Chilly autumn days paired with tea and a good book sound like one of the warmest and coziest ways to relax. According to research, aside from its countless health benefits, tea also boosts an individual’s creativity and alertness. Not only is it healthy, but it also improves one’s reading experience. Hot chocolate is a common go-to pairing for cozy books, but it’s good to try something new now and then — like tea. So, grab your favorite throw blanket; it’s time to settle into your reading nook for some quality R&R.
Anyone is free to pair their most-loved tea with a book of their choice, but some pairings seem to work better than others. Once you try a few, you’ll know which ones you like best. You could even mix and match however you see fit. But for those just starting to connect the cozy vibes between books and their tea, here are some recommendations to get you started.
Chamomile and Romance
People commonly drink chamomile on late afternoons or evenings to cap off the day nicely, and reading romance calls for a nice, flavorful tea. It’s no wonder that these two make a great pair. The aromatic brew of the most stress-relieving tea complements budding love stories and passionate romances, accenting the emotional story beautifully.
- Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review by Tehlor Kay Meija
- Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (Read our review)
- Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Oolong and Science Fiction
Science fiction is not afraid to push the boundaries and go beyond anyone’s imaginations. The futuristic theme goes well with the classic, well-loved oolong tea. It has quite the flavor range depending on how it is brewed. Some enthusiasts say that there is no other tea more diverse and complex than oolong tea, similar to the genre of science-fiction.
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
- The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa
- This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Black Tea and Fiction
Black tea is said to be the most flavorful out of all the teas due to its strong aroma and taste. The rich flavors fit well with fiction, an all-encompassing genre that includes many different elements. Fiction books are often deeply emotional works. Similar to black tea, it packs quite a powerful punch that leaves any individual wholeheartedly satisfied.
- Speech Team by Tim Murphy
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Lost Book of Adana Moreau by Michael Zapata
Lemon Ginger and Mystery & Thriller
Lemon ginger isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, much like mystery & thriller. The genre makes readers look beyond the surface to reach understanding, which is the same way you should approach the tea. Somehow, it tastes a bit too spicy and sweet for anyone’s liking, but it eventually leaves a lasting positive impact.
- Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
- Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
White Tea and Magical Realism
The white tea is a delicate drink with a subtle taste, often paired with lemon or honey. It has a light floral and fruity taste, a refreshing drink for those who are new to tea. In many ways, it is similar to magical realism. The genre is like a cross between fiction and fantasy – still grounded in the real world but ultimately magical.
- Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
- The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia
- The Comet Seekers by Helen Sedgwick
Earl Grey and Fantasy
As a popular tea, earl grey is a common choice for readers. However, it makes a great combination with fantasy because of its perfumey smell and citrus taste. It goes well with the magical setting of fun and unique otherworldly action. The smooth taste of earl grey captures the whimsical feeling of fantasy, a suitable accompaniment to fanciful adventures.
- The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- The Midnight Hour by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder
Green Tea and Historical Fiction
Historical fiction novels are unique stories set in the past, which is why an earthy green tea would be a great choice. Some say it tastes almost grassy, which fits these novels that are written around a moment in history as they are grounded to a certain geographical location. It works great for novels that give readers a glimpse into another setting altogether.
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
- Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys
Try a variety of different flavors and enjoy the stories that will unfold. This autumn, there’s no better time to stay indoors, get cozy, and dig into your neverending pile of books.
Header by Franciele da Silva
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