Get a Boost with Kusmi Tea

by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
March 28, 2011

My day can’t start or end without a cup of tea. I’ll have Chinese (oolong), Japanese (hojicha or sobacha), English (earl gray) or Indian (Darjeeling) teas. Most recently though I’ve been trying something I never thought I’d like, an eclectic blend of teas by Kusmi Tea.

I’m a purist when it comes to teas, so I was apprehensive about blends, and my first cup of Kusmi was a challenge. Before I even tasted it, I was overwhelmed by the powerfully spicy aroma of the Sweet Love blend (Chinese black tea, ginseng, liquorice roots, spices, guarana seed, and pink pepper), but after a taste, I was pleasantly surprised by the perfect balance Kusmi achieves through its masterful blending. On the palate, I liked it more with each smooth and soothing sip.

Kusmi’s line of wellness teas from Detox to Boost are smooth blends tailored to different moods, kind of like essential oils. In the morning, I like Boost, a blend of mate and Chinese green tea, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. The spices are aromatic but not overpowering. It’s just the right boost to kick-start my day. Detox, with its blend of mate, Chinese green tea, and lemon grass, is best in the evenings when I’m trying to unwind.

Originally founded in St. Petersburg 140 years ago by Pavel Kousmichoff, Kusmi Tea (an abbreviation of Kousmicoff) is now based in Paris and available in New York at Kusmi’s boutique at 1037 Third Avenue and on the sixth floor of Bloomingdale’s.

Kusmi Tea at Bloomingdale's