Hazelnut Mate from Fava Tea. . . . .

I really enjoy the flavor of hazelnut. When I was a coffee drinker I would always get a hazelnut macchiato or hazelnut iced coffee in the summers. I know that mate is very energizing, and I really would like to enjoy it. The mate blends I’ve tried thus far weren’t too pleasing to me. Although they were good blends, and i’m sure that others would enjoy them, they just weren’t my taste. When I came across Hazelnut Mate on Fava Tea’s website, I thought i’d give it a try. I figured I may enjoy the hazelnut flavor, since for whatever reason mate tends to come closest to a coffee substitute out of all the tea types, next to black tea of course. There’s something about the richness of the mate blends I’ve tried that really reminds me of coffee, plus the energy boost is pretty awesome too.

Upon smelling the dry leaf of this blend I noticed that the cocoa scent was strong, although that didn’t translate as strong to the taste of the cup. I was thankful for that because I didn’t want a blend that was too chocolatey, I wanted it to be more nutty/hazelnut. I immediately liked this tea as soon as I sipped it. This is the first mate blend that I couldn’t put down. It is so smooth and its not too heavy or thick. I have tried many hazelnut black teas, and the difference between them and this mate blend is that the mate has absolutely no bitterness and it isn’t as bold and in-your-face as black tea can be. Its really smooth and almost a little grassy, but the hazelnut component adds some nuttiness and that flavor that I know and love from my coffee-drinking days. I really enjoyed this tea and it has made me curious about other mate blends. Whether you’ve had mate before or not, if you like hazelnut you should try this!


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Yerba Mate
Where to Buy:  Fava Teas
Description

Nutty, smooth and packed full of vitamins and minerals this is the perfect choice for an enlightening lift! Roasted yerba mate leaves blended with hazelnuts, cocoa nibs and cornflower blossoms. And finally because sometimes you feel like a nut…. Blends well with Chocolate Cream Rocks.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Hazelnut. . .Chocolate. . .Yerba Mate. . . Mocha Nut Mate from Adagio Teas

Okay, full disclosure here, I was really hesitant about this blend. I am not a fan of mocha/coffee flavor at all. I switched from coffee to tea a long time ago and don’t really like tea that tastes like coffee. However, the smell of the dry leaf was enticing me because I could smell the hazelnut and chocolate and it smelled delicious. I’ve never had mate before and I hear its loaded with caffeine, so if you are looking for an energy boost this just may be a great tea for you.

The steeped liquid looked as dark as coffee and I feel like if I added a little cream you would have thought it was coffee in my cup opposed to tea! I added just a pinch of agave to this one, and that’s usual for me, but I really did it because this blend includes dark chocolate and mocha flavor- both of which can be very bitter especially in combination with each other. Not going to lie, I was not a fan of this. The only reason I didn’t like it is because it was true to its name- mocha. This tea tasted just like a cafe mocha with a dash of hazelnut and chocolate! I did not finish the cup, but my coffee-loving boyfriend did and he thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

Unfortunately this tea was not my “cup of tea” (pun intended). But that doesn’t mean that this wasn’t a good blend. It actually would have been a favorite of mine if I enjoyed the flavors of mocha and dark chocolate. It was true to its name and the flavors were bold and smooth and comforting. I think that if you like coffee or are looking for an alternative to coffee, you will really love this tea.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Mate
Where to Buy:  Adagio Teas
Description
The mellow chicory-like character of our Brazilian toasted mate is a perfect platform for a favorite indulgence: chocolate! Add a bit of hazelnut and you have the perfect treat. Great straight up or enhanced with cream and sugar. If you’re a fan of chocolate mate teas, we invite you to give this formula a try. Please note that all Mate varieties contains caffeine; we would not suggest it as a nightcap.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Using Heavenly Hazelnut from BlendBee to Create A Nutella like Latte!

Back when I was in grad school, I worked as a nanny. And among the many, many things I adored about the wonderful family I worked for, near the top of the list was the CONSTANT supply of Nutella they always had in their cabinet. You guys? I was obsessed.

So as soon as I took one whiff of this tea from Blend Bee, I was instantly transported back to the tablespoon I’d smear in my oatmeal every morning, or lick off the knife after I was done making a treat for the little ones. This tea is one hundred percent, spot-on hazlenut in scent and flavor, and I knew there was only one way I wanted to brew it– by making it into a Nutella latte.

I simply steeped the tea in about 3/4 the normal amount I’d use of hot water, and when finished, stirred in a tablespoon of dry drinking chocolate mix we had in our cabinet, and topped it off with some steamed coconut milk. The result? Nutella in a cup! It was pure, decadent perfection, while still feeling light and not overly-sugared from the tea base. I don’t think I’ll ever brew this tea any other way– as it is an herbal tea, it made for a lovely, caffeine- and guilt-free way to end the day.

Yum!


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Honeybush
Where to Buy: BlendBee
BlendBee-Logo-and-Tagline-2Description

A delightful and highly beneficial Honeybush tea blend. Paired with rich ingredients like Chicory Root and Carob Bean. Rounded out with super nutritious Agrimony Herb and infused with exquisite and nutty Hazelnut & Vanilla extracts.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Chocolate Hazelnut Dessert Tea from Plum Deluxe

 

Chocolate Hazelnut Dessert Tea from Plum Deluxe was one of my samples that I received a month or two ago. I am not a huge chocolate or hazelnut fan to begin with. Mix that with honeybush (which I love or hate) and that tea is bound to hang out in my tea stash for a while.

That is a tragedy and shame on me when it comes to this tea. This tea has me rethinking my whole thought process when it comes to this combo. I could even see stocking this tea in my cabinet for that sweet treat after dinner.

First whiff of this dry leaf and you are greeted with this decadent and dare I say sinful aroma of rich milk chocolate notes and hazelnuts.  Using the same brewing method as an herbal (212F-5 minutes), I graciously poured a mug full of this dessert tea and sat down to enjoy.

Immediately I am again greeted with those rich milk chocolate notes. Took my first sip after allowing the tea to cool for a couple moments.  Deep lush silky chocolate notes swirl on the tongue with a nice mix of a creamy hazelnut vibe.  Both flavors are given a good amount of time in the spotlight and do not overtake each other.

This is one of those gorgeous dessert teas that really transport you. Since this is a caffeine free tea, this would be the perfect way to wind down for the day. I can’t believe how crazy I am about this tea and highly recommend it.

Leave it to Plum Deluxe to create a chocolate tea I love. Simple fresh ingredients blended with love. That is just want Plum Deluxe does.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type:  Honeybush

Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe

plumdeluxe_logo_strapteaDescription:

People have been pairing chocolate with hazelnut for millennia.  Why not — it’s a perfect pairing. We paired it with honeybush — our favorite herbal tea — to make a decadent, delicious drink. Add a splash of cream and/or a pinch of sugar, or turn it into the most wonderful tea latte ever.

Learn more about this tea here.

Winter Wonderland from Simpson & Vail

winterWonderlandTea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green Rooibos

Where to Buy: Simpson & Vail

Tea Description:

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland…”

A wonderful blend of green rooibos with cacao and cinnamon and flavored with Bavarian chocolate, cinnamon and hazelnuts. When we sampled this in our store we heard “Best rooibos ever!”, “A new favorite”, “Great everyday tea”. It brews to a golden cup with the delicious aroma and taste of cinnamon baked goodies (we were reminded of apple fritters). Smooth and warming, this blend has the more pronounced taste of cinnamon and hazelnuts, while the Bavarian chocolate is an underlying taste that rounds out the other flavors. Delicious in every season!

Ingredients: Organic green rooibos, organic cacao nibs, organic cinnamon pieces, flavoring, white and blue cornflower petals

Learn more about this tea here.

Tea Description:

I adore and love green rooibos blends. I have considered red rooibos my arch enemy for some time but there is something fresh, soothing, and delightful in green rooibos blends.  I’ve had several Simpson & Vail blends but I have had my eye on their holiday blends for some time.  So when they offered a chance for me to review them, I jumped all over the opportunity!

This particular blend is a green rooibos base with chocolate, cinnamon, and hazelnut.  Um. . .sign me up!

I brewed this up at work and shared a cuppa with a fellow co-worker.  5 minutes later, we were each enjoying this treat.

First sip in and I was looking up and trying to justify buying more of this tea. For 2 oz at $4.25- this tea is a steal!

This flavor profile for this tea is this lush amazing decadent dessert tea that keeps you wanting more and more. My co-worker said it reminded her of apple pie.  Me-it reminded me of a slightly honey cinnamon sweetness with hints of the hazelnut and chocolate towards the end of each sip.  The more the tea cools the more hazelnut and chocolate become pronounced. There are subtle hints of a coconut goodness as well.  Such a great mix of flavors.  And just so good. This would be great to share and enjoy a cuppa with family and friends over the holidays. Another fantastic tea from Simpson & Vail. I really don’t think they have a bad tea to offer! Off to get another cuppa.  This is going to be one I need to have on hand regardless of the time of year! Looks like I’m going to have to stock up on this delight!