Many people don’t know this but tea has branched from the casual chai to a specialty breed. As a professional barista and mixologist, I have been at it to improve and come up with different recipes for different  seasons that entails the specialty teas. 

There are breeds of teas that help with inflammation, blood control, digestion and even menstruation when made correctly with patience and the right recipe. It can change and calm the body when stressed.

Below are some few recipes that you can use at home, café or even high end restaurant;

1. Hibiscus Tea (Clean, Bright, Floral-Acid)

Barista Recipe

• Hot or Iced
• 5 g dried hibiscus petals
• 500 ml water (92–95°C)
• Steep 5–7 minutes

Optional: orange peel or honey (very light)

 Barista tip:

Serve iced in clear glass to showcase the ruby color.

Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants
• Supports heart health
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Cooling and refreshing

Best Season

☀️ Late spring & summer

Barista Angle

• Use as a cold-brew base
• Excellent for signature iced teas
• Works well in mocktails and tea spritzers
• Color = visual storytelling (huge for cafés)

2. Chamomile Tea (Soft, Gentle, Floral)

Barista Recipe

• 3 g whole chamomile flowers
• 400 ml water (90°C)
• Steep 4–5 minutes

Optional: drop of vanilla syrup or honey

Benefits

• Calming, sleep-supporting
• Digestive aid
• Anti-inflammatory
• Caffeine-free

Best Season

🌙 Year-round, strongest in early spring & evenings

Barista Angle

• Ideal for evening menus
• Can be paired with pastries
• Position as a slow ritual tea
• Great upsell for customers avoiding caffeine

3. Lemon & Mint Tea (Fresh, Clean, Uplifting)

Barista Recipe

• 3 g dried mint or 6–8 fresh leaves
• Zest of lemon peel (no pith)
• 450 ml water (95°C)
• Steep 4 minutes

Benefits

• Aids digestion
• Refreshing and hydrating
• Supports immunity
• Naturally energizing without caffeine

Best Season

🌸 Spring → Summer

Barista Angle

• Great as post-meal tea
• Serve hot in spring, iced in summer
• Can be carbonated for café-style drinks
• Very approachable for new tea drinkers

4. Raspberry Tea (Fruity, Lightly Tart)

Barista Recipe

• 5 g dried raspberry pieces or leaf
• 500 ml water (95°C)
• Steep 5 minutes

Benefits

• Antioxidant-rich
• Supports digestion
• Mild and refreshing
• Caffeine-free

Best Season

🌼 Spring

Barista Angle

• Seasonal feature tea
• Works well in fruit-forward menus
• Blend base for berry infusions
• Excellent iced with minimal sweetening

5. Blueberry Tea (Round, Soft, Slightly Sweet)

Barista Recipe

• 5 g dried blueberries
• 500 ml water (95°C)
• Steep 6 minutes

Benefits

• Supports brain health
• High antioxidant content
• Gentle sweetness
• Caffeine-free

Best Season

🌤 Late spring to summer

Barista Angle

• Use in cold infusions
• Excellent for layered iced drinks
• Pair with breakfast pastries
• Can be blended with hibiscus for complexity

6. Strawberry & Vanilla Tea (Comforting but Light)

Barista Recipe

• 4 g dried strawberry
• ½ vanilla pod or natural vanilla extract
• 450 ml water (90–92°C)
• Steep 4–5 minutes

Benefits

• Mood-lifting aroma
• Gentle antioxidants
• Comforting without heaviness

Best Season

🌸 Early spring

Barista Angle

• Bridges winter → spring menus
• Dessert-style tea without sugar overload
• Great for customers transitioning from sweet drinks to tea
• Works beautifully as a latte-style infusion (no milk needed)

7. Moringa Tea (Green, Earthy, Functional)

Barista Recipe

• 2–3 g dried moringa leaves
• 400 ml water (85–90°C)
• Steep 3 minutes (don’t overbrew)

Benefits

• High in vitamins & minerals
• Supports immunity
• Anti-inflammatory
• Light natural energy

Best Season

🌱 Year-round, strongest in spring

Barista Angle

• Position as functional wellness tea
• Popular with health-conscious customers
• Pair with light food
• Educate guests — storytelling boosts value

8. Matcha & Moringa Blend (Modern, High-Value)

Barista Recipe

• 1 g ceremonial or café-grade matcha
• 1 g moringa powder
• 60 ml water (75–80°C)
• Whisk until smooth

Optional: top with hot water or oat milk

Benefits

• Clean sustained energy
• High antioxidants
• Focus + nutrition combo
• No crash

Best Season

🌿 Spring mornings

Barista Angle

• Premium menu item
• Appeals to wellness & specialty crowd
• Can be served hot or iced
• Strong storytelling around balance & renewal

As a barista or mixologist working in the hospitality sector, knowledge is key to good customer service. Most customers don’t know what to drink and it falls to you to make some suggestions to them. They might call it upselling but to the few who have worked in the field, you are not only a barista/mixologist but a nutritionist and psychologist.