If you are a book lover, chances are you also enjoy a good cup of tea. There is something magical about curling up with a book and a hot drink, especially on a cold or rainy day. But why do books and tea go so well together? And what are some of the best books and tea pairings to try? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more.
Why Books and Tea Go So Well Together
Books and tea have a lot in common. They both have a long and rich history, spanning across cultures and continents. Both having a variety of flavours, aromas, and benefits, depending on the type and quality. Additionally, they both stimulate the senses, the mind, and the soul, offering relaxation, inspiration, and enjoyment.
Books and tea also complement each other in many ways. Tea can enhance the mood and atmosphere of a book, whether it is cozy, adventurous, romantic, or mysterious. Tea can also help you focus and concentrate on the words and the story. Not only that, it can also soothe your throat if you like to read aloud. Books can enrich the experience of tea, by providing context, background, or insight into the origin, production, or culture of tea. Books can also inspire you to try new teas or experiment with different blends and recipes.
How to Choose the Best Books and Tea Pairings
There is no definitive rule or formula for choosing the best books and tea pairings. It depends on your personal preference, taste, mood, and occasion. However, here are some general tips and suggestions to help you find your perfect match:
- Consider the genre and tone of the book. For example, classic novels or historical fiction might work well with a traditional tea like black tea or green tea. Whereas fantasy or sci-fi novels might suit a more exotic or adventurous tea like oolong tea or pu-erh tea. When reading romance or comedy novels, try choosing a more sweet or floral tea like rooibos tea or chamomile tea.
- Consider the setting and theme of the book. For example, when reading a book set in China or Japan, choose a tea originating from those countries. Jasmine tea or matcha tea would be best for the countries. If reading a book set in India or England, try choosing a tea that is popular in those countries. For example, chai tea or earl grey tea. Whereas, If you are reading a book about tea itself, you might want to choose a tea that is featured or mentioned in the book.
- Consider your own mood and preference. For example, when feeling stressed or anxious, try choosing a calming or soothing tea like lavender tea or peppermint tea. When feeling tired or sluggish, try choosing an energising or stimulating tea like yerba mate tea or ginger tea. If you are feeling adventurous or curious, you might want to choose a new or unusual tea that you have never tried before.
Some Good Examples of Tea and Book Combinations
To give you some inspiration and ideas, here are some examples of books and tea pairings that we think go well together! Stay posted for more books and tea pairings in the future as we are always adding new titles. Feel free to suggest any good pairings of your own in the comment section below. If we think they are good, we will add them to the list!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen + English Breakfast Tea:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen + English Breakfast Tea. A classic combination for a classic novel. Enjoy the witty dialogue and the romantic tension between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Immerse yourself with a robust and full-bodied black tea blend that is perfect for any time of day. We recommend Taylors of Harrogate English Breakfast Tea for a traditional English tea to suit the elegant British theme.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams + Earl Grey Tea:
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams + Earl Grey Tea. A quirky and humorous pairing for a quirky and humorous novel. Explore the galaxy with Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Prefect with a fragrant and citrusy black tea flavored with bergamot oil that is sure to lift your spirits. Perhaps the unique fruitiness of Plum Deluxe Strawberry Earl Grey Gratitude Blend would be fitting for such a quirky novel!
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett + Chamomile Tea:
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett + Chamomile Tea. A cozy and comforting pairing for a cozy and comforting novel. Follow the transformation of Mary Lennox and her friends as they discover the magic of nature with a soothing and floral herbal infusion that is ideal for relaxing before bedtime. Wind down with Bigelow Cozy Chamomile Herbal Tea. An all-natural, caffeine-free brew; Ideal for a soothing and relaxing experience into The Secret Garden!
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien + Oolong Tea:
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien + Oolong Tea. An epic and adventurous pairing for an epic and adventurous novel. Join Frodo Baggins and his companions as they embark on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring with a complex and diverse semi-oxidized tea that has a range of flavours from floral to nutty to smoky. In particular, the Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong Tea. A befitting tea to capture the dark, volcanic plains of Mordor with its unique, distinctive smokey flavour.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry + Rooibos Tea:
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry + Rooibos Tea. A sweet and whimsical pairing for a sweet and whimsical novel. Learn valuable lessons about life and love from the Little Prince and his friends who travel the universe in search of wisdom. The perfect match for a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion that has a mild and honey-like taste. Try the Soeos Organic Rooibos Tea for a naturally sweet and delicate brew, reflecting the nature of this beautiful novel. Add a slice of lemon or a dash of honey for that extra sweetness!
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See + Pu-erh Tea:
- The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See + Pu-erh Tea. A moving and captivating novel about a Chinese woman who gives up her daughter for adoption and the daughter who searches for her roots. Pu-erh tea is a fermented tea that plays a significant role in the story and the culture of the characters. Look no further than Golden Moon Organic Pu-erh Tea. A deep, earthy flavour that coats your tongue and helps relax your mind. Aged in caves for 10 years!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern + Earl Grey Tea:
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern + Earl Grey Tea. A magical and enchanting novel about two young magicians who are bound by a mysterious competition that takes place in a nocturnal circus. Earl Grey tea is a classic and elegant black tea flavored with bergamot oil that suits the whimsical and romantic atmosphere of the book. For this novel, you could try the Patenger Rose Earl Grey Tea. A combination of the fruity and uplifting bergamot taste with the romantic rose aroma. Perfect for the love and romance of this novel.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho + Mint Tea:
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho + Mint Tea. A timeless and inspirational novel about a young shepherd who follows his dreams to find a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Mint tea is a refreshing and invigorating herbal infusion that is popular in North Africa and the Middle East, where the book is set. Immerse yourself in the culture of the this novel with the award winning Novus Egyptian Mint Tea. Experience this recipe dating back to the pharaoh’s for a hearty, refreshing, and caffeine free peppermint tea!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott + Chamomile Tea:
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott + Chamomile Tea. A beloved and heartwarming novel about the four March sisters and their journey from childhood to adulthood in 19th century America. Chamomile tea is a soothing and calming herbal infusion that is perfect for cozying up with this classic tale of family, friendship, and love. Even better, combine the soothing properties of chamomile with the beauty and elegance of lavender to suit this loving novel. We recommend Tiesta Tea Lavender Chamomile for an aromatic and warm retreat in a cup!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson + Black Tea:
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson + Black Tea. A thrilling and gripping novel about a disgraced journalist and a hacker who team up to solve a decades-old mystery involving a wealthy Swedish family. Black tea is a strong and bold tea that can keep you awake and alert as you follow the twists and turns of this suspenseful story. Kickstart your concentration with the finest black tea in the world; Assam. Vahdam Second Flush Assam Tea is a high quality option for a strong and full-bodied black tea to immerse yourself into this mystery!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt + Lapsang Souchon Tea:
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt + Lapsang Souchon Tea. This book is a dark and gripping thriller that revolves around a group of classics students at an elite college who are involved in a murder. Lapsang souchong tea is a smoky and intense black tea that reflects the book’s atmosphere of mystery and danger. We recommend the Organic Positively Tea Company; Lapsang Souchong for a smoky and intense flavour profile to elevate the drama in this mystery!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune + Lavender Tea:
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune + Lavender Tea. This book is a heartwarming and whimsical story of a caseworker who visits an orphanage for magical children and falls in love with the caretaker. Lavender tea is a floral and relaxing blend that matches the book’s soothing and uplifting tone. A suitable match for this book would be Buddha Teas Organic Lavender Tea with its lovely soothing scent and warming feel!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid + Jasmine Green Tea:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid + Jasmine Green Tea. This book is a captivating and glamorous tale of a Hollywood icon who reveals her secrets and scandals to a journalist. Jasmine green tea is a fragrant and refreshing blend that suits the book’s elegance and intrigue. The delicate nature of Luxmi Estates Midnight Bloom Jasmine Green Tea would be befitting for such a novel with luxurious and elegant similarities.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah + Rose Tea:
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah + Rose Tea. This book is a classic, powerful and moving story of two sisters who resist the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Rose tea is a delicate and romantic blend that reflects the book’s courage and love. Try Suncore Foods Dried Rose Petals Bloom Tea for the perfect romantic and loving drink with its beautiful and aromatic dried rose petals. This is another great addition for your books and tea pairings bucket list!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak + Chai Tea:
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak + Chai Tea. This book is a stunning and poignant story of a young girl who steals books and shares them with others in Nazi Germany. Chai tea is a spicy and warming blend that captures the book’s spirit and resilience. We suggest a chai tea with added vanilla for extra warmth. Try Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea to give you that warm feeling and contrast the bitter cold setting in Nazi Germany.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins + Black Tea:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins + Black Tea. This book is a thrilling and dystopian story of a young girl who volunteers to participate in a deadly game where only one can survive. Black tea is a strong and bold blend that reflects the book’s intensity and action.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini + Masala Chai Tea:
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini + Masala Chai Tea. This book is a heartbreaking and powerful story of two boys who grow up in Afghanistan and face the consequences of war, betrayal, and redemption. Masala chai tea is a spicy and rich blend that captures the book’s emotion. It also captures the culture as a commonly drunk beverage from this region, originating from their neighbour, India.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood + Peppermint Tea:
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood + Peppermint Tea. This book is a chilling and dystopian story of a woman who lives in a totalitarian regime where women are oppressed and forced to bear children for the elite. Peppermint tea is a cooling and refreshing herbal infusion that contrasts the book’s bleakness and oppression.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger + Lemon Tea:
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger + lemon tea. This book is a classic and controversial story of a rebellious and cynical teenager who wanders around New York City after being expelled from his boarding school. Lemon tea is a sour and bitter blend that reflects the book’s attitude and mood.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown + Cinnamon Tea:
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown + Cinnamon Tea. This book is a thrilling and suspenseful story of a symbologist and a cryptologist who unravel a conspiracy involving the Holy Grail, the Catholic Church, and a secret society. Cinnamon tea is a spicy and warming blend that suits the book’s mystery and excitement.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green + Chamomile Tea:
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green + Chamomile Tea. This book is a touching and tragic story of two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer. Chamomile tea is a calming and soothing herbal infusion that complements the book’s emotion and tenderness.
Conclusion
Books and tea are two of the best things in life for many people. They can make any day better, any moment more enjoyable, any mood more pleasant. By pairing them together, you can create an even more satisfying and memorable reading experience.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful tips and suggestions on how to choose the best books and tea pairings for yourself or for someone else. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and see what works for you. Write your own books and tea pairings in the comments section below and we will add them to the list!
And remember: there is no right or wrong way to enjoy books and tea. The most important thing is to have fun!
Edited: 14/8/23
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