Tea Blog

One of the wonderful things about tea is that there are countless ways to enjoy it. Over the years, I’ve tried to practice a certain degree of tea tolerance, recognizing that every tea drinker has their own preferences, rituals, and opinions.

That doesn’t mean I always understand those preferences.

For example, I generally prefer my tea plain. When I see someone adding cream, milk, sugar, lemon, or other extras to a carefully crafted black tea, I sometimes wince a little. Then again, many tea drinkers would likely have the same reaction to my habit of drinking tea without any additions at all.

In the end, tea is deeply personal—and that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable.

Learning to Appreciate Different Tea Preferences

I’ve also learned to make peace with teas that simply aren’t my favorites.

White tea, pu-erh, many flavored teas, Earl Grey, and Lapsang Souchong all have devoted followings. While they may not regularly find their way into my teacup, plenty of tea enthusiasts enjoy them immensely.

The same can be said for green tea. Some drinkers love its fresh, vegetal character, while others find those grassy notes less appealing, even when the tea is expertly prepared.

The diversity of opinion is a testament to just how broad and varied the world of tea has become.

A Question of Milk and Tea

Every so often, however, a tea-related idea comes along that challenges even the most open-minded tea drinker.

One such example is the suggestion of adding milk to green tea.

Traditional milk tea preparations are popular throughout many parts of Asia and the world, typically relying on robust black teas that can stand up to the richness of milk and sweeteners. In those cases, the combination makes perfect sense.

Strong black teas, some pu-erhs, and certain darker oolongs possess enough body and intensity to remain balanced when milk is added.

Green tea, however, is another matter entirely.

Why Some Tea Drinkers Hesitate

Many green teas are prized for their subtle flavors and aromas. Depending on the style, these may include:

• Fresh vegetal notes
• Sweet grass-like flavors
• Floral undertones
• Marine or seaweed characteristics
• Delicate natural sweetness

Because these flavors are often nuanced, some tea enthusiasts worry that milk could overwhelm the qualities that make green tea special in the first place.

The same argument is often extended to:

• White teas
• Yellow teas
• Lightly oxidized oolongs
• Other delicate tea styles

For drinkers who appreciate the subtle complexity of these teas, adding milk may seem unnecessary—or even sacrilegious.

But Taste Is Personal

Of course, tea enjoyment isn’t determined by rules.

If someone genuinely enjoys milk in green tea, who am I to argue? Tea traditions vary dramatically across cultures, and many preparations that seem unusual to one tea drinker are perfectly normal to another.

Some people prefer strong breakfast teas with milk and sugar. Others enjoy delicate Japanese green teas served completely plain. Still others seek out heavily flavored blends, herbal infusions, or creative tea-based beverages.

There’s room for all of them at the tea table.

The Joy of Tea Exploration

One of the best parts of being a tea enthusiast is discovering how differently people experience the same beverage.

A tea that one person considers perfect may be completely unappealing to someone else. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of tea’s enduring charm.

The sheer variety of tea styles, preparation methods, and cultural traditions ensures that there is always something new to explore.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to tea, personal preference ultimately wins.

You may enjoy your black tea plain. You may prefer it with milk and sugar. You may love smoky Lapsang Souchong, floral Earl Grey, earthy pu-erh, delicate white tea, or grassy green tea.

Or perhaps you enjoy green tea with milk.

While I may raise an eyebrow at that particular combination, I’ll happily defend your right to drink it.

After all, tea is meant to be enjoyed—and we all like what we like.

© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009–2014. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts may be used with proper credit and links to the original content.