I enjoy a variety of teas throughout the year, but every February 14th I brew myself a pot of Valentine Tea. I’ve been monogamous for years, but, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself in a quandary, because I’ve recently taken a new “Lover.”

When my friend Stephanie treated me to afternoon tea at Chado in Pasadena a few months ago, it took us at least 20 minutes to peruse the dizzying array of choices on their extensive menu. Everything from white, green, and black teas to original blends and herbal tisanes was represented. I’m terrible at making decisions, but I’m drawn to anything floral, so I opted for the Lover’s Cup: a blend of white tea, rose petals, rose buds, safflowers, and raspberry flavor. I hesitated a bit over that last ingredient, because I’m not generally a fan of fruit teas, but I’m glad I made a date with this blend, because it has blossomed into a passionate relationship.

Lover’s Cup has a similar perfume to Valentine Tea, but its rose flavor is noticeably different. The raspberry is so subtle that, if I hadn’t known it was in the blend, I never would have suspected it, yet there’s a sweetness and intensity to the floral notes that I attribute to the fruit. Valentine Tea is earthier (though no less delicious), but the raspberry in Lover’s Cup seems to enhance the flavor of rose the way that coffee can add depth to chocolate. As a white tea, Lover’s Cup has little caffeine, so my racing heart can only be due to my love for this brew.

Now, the question remains: will my Valentine be mine, or do I drink from my Lover’s Cup? Since I’m sips-positive, I think I’ll choose both this Valentine’s Day and engage in a ménage à thé. It might not be your cup of tea, but that’s what I call a pot party.

Stuff Worthy Of Our Notice™ in this post:

Chado Lover’s Cup White Tea

 

The only version of Lover’s Cup currently available on the Chado website is a rooibos blend including rose and jasmine. To purchase the white tea version featured in this post, visit a Chado Tea Room or call one of their locations to place an order.