February 22, 2024 | FEATURES | By Charlotte Maley
Having a little drink to look forward to everyday is an essential piece, I think, of any happy life. Whether that’s a favorite iced latte from Starbucks, or maybe a cold Coca-Cola just before sitting down to study, a person’s drink of choice is as satisfying as it is spiritual.
My drink is tea, and it is because of this that I must recruit anyone I can to this side of the beverage aisle. Not only is it hydrating, perfectly suited to every weather, delicious, and beneficial to health, it is also a substance with an incredible history; it has held importance in so many cultures for so many years. From the healing traditions of East Asia to serving as a justification for imperial regimes, tea is a powerful substance that has withstood the test of time.
Tea came into being, according to the popular Chinese legend, when the emperor Shen Nung of 2737 B.C. was drinking hot water under a tree whose leaves fell into his cup. As a herbalist and drink lover, he decided that this could be a more delicious way for people to take in their essential vitamins and minerals.
Although this is the most popularly circulated myth across the world regarding tea’s contested origin, many countries across Asia have their own mythologies or recorded histories which credit local inventors for the founding of this herbal beverage. What we know for certain is that tea was spread across large stretches of land by way of Buddhist monks, allowing the cross-cultural evolution of its formulations, the most trendy in contemporary times being matcha from Japan.
Eventually, the tradition of steeping herbs made its way up to Russia, via camel train, as well as the Arab world through trade. It wasn’t until the 17th century that tea became well known in Europe, where it was considered an “oriental” and “adventurous” treat for aristocratic families in Holland, England, and France. Although it wouldn’t become a popular drink in this region for its own sake until the 18th century – where it would come to be thought of as a British delicacy as well as a Chinese one – it was long before used as the catalyst for such exploitative industries as the British East India Company.
It is because of these problematic adoptions (to say the least) of herbal brewing in the West that the world was introduced to such Indian produced plants as assam or Darjeeling. The establishment of these large-scale global trade operations that controlled the export of tea can also be credited for causing the American Revolution (cue the Boston Tea Party) as well as the state’s subsequent independence from England.
In American tradition, tea became most well liked in its iced form and has become a prominent component of the country’s drinking culture today. It is enjoyed in forms influenced by many traditions, where almost every city has a beloved boba shop, and United States-based grocery stores regularly have teabag sections. In Colorado Springs, however, the emphasis on tea goes even further, where the city is home to multiple boutiques, restaurants, and shops dedicated to the sale of tea and its benefits.
My favorite of these is called the Yellow Mountain Tea House; it is located just a five-minute drive from campus in Old Colorado City:
Yellow Mountain is a traditional Chinese restaurant that offers its clients tea ceremonies, house-mixed loose-leaf blends, and an experience that treats tea as more than just an alternative to coffee. Part of the experience is walking into their dimly lit shop, where multicolored paper lanterns dangle from the ceiling, accompanied by a visitor taking in the walls upon walls of jars filled with every type of tea imaginable. Patrons can go around smelling each one, where flavors range from plain oolong to unique blends entitled “Wild Berry Cobbler” or “Sunset Persephone.”
Eventually, clients pick their favorite, and are seated at a tatami table where they may watch a traditional Chinese tea ceremony unfold before their very eyes. After this beautiful performance of intention, the customer may enjoy their healthy and delicious brew of choice and wonder why on Earth they would ever opt for anything else. As a regular at this establishment, I can say with certainty that it’s worth the five dollars that it costs for nearly three quality refills, and that you should try my personal favorite, an earthy, fruity, black tea called “Blood Harvest Moon.”
Although Yellow Mountain is no doubt a shining star of Colorado Springs’ tea offerings, there are more than enough others that are of similar quality and better cater to certain interests. One of my other favorite establishments is Queen’s TeApothecary, which is a small retail shop in Old Colorado City. This quaint spot was established in 2015 by Mandalyn King (known as “The Queen”) and is perfect for an escape into your princess tea parties of youth. Rustic garden decor, macrame doilies, and heart shaped steepers can be found on every shelf, where each loose-leaf tea is carefully packaged into small brown pouches. Her mission is to provide people with safe alternatives to Western medicine; although her business is so large she can no longer grow every herb herself, she sources everything from certified organic suppliers that she can trust. Generously providing one free tea bag with every purchase and a wonderful rewards program, Queen’s Tea is a wonderful spot to get artisanal blends to brew at home and quality individual herbs that can be hard to get at any regular grocery store.
For all my fellow insomniacs, I highly recommend a trip to Queens Tea, where they have all sorts of blends to help with any style of sleep issues. My personal favorite is their calming blend of lavender, catnip, and chamomile called “Sleepy Princess.”
Although they are not my first-choice spots, there are a few other places that deserve honorable mentions for their commitment to preaching tea’s gospel. For example, The British Tea Pantry, located on W. Colorado Ave, is an adorable spot to enjoy traditional British baked goods alongside some basic teas imported directly from the United Kingdom. Organic Herbs and Tea Co. is another boutique with a wonderful selection geared towards wellness promotion, and FestiviTea is a great cafe to enjoy tea-time with friends. Unlike other cities, Colorado Springs is filled to the brim with storefronts ready and willing to nurture your newfound tea obsession. Regardless of preference, Colorado Springs is ready to entertain diverse tastes and needs. Your little drink is a special thing, and tea from a local spot can pull through for you even better than any sugar-filled Yerba Mate or guilty Red Bull.