Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Mighty Leaf
Tisane Description:
Chamomile Citrus herbal tea is a refreshing infusion perfected to curl up with and savor by the sip. Made with Soothing Egyptian chamomile flowers and subtle slices of citrus fruit, this vibrant blend will rejuvenate the spirit. From intoxicating aroma to sweet flavor, this signature herbal tea infusion in our silken tea pouch, our gourmet teabag twist, with chamomile, fruits and herbs reflects our vision of the artisan tea experience.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
I have made mention in the past of my dislike of chamomile. OK, so I don’t hate chamomile. But I just don’t love it. I don’t think that I’ve ever thought: “You know, I’d really like a cup of chamomile tea.” That just has never really happened, because there are so many other things I’d rather be drinking. That said, sometimes, I need to chill out and relax, and chamomile does a good job of instilling that sense of calm that I want.
Much of my dislike of chamomile stems from past experiences of drinking teas made of crushed chamomile blossoms in a tea bag. Yuck. Fortunately, a lot of tea companies realize that when the chamomile blossom is whole and not crushed into dust, the brewed liquid tastes better. Mighty Leaf figured this out, and I can see through their silky pouches that the chamomile used in this Chamomile Citrus Herbal Tisane is beautiful, big blossoms combined with citrus peel, lemongrass, lemon myrtle and other herbs.
The citrus flavors combined with the naturally sweet, apple-like flavor of the chamomile offers a pleasant taste that’s easy to sip. The primary flavor here is the citrus flavors, followed by chamomile. I am happy to say that I don’t taste a lot of hibiscus here, although I do find myself wishing that I tasted more of the spearmint. I only taste very faint hints of mint in this cup.
Overall, this is a pleasant cup of tea. Not something I’d drink everyday, but I can see myself turning to it when I needed something to help relax. It’s very soothing and it’s tastier than plain chamomile.
Cranberry Breeze Herbal Tisane from Simple Loose Leaf
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit/Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Simple Loose Leaf
Tea Description:
This perfectly balanced blend of subtly sweet cherry and rose hips with tart cranberry and hibiscus make this herbal tea refreshingly delicious and reminiscent of a fun fruit punch drink. Perfect for children and others watching sugar and caffeine; Cranberry Breeze is wonderful hot or iced and is the perfect alternative to sweet caffeinated drinks.
Learn more about this tea here.
Learn more about Simple Loose Leaf’s Selection Club subscription program here.
Taster’s Review:
This Cranberry Breeze Herbal Tisane is not one I would have selected for myself. I am sipping on it only because it was one of the five teas in this month’s Simple Loose Leaf Selection Club and I opted for the five samplers instead of choosing an ounce or two of two of the teas. But you know what? I’m glad that I received this because I am enjoying it.
Yeah, normally, I’m not a big fan of hibiscus, and this is hibiscus-y! Really hibiscus-y. When I drink a hibiscus-based tisane, I want it to either be light on the hibiscus, or have ingredients that work well with the hibiscus. Well, this tisane isn’t light on the hibiscus, but the cranberry and hibiscus work very well together.
Yes, it’s tart. There are times when I’d even go so far as to say it’s sour! But, cranberries are like that, and as I said, the hibiscus and cranberry work really well together in this tisane.
I taste notes of sour cherry too, and the cherry and cranberry together give this a very juicy, fruity, party punch flavor only healthier, because even though I am not a fan of hibiscus, it is does bring a lot of health benefits to this party in a teacup.
I like this better iced than hot because the fruity punch flavor just tastes better iced. Not my favorite tisane, but it is something that I’d drink now and then when I want something a little bit different to give my taste buds a jump start. Try brewing up a pitcher of this, chilling it, and then serving it to the kids the next time they want something to drink – it’s a great naturally caffeine free alternative to those sugary sodas!
Oh, and don’t forget about Simple Loose Leaf’s special April promotion! You can get your first month of the Selection Club for just one dollar! Yes, you read that correctly! Use this code: 1DOLLARMONTH and enjoy up to five different teas next month for just one dollar! Wow! That’s amazing! Be sure to check it out and tell ’em that I sent you!
Energy Green Tea Blend from Byron Bay Tea Company
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green Tea
Where to Buy: Byron Bay Tea Company
Product Description:
Brighten your day with this clean, balanced and lively infusion of Green tea, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola and mixed berries. A perky and delightful tea to pick you up in the morning, inspire your afternoon, or energise your evening. A healthy alternative to coffee. Enjoy!
Learn more about this blend here.
Taster’s Review:
I am liking this Energy Green Tea Blend from Byron Bay Tea Company, even though I really didn’t think I would like it. It’s got two strikes against it right at the start: hibiscus – yikes! ginseng – ugh! But I’m enjoying it … it would seem that it’s a hit even though it started out with a lot going against it.
The berry flavor is strong. I can taste the currants and the strawberries and hints of blackberry. And yes, I do taste the hibiscus, but somehow, when paired with berries, hibiscus is less … difficult for me to drink. Hibiscus seems to highlight the tart notes of the berry and somehow make the berries taste a little more like berries.
The green tea is tasted in there too, although I will say that the flavor is slightly obscured by the rest of the ingredients. I taste the fresh vegetal tones of the green tea though, and I like the way all these ingredients work together – yes, even those ingredients that I’m less than enthused about!
Overall, this is a refreshing drink, and it lives up to its promise as stated in its name – it’s an energizing beverage that will help get you going when you need that snap of vitality.
Fireberry Tisane from Tiesta Tea
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Rooibos & Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Tiesta Tea
Tisane Description:
Dark, rich, and smooth. Who doesn’t want that? With a combination of all your favorite berries, this charmer will definitely leave you burning for more. (Another amazing iced tea!)
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
This Fireberry Tisane from Tiesta Tea is a very unexpected tisane. The name suggests to me a tisane with the warming power of ingredients such as chili pepper or perhaps ginger … but this tisane has neither. And because I didn’t read the ingredient list before I took my first sip, I was surprised at how smooth this tasted. It didn’t taste sharply tart the way many fruit and herbal tisanes do, and I suspect this has something to do with the rooibos in the blend.
Oh, it still has some tartness – not just from the hibiscus but from the three different berries: cranberry, currants and elderberries. But the sweet, slightly nutty, slightly honey-esque notes of the rooibos softens the tart bite.
This is a tasty blend. I do still find myself a bit let down by the lack of “fire” in this blend, and I am wishing that there was in fact some chili pepper or ginger of something else that might give it a touch of heat. As it is though, it’s a remarkably smooth tisane … with a nice sweetness and contrasting tart note that doesn’t take tart too far.
Enjoyable … one I would be happy to drink again.
Fruity Cherry Banana Tea from Kally Tea
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit/Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Kally Tea
Tisane Description:
Herb and fruit tea in some circles is considered a new type of tea. We formulated this blend to accommodate tastes of people who wanted to experience a refreshing healthy new style drink without caffeine. What we got was a terrific ‘tea’ that is unbelievably delicious and enjoyed Hot or Cold! This tea has a very exotic flavor profile. The delicious blend of cherries and bananas combined with the natural flavors and tartness of the other dried fruits create a summertime cooler or a wintertime summer reminder.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
Knowing this was a fruit tisane with hibiscus, I steeped it for just five minutes. And even after five minutes, the liquor looked very hibiscus-y. Very deep, ruby red. I was worried.
And yes, I taste the hibiscus too, but, it works in this blend. In fact, I think that the hibiscus is good in this cup. Yep, I said it. This tisane would not be the same without the hibiscus. The hibiscus gives the cup a pleasant body and keeps the liquid from tasting and feeling too thin. And the tartness of the hibiscus gives a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cherry, banana and other fruits in this tisane.
And thankfully, the hibiscus is not overdone. It is there, but it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the fruit. I taste the sweet banana and cherry flavors, as well as the orange, apple and strawberry. It’s a bit like a sweet-tart ambrosia without the whipped cream and mini-marshmallows.
I really enjoyed this tisane. It tasted great served hot, and I think it would be even better iced. For a real treat, try freezing it for a tasty ice pop!