Getting to know your first cup

The first brew is a chance to meet the ingredients as well as the finished drink. Loose herbs make a drink visible in a way that a sealed tea bag does not. Leaves, peel, berries and flowers each bring a different shape, colour and scent to the cup.

The ritual

Before brewing, tip a little of the blend into your palm or onto a spoon. Take a moment to mell, look at teh flowers and leaves and berries.

Add the water and notice how the ingredients change. Taste the drink once while hot and again when it has cooled slightly.

Variations

Once you know the first cup, try changing the amount of blend, water temperature or brew time. You could also serve it over ice or use a different cup. See which version you return to.

There is nothing to identify correctly and no tasting vocabulary required. Looking, smelling and tasting are enough.

More for this moment

Rise

Start the morning with music

Let the first music of the day be something you chose

Recharge

Afternoon tea, over ice

Turn an ordinary afternoon drink into something worth looking forward to.

Rest

Make it a pot

Some cups are better when they are not made alone.