mornings and i are not really the best mates on most days. some start slow, others slower – which is why i’ve come to rely on a good cuppa to make mornings better. not the over-energised kind, but something that feels steady, balanced and genuinely enjoyable.
like most of us aussies, i was firmly in the coffee camp – until a chance visit to a local tea event in melbourne flipped the script. i stumbled upon a brilliant lineup of morning teas that made me rethink my entire start to the day.
i’ve got a few favourites that always deliver. thought i’d share them – see if any strike a chord with you too.
the importance of morning teas
i’ve come to realise that good morning teas make things feel a bit more manageable. it’s not life-changing or dramatic – just something that helps me feel a bit more settled before starting the day.
we’ve known this about the morning teas for ages, haven’t we? i mean, tea has been a part of aussie life for generations – it’s been part of our homes, workplaces and weekend catch-ups. and it still is! these days, we’re going through around 9.5 billion cups a year.
and lately, it feels like more people are leaning into them, especially the best morning teas – not just out of habit, but for the experience they bring. and here’s the thing – morning teas are a big part of office life too. ask around and you’ll hear things like:
“morning tea means a cuppa, some bikkies and a good catch-up.”
“we all take a break at 9:30, grab tea…and yep – we get paid for it.”
it just shows that finding the best tea to drink in the morning can make a quiet but decent difference – something that improves the start of the day.
brewing the perfect cup
let’s look at some of the considerations to brew that perfect cup:
tea choice:
you know that tea does it all – it soothes, energises and relaxes. so, simply choose a variety that suits your mood and pick high-quality tea.
tea-water ratio:
toss in just 1 tea bag or a teaspoon of tea per 250ml of fresh filtered water – adding too much or too little tea can change the flavour of your tea.
water temperature:
keep lower water temperature (71°c to 85°c) for white, green and oolong teas and slightly higher (100°c) for herbal and black teas. the right temperature enhances flavours and aroma.
brewing method:
black tea is usually brewed using tea bags placed in a cup or a teapot. boiled water is added and allowed to steep. some other methods are gongfu cha, japanese style, and cold brew for green or herbal teas.
tea steeping:
steeping times vary based on tea type – green teas (1-3 minutes), black teas (3-5 minutes) and herbal teas (5-7 minutes).
the best tea to drink in the morning
as promised, i’m sharing my collection of best morning teas with you.
english breakfast tea
english breakfast is my kind of morning brew – strong enough to get me going, but smooth enough to be enjoyable. there’s something about its rounded flavour that helps me start the day without the sharp kick i used to get from my coffee
easily one of the better decisions i’ve made – switching to what’s probably the best tea to drink in the morning.
and if you like knowing where your tea comes from (i always do), this one’s made with a blend of top-quality leaves from tea gardens in india, rwanda and sri lanka. which probably explains that rich, well-balanced taste.
mao feng green tea
if there’s one green tea that earns a spot among the best morning teas, it’s mao feng. at first, i wasn’t sure if green tea could give me the kind of lift i was after – it felt so different from the bold coffees i was used to. but mao feng caught me by surprise.
it’s smooth and mild, with a natural sweetness and a hint of floral freshness that feels really uplifting. that too, without being overpowering.
the tea leaves are striking – whole and bright green, with tiny silver hairs. when brewed, it produces a pale green cup with a clean, crisp flavour and soft floral notes that feel light on the senses.
earl grey tea
there’s something lovely about starting the day with a cup of earl grey. the light citrus aroma from the bergamot mixed with smooth black tea gives me just the right lift. it doesn’t rush the morning – it helps me start the day gently. that’s one of the qualities of the best morning teas.
additionally, earl grey has some great health benefits. it’s rich in antioxidants and is known to be gentle on an empty stomach. just what the body needs first thing in the morning.
so, if you're looking for a soothing way to begin your day, earl grey is definitely one of the good morning teas worth keeping on hand.
peppermint tea
next up on my list of the best morning teas is peppermint tea. this one really wakes my mind and body with its lively taste and scent. the menthol in this variety helps clear the head and get my senses going – perfect for mornings that need a bit of focus.
it’s also gentle on the gut, which fits well in the morning routine. that’s why it earns a spot among the best teas to drink in the morning.
just a quick tip – for a super minty flavour and the proper benefits, go for a good brand. like the teabags peppermint tea, which has whole leaves or big pieces.
chai tea
i reach for chai tea on a lot of mornings, and it never lets me down. the spicy mix of black tea, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom creates an outstanding experience. sometimes there’s a flavouring of vanilla that makes it even more enjoyable.
you might know it as masala tea because of the spices (masala) it has. if you haven’t tried it yet, do that for its bold combination. it gives a tasty and fulfilling start to the day. the spices also support digestion and help get your circulation going.
that’s why i love starting most of my days with a strong, milky chai tea instead of coffee.
lemon and ginger tea
you’ve likely heard people go on about lemon water first thing in the morning – but have you tried lemon and ginger? if yes, great – you already know the deal. if not, let me tell you...i have, and it’s honestly outstanding.
especially for those mornings when you don’t need a jolt – just something nice and refreshing. that’s what lemon and ginger tea is. it’s not loud, instead just warm, stimulating and a little spicy in the best way.
the subtle spiciness of ginger and the freshness of lemon wake up the senses. it’s brilliant for your metabolism and clearing out the overnight fog – especially after a big weekend.
rooibos tea
cold mornings have a way of steering me straight to the kettle – and more often than not, it’s this rooibos blend that ends up being brewed. that’s because it’s one of the best morning teas to have during winter. not even exaggerating – speaking from experience here!
this earthy red tea comes straight from the mountains of south africa and has a comforting flavour that makes it the best tea to drink in the morning when it gets chilly.
with no caffeine, a rich taste and a good dose of antioxidants and zinc, it’s soothing, a little bold and just the right kind of different experience.
liquorice and mint tea
on mornings when i’m feeling a bit off or just want some extra care, i get myself a cup of liquorice and mint tea. it’s well-known among chinese herbal experts for its calming qualities – especially the way liquorice root helps in reducing throat discomfort.
if you’re unsure about the flavour... don’t be. it’s absolutely delightful – liquorice has a subtle sweetness, and mint is naturally refreshing and cooling. together, they strike a perfect balance that’s both soothing and uplifting.
it’s one of the best morning teas that i reach for on those low-energy mornings – a soothing and tasty tea.
apple and cinnamon tea
i’ve got a soft spot for a few morning teas, but the apple and cinnamon tea from teapigs might just be at the top of my list. there’s something about the sweet and spiced aroma that almost reminds me of apple pie – comforting, familiar and always enjoyable.
this outstanding tea blend is made using a mix of apple, cinnamon, roasted chicory root and a few other spices. while these ingredients are known to offer benefits like supporting digestion, heart health, and keeping inflammation in check, what keeps me coming back is the flavour and the feel-good start it gives to my day.
that’s exactly why it’s earned a spot on my list of the best morning teas.
lemongrass tea
on mornings when i know the day’s going to be a bit full-on, i like to start with a cup of lemongrass tea. it’s become my trick for finding focus and calm before everything kicks off. maybe it’s just a mental thing, but honestly – it sets the tone.
the aroma is what gets me first. there’s something refreshing and grounding about that light herbal fragrance; it gives clarity of thought before the day begins. i’ve also noticed it works well as a gentle detox, especially when i have it first thing on an empty stomach.
that’s exactly why i’ve included it on my list of best morning teas.
rhubarb and ginger tea
the best part about having a variety of morning teas is that there’s always one to suit exactly what the day calls for. i enjoy having the freedom of choice, so when i’m looking for something tart and refreshing to give me a real boost, i go for rhubarb and ginger tea.
mixing up flavours and aromas in my collection of best morning teas keeps each day feeling a little different – because really, who couldn’t use a little lift first thing in the morning? give it a try on some mornings, i’m sure it’ll quickly become a favourite!
how to choose the best morning tea for you
what does your body need that morning?
this is probably the most important thing to think about. some mornings call for a strong boost when you’re in a sleepy mood, and bold black teas like english breakfast or earl grey are perfect for that. other times, you might want to start slow – and that’s when a green or herbal blend can be the best tea to drink in the morning.
also consider how you’re feeling. if you’re feeling bloated, go for something like lemongrass. feeling sluggish? try something stimulating, like ginger or peppermint.
what flavours make you happy?
a good morning tea should taste good to you! think about what kind of flavours you enjoy.
- bold and malty: if you like a strong and earthy flavour, try a classic black tea.
- fresh and grassy: for a clean, almost savoury taste, green tea is the best way to go.
- citrusy and bright: if you're a fan of a fragrant citrus profile, an earl grey with its bergamot oil is a classic choice.
- spicy and warm: when you want something comforting, a spiced chai tea is an outstanding choice.
how much time do you have?
for rushed mornings, a teabag is the best choice for a quick and no-fuss brewing.
conclusion
so that’s my little list of the best morning teas. there’s something for every kind of morning – whether you’re feeling groggy, sleepy or raring to go.
having a few options on hand means you can match your tea to your mood. and if you’re still not sure what to go for, the teapigs mood-o-meter can help point you in the right direction. it’s a fun way to find the best tea to drink in the morning and start the day just right.
it’ll match you with a tea perfectly – give it a go and start your day just right!
faq's on morning teas
q. what tea is best to drink in the morning?
a. picking a good morning tea depends on what you want from your drink. if you need a strong, waking-up flavour, traditional black teas like english breakfast or earl grey are great choices. but if you prefer something gentle and without caffeine, herbal teas like lemon and ginger are a perfect fit.
q. Which tea gives you energy in the morning?
A. for a good energy lift in the morning, try a strong black tea such as english breakfast or a green tea like mao feng. these teas have caffeine that helps wake you up and get you going, making your morning feel fresh and lively.
q. what kind of tea is good for breakfast?
a. a good breakfast tea is one that wakes you up and pairs well with your morning meal. bold black teas like english breakfast or assam are classic choices – they’re strong and rich in caffeine. if you prefer something lighter, green tea or herbal tisanes can be more suitable.
q. which tea is best for a morning empty stomach?
a. herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint or lemongrass are great choices for drinking on an empty stomach in the morning. they’re gentle, soothing and can help with digestion without irritating your stomach.
