mornings and i have never been on great terms. some start slow, others barely start at all – which is probably why i've become particular about what goes in my cup first thing. not coffee, not anymore. a good morning tea does something different. it doesn't jolt me awake. instead, it just makes the whole process of waking up a bit less painful.
i made the switch a few years back after a tea tasting event in melbourne. walked in as a committed coffee drinker, walked out with tea boxes and a completely different morning routine. wasn't expecting that.
since then, i've tried a fair few morning teas – black, green, herbal – and landed on a handful that genuinely work. some give energy, some settle the stomach, some just taste good enough to get me out of bed. i'll run through my favourites here, along with brewing tips and a simple recipe to try at home.
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.
how to brew the perfect morning tea
get them wrong and even a quality tea can taste bad. get them right and you'll notice more flavour, better aroma and a smoother finish. it's not fussy or complicated. most of it comes down to paying attention for a couple of minutes instead of wandering off while the kettle boils. here's what to keep in mind when brewing the best morning teas.
choosing the right tea
start with what suits the morning. a bold black tea like earl grey works when you need energy. green tea is lighter and cleaner. herbal options like peppermint or lemon and ginger are good morning tea choices if caffeine isn't your thing. additionally, good quality makes all the difference in how your best morning teas taste.
tea-to-water ratio
one tea bag or a teaspoon of loose leaf per 250ml of fresh filtered water is the standard. too much tea and it may turn bitter. too little and you won't taste much at all. start with that and adjust the ratio of your best morning teas to water based on how strong you like them.
ideal water temperature
not all morning teas require boiling water. green, white and oolong teas steep better at lower temperatures – around 71°c to 85°c. black and herbal teas handle a full boil at 100°c just fine. the right temperature pulls out the flavour and aroma properly instead of scorching it.
brewing and steeping time
steeping time changes everything. green teas need just 2 to 3 minutes – any longer and they may go bitter. black teas steep well at 3 to 5 minutes. herbal teas are more forgiving, anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes. i set a timer because i will absolutely forget otherwise.
best teas to drink in the morning
not all varieties work well as morning teas. some need food in your stomach first, others are too delicate to cut through that early-morning fog. after a fair bit of trial and error, i've settled on a rotation of morning teas that covers most situations – whether i need caffeine, calm or just something that tastes good before i start the day.
the list includes earl grey, mao feng green tea, peppermint, lemon & ginger, rooibos, liquorice & mint, lemongrass and rhubarb & ginger. some are bold and caffeinated, others herbal and gentle. between them, they cover pretty much every kind of morning – groggy, rushed, cold or slow. if you're after the best tea to drink in the morning, these are the ones i'd point you to. each one is a good morning tea in its own way.
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.
simple morning tea recipes to try at home
making the best morning teas at home takes minutes and barely any equipment. below are three recipes covering the main categories – black, green and herbal.
total servings: 1
category: beverage
cuisine: global
equipment required: pot, teaspoon, strainer (if using loose leaf)
1. classic earl grey tea
preparation time: 1 minute cooking time: 5 minutes total time: 6 minutes
nutritional value per serving: 2 kcal, 0g fat, 0g carbs, 0g protein
ingredients:
• 1 earl grey tea bag or 1 tsp loose leaf
• 250ml fresh filtered water
• milk (optional)
• sweetener (optional)
instructions:
• brew: boil fresh water in a pot.
• steep: add the tea bag or loose leaf in a strainer to the pot. let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
• serve: remove the tea bag or strainer and pour it into your cup. add milk or sweetener or both, if you like.
2. green tea
for varieties like mao feng, drop the water temperature to around 75°c and steep for only 2 to 3 minutes. skip the milk – it doesn't need it.
3. herbal teas
for varieties like lemon and ginger – a good morning tea for caffeine-free days – use boiling water. steep longer, around 5 to 7 minutes, to get the full flavour.
conclusion
that's my morning lineup – black, green and herbal. not every tea suits every morning, and that's fine. some days call for a strong english breakfast, others for something lighter like lemon and ginger. having a few of the best morning teas on hand means you can pick based on how you're actually feeling that day.
not sure where to start? the teapigs mood-o-meter is worth a look. it matches your mood to a tea – a simple way to find a good morning tea without overthinking it.
faq's on morning teas
q. what tea is best to drink in the morning?
a. for a strong caffeine kick, black teas like english breakfast or earl grey work well. if you want something lighter, try green tea like mao feng. and for caffeine-free morning teas, herbal options like lemon and ginger or peppermint are worth trying. the best tea to drink in the morning is really whichever one matches your need.
q. Which tea gives you energy in the morning?
a. varieties like english breakfast and earl grey are probably the best morning teas if you need energy in the morning. they have the highest caffeine content among morning teas. green tea like mao feng works too. chai tea is another option – the combination of black tea and spices like ginger and cinnamon gives both a caffeine lift and a warming boost.
q. what kind of tea is good for breakfast?
a. the best tea to drink in the morning with food is usually a bold black tea like english breakfast or earl grey. it pairs well with most breakfast foods – toast, eggs, cereal, the lot. if you're eating lighter or skipping breakfast altogether, green tea or something herbal like peppermint or lemongrass works better.
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.
q. what are some good breakfast teas?
a. english breakfast is the classic pick – strong, full-bodied and pairs well with just about any morning meal. earl grey is another outstanding option if you prefer something with a citrus edge. for lighter breakfasts, green tea or a herbal blend are good options. any of these work as the best tea to drink in the morning.
q. what teas are good for blood pressure?
a. hibiscus, green tea and chamomile are the ones most commonly linked to supporting healthy blood pressure. black tea may help too. that said, tea isn't a replacement for medical advice or medication. if blood pressure is a concern, speak with your doctor.
