The Best Tea for a Rainy Pacific Northwest Morning
Gray skies, a warm mug, the sound of rain. Our favorite teas for a slow, cozy Pacific Northwest morning, from smoky blends to spiced chai.
Around here, rain is less a weather event and more a season. The sky goes soft and gray, the trees drip and the kettle goes on before anything else. If you're hunting for the best tea for a rainy morning, wherever you happen to live, these are the cups we reach for. Many of them are blended right here in the Pacific Northwest.
What makes a good rainy-day tea?
Rainy mornings call for warmth and a bit of weight. We look for teas with body (malty black tea, roasted notes), comforting aromas (spice, smoke, bergamot) and enough backbone to take a splash of milk. A little sweetness never hurt anybody either.
1. Olympic Woodsman, for campfire and cedar
Olympic Woodsman from Beach House Teas blends smoky lapsang souchong and kukicha twig tea with nettle, jasmine and cedar tips. It smells like a wood stove in a forest cabin. Brew it strong and drink it slowly, flannel encouraged.
2. Fog Horn Grey, for a soft, floral start
A gentle Earl Grey twist with Pacific Northwest lavender, cornflowers, orange peel and a hint of vanilla. Fog Horn Grey is just right with a little milk and honey.
Want to turn it into a latte? Our Earl Grey guide shows how to make a London Fog at home. Fitting weather for it, too.
3. Jorhat Assam, for real get-up-and-go
When the morning needs momentum, Assam delivers. Malty, brisk and full-bodied, Jorhat Assam from Seattle's World Spice is the kind of cup that turns a gray day around.
4. Northwest Tea Time, a local breakfast blend
World Spice designed Northwest Tea Time as an everyday blend with a touch of smokiness. It's a natural partner for toast, oatmeal and a long look out the window.
5. Pumpkin Harvest Chai, for cozy spice
Black tea, warming spices and real pieces of organic Washington pumpkin. Simmer Pumpkin Harvest Chai with milk on the stove and let the whole kitchen smell like spice. More options live in our chai collection.
6. Northwest Wild, a caffeine-free option
For slower mornings or late afternoons, Northwest Wild blends hibiscus, Washington cranberries, lemongrass and cinnamon. It's bright, tart and naturally caffeine-free.
How to make a rainy morning ritual
- Fill the kettle and warm your mug with a splash of hot water.
- Brew a little stronger than usual, especially if you're adding milk.
- Find a window. This step isn't optional.
- Put the phone down for the first few sips. The group chat will survive.
Want more from close to home? Browse our Pacific Northwest blends or meet the makers behind them on Meet the Makers.
Quick answers
What tea is best on a cold, rainy day?
Full-bodied black teas, smoky blends and spiced chai feel especially warming. Herbal blends with cinnamon or ginger are cozy caffeine-free choices.
Which teas are blended in the Pacific Northwest?
On Fforage, Beach House Teas, World Spice in Seattle and Smith Teamaker in Portland all blend in the region. See Pacific Northwest blends.
How do I make chai on the stove?
Simmer one to two teaspoons of chai with equal parts water and milk for about five minutes, sweeten to taste and strain.
