I Don't Like Tea!

[Anne Catherine]

Tea is a big trademark of the Regency era... Unfortunately I'm a notoriously picky drinker. I won't drink soda or coffee, only juice, water, milk and hot chocolate. But I don't want to miss out on all the fabulous tea parties I wish to attend in the future! Is tea an acquired taste? Should I just start drinking it and tough it out even if I don't like it?

[lastbloom]

I wouldn't worry about not liking tea! You could try experimenting with different varieties of tea (some are stronger than others, some are flavored, some not, etc) until you find something agreeable. I personally like vanilla tea with plenty of milk and sugar!

Children used to be served hot milk with a very little tea in it, and as you enjoy milk, this may be a good solution for you. Pour yourself some milk or cream and splash enough tea into your cup to make it warm and slightly "tea colored" and there you are.

Hot chocolate (just called "chocolate") was a very popular breakfast drink in the Regency, and during the American Revolution it was considered patriotic to drink coffee or chocolate instead of tea imported from England.

Here's an article about it from Jane Austen's World:

janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/hot-chocolate-18th-19th-century-style/

I hope your beverage preferences won't keep you from attending events. No one is going to give you a hard time about what you choose to drink, and the whole point of attending a tea is to spend time in good company!

[amandamoose]

I agree with lastbloom, except I think the whole point to attending a tea is to spend time in good company and enjoy yummy food

[lastbloom]

I stand corrected! Yummy food is also important.

[gentlemanjhim]

Not liking tea shouldn't be an issue. As Ms. Lastbloom states, there are hundreds of types of tea. I personally don't care for regular "black" tea (though I am more fond of Twinnings, I will not drink Lipton straight). I always take my tea (Earl Gray preferred, though perhaps a lighter Lady Gray will be more to your liking. Both have a sort of oranget zest to them) with good creme and sugar. Perhaps herbal tea may be more to your liking? Or, speak with the Hostess ahead of time and ask if she could kindly make a special pot of chocolate so that you may also enjoy a warm beverage.