5 Teas for Coffee Drinkers (and Why They Work)

Coffee has a lot going for it: body, depth, a dependable morning lift and a whole ritual built around it. We're not here to talk anyone out of their coffee. (We like our lives too much.) But if you're curious about tea, or just want an afternoon alternative, a few teas meet coffee drinkers right where they are. These are the five teas for coffee drinkers that tend to win people over.

What coffee drinkers usually look for

In our experience, coffee lovers who try tea and bounce off it usually met something thin and floral first. The teas that stick share a few traits: a full body, roasted or malty flavors and enough strength to stand up to milk. Keep those in mind and the list below makes a lot of sense.

1. Assam, the closest thing to a morning cup of coffee

Assam is a fully oxidized black tea from northeast India. It's malty, brisk and bold, with one of the higher caffeine levels among teas. It's also the backbone of most English breakfast blends, so there's a good chance you two have already met. Brew it strong and add milk if you like.

Try: Jorhat Assam, Assam Bukhial or Assam for Breakfast.

2. Roasted oolong, for people who love depth

If you love the roasted, toasty side of coffee more than coffee itself, start here. Darker oolongs are roasted over heat after rolling, which gives them notes of toast, caramel, dark fruit and stone. They're rich without being heavy, and they'll give you several infusions from the same leaves.

Try: Rare Leaves Black Pearl, a dark roasted Taiwanese oolong, or browse all oolongs.

3. Pu-erh, the dark roast of the tea world

Pu-erh is a fermented, often aged tea from Yunnan, China. Ripe styles are smooth, earthy and deep, with very little bitterness. It doesn't taste like coffee, but it scratches the same itch: dark, grounding and complex. Read more in What Is Pu-erh Tea?

Try: Golden Pu-erh.

4. Hojicha, toasty and gentle

Hojicha is Japanese green tea roasted until the leaves turn reddish brown. The roasting creates a nutty, toasty, almost cocoa-like cup that's naturally lower in bitterness. It makes a great latte, so your barista instincts won't go to waste.

Try: Teappo Hojicha loose leaf or isshiki Hojicha Powder for lattes.

5. Chai, for the latte lover

If your coffee order comes with milk and a little sweetness, chai might be your gateway. Black tea and warming spices simmered with milk make a rich, aromatic cup. For a true crossover, try a chai blended with real coffee. Best of both worlds, no choosing required.

Try: Dirty Chai, Chai Five Original or Fireside for a spicy chili and ginger kick.

How to brew tea for a coffee drinker

• Use a little more leaf than the package suggests for a fuller cup.
• Use hot water for black tea, pu-erh and roasted oolong (about 200 to 212°F).
• Add milk to Assam and chai if you like a creamy cup.
• Skip long steeps. Longer brewing adds bitterness faster than it adds strength.

Find all of these and more in Coffee Switchers.

Quick answers

Which tea has the most caffeine?

Black teas like Assam and powdered matcha tend to be highest. Even so, a cup of tea usually has less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. Our caffeine guide has the numbers.

Which tea tastes most like coffee?

Roasted oolong, hojicha and ripe pu-erh share coffee's roasted, deep character. Blends with real coffee or cacao get even closer.

Can I add milk to tea?

Yes. Strong black teas and chai are made for it. Lighter green, white and floral oolong teas are best without.