Not everyone considers herbal teas to be… well, teas. But whether it’s rooibos, honeybush, or other goodies, you can’t deny that an herbal blend infuses hot water the same way that black, green, oolong, and white teas do. Plus, some of my favorite teas happen to be herbals. 😉

We’ve been happy to include such tisanes in our Tea Times here at A Bibliophile’s Reverie. Today’s is no exception. Serenity is our last sample from Sanctuary T in New York City, and it’s just as heavenly as the description says. Read on to find out more about it!

The Basics

Sanctuary T’s Description: “M-F getting too hectic and stressful? This tea can’t add more hours to the day, but it will make your day slow down for a moment. With its refreshing, flowery blend of peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, lavender and chamomile, a cup of Serenity will calm your nerves while rejuvenating your spirit with its minty flavor. Try it with a dash of maple syrup for a smoother taste.”

Ingredients: Peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, lavender blossoms, and chamomile

Steeping Instructions: Use 1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water. Heat water to below boiling (195 degrees Fahrenheit / 90 degrees Celsius) and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.

Multiple Brews?: No

Bagged or Loose Leaf?: Loose leaf

Caffeine Level: None

The Experience

Ohhhhh, is Serenity a pretty tea from the start! It offers a calming range of colors: soft greens of lemongrass and peppermint, delicate yellow bulbs of chamomile, and tiny indigo buds of lavender. The enchantment takes even greater hold when I open the sample bag. Lavender and chamomile intermingle for a heady, relaxing fragrance, with a hint of minty sweetness. I could keep savoring this bouquet inhale by slow inhale… But that would defeat the purpose of a tea review, wouldn’t it?

For Steep #1, I brew 1 1/2 teaspoons of Serenity for 5 minutes. The liquid takes on a light green color with a golden tinge. The color surprises me; I was expecting more of a yellow-green or true golden shade, but that’s OK. What’s more important is that the chamomile and lavender fragrance hasn’t changed. I really like the combination of the two scents – which makes me giddy about how well all the flavors will complement one another.

Oh my goodness, do they ever. Each sip of Serenity is as soft and comforting as a baby’s blanket. This has a stunningly full taste for an herbal tea, too. It’s sweet, fresh, and floral, with a lemony brightness, pleasant dryness, and invigorating mint finish. It also has that soothing quality that chamomile and other herbals are famous for. This is so lovely, I have to remind myself to savor this first cup.

For Steep #2, I decide to test the longer end of Serenity’s brew range. A fresh dose of leaves sits for 7 minutes before I stir in a recommended dash of Grade A amber maple syrup. (Hey, if we’re drinking gourmet tea, any additives should be of high quality!) I’m not sure if I put enough syrup, since I don’t notice much of a change in flavor or texture. But this second cup is just as delicious as the first one. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….

The Aftertaste

Look no further for peace and calm in a cup than Sanctuary T’s Serenity. Its hypnotic floral bouquet will draw you in, and its blossoming flavor profile and soft mouthfeel will leave you relaxed and refreshed. If you’re looking for teas that can help with stress relief at work or before bed, this will be a welcome addition to your stash. Serenity enchanted me so much that it might be my new favorite herbal blend. And with its competitive price, this tisane is deserving of top honors.

Grade: 10 / 10

Recommended For:

• Tea Drinkers Who: Like herbal teas, especially ones with chamomile, peppermint, and/or lemongrass
• Time of Day and Year: Afternoons and evenings year round, especially in the spring or summer
• Possible Book Pairings: I drank one of my test cups of Serenity while reading Juliet Marillier’s Daughter of the Forest, and it fit the historical fantasy’s Celtic pagan influence, fairy folklore, and the main character’s passions for nature and healing. Serenity would also be a great tea companion when meditating or journaling.

You can purchase Serenity directly from Sanctuary T here.

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In addition to being a tea enthusiast, Sara Letourneau is an avid reader and a writer who… well, enjoys writing! Currently she’s working on a novel, and she writes book reviews and articles on the craft of writing. She’s also a published poet with works available in various print and online publications. Visit Sara at her personal blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

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