. It's in your coffee, your candy canes and even your gum. But in your tea? Yes, it absolutely is ideal for this time of year for a variety of reasons. The main one? Its ability to help with digestion and clear up any minor metabolic issues you may be experiencing.
To make this, you'll want to use 8 ounces of 170-degree water, and steep for one to three minutes. Mint leaves are chopped up more than other notable teas, meaning it steeps for less time.
2. Green Tea
Why wait for nighttime when you can have a cup (or three) of green tea at any given moment of any given day? This tea is filled with antioxidants, making it great for the morning after a long night, or to fight off a cold. If you choose to do the latter, add some peppermint and ginger for a rejuvenating and sinus-clearing experience.
Because green tea is on the delicate end of the spectrum, you're going to want to steep it with water at about 160-170 degrees for two to four minutes. Pro tip: Keep an eye out on the time of day you're drinking this. Green tea has caffeine in it. Though its lower than other teas, it may still affect your sleep cycle if drunk too late at night.
3. Chamomile Tea
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If you're looking to relax and unwind from a stressful day or a hard workout, Chamomile tea is the tea for you. Since it's an herbal tea, and a powerhouse one at that, Chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants that aid in mending inflammation, and relaxes your body at the same time.
To get the biggest bang for your buck, steep for three to five minutes per 8 ounces of water at 200 degrees.
4. Black Tea
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Besides it being absurdly delicious and the perfect substitute for a morning cup of joe, a cup of black tea can give your immune system the same ample boost as green tea. Being that they are both herbal teas, they're both loaded with antioxidants! Black teas, such as the crowd favorite Earl Grey, have also been known to aid in stress relief and gives an increase in energy.
Making any black tea is simple — just heat water to about 205 degrees and steep for three to five minutes, and you'll be on your way to blissful energy.
5. Chai Tea
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If you can make a latte out of it, you know it's good. The variety that comes with flavors of chai tea is reason enough to snuggle up with a mug of this tea on a cold morning, or when you're throat isn't feeling up to the job of, well, being utilized remotely — think strep throat, for instance. Not only will a Vanilla Chai tea sooth your soul, it'll warm your throat, leaving you happier and just a little bit healthier.
For a basic chai blend, bring water to a rolling boil at 212 degrees and steep for five minutes.
6. White Tea
If you're looking for a tea that's a little more subdued and delicate in flavor than the previous five, then white tea is your best bet. With hints of sweetness and its sought out health-healing elements (antioxidants, cancer-fighting), its lack of aftertaste and lower caffeine count, white tea is a similar yet more subtle take on it's close friend, green tea.
For optimal enjoyment, heat water to 175-185 degrees and steep for one to three minutes.
