While the classic simplicity of tea is always comforting, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. If you want to add some excitement to your everyday tea routine, try these five creative suggestions.

Citrus zest: the zingy upgrade

For decades, tea connoisseurs have added a slice of lemon to their cups of tea. Lemons are high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin C, in addition to their delicious zing. This not only increases your tea’s immune-boosting effects, but it also has a variety of other health benefits, such as preventing kidney stones and easing a sore throat.

Pro tip: For the perfect cold-fighting cocktail, combine lemon and freshly grated ginger. Lemon enhances Earl Grey, Assam, and Oolong teas, as well as herbal teas, with an extra blast of tartness.

Minty fresh: a breath of flavor

Using fresh mint leaves in your tea is a game changer. Mint perfectly balances the bitterness of tea, making it an excellent addition to black, green, and chai teas. If fresh mint is not available, mint tea bags can be used instead. Mint also pairs well with a range of herbal teas, including chamomile, hibiscus, valerian, and rooibos.

Pro tip: Try brewing fresh mint sprigs for a pleasant twist, or use mint tea bags for convenience.

Dairy-free delights: beyond cream

Non-dairy alternatives offer a plethora of options for improving your tea. They not only add the appropriate amount of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the tea, but they also make it smoother and creamier in texture. Each non-dairy choice, such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk, contributes a distinct flavor profile to the combination.

Pro tip: For a delicious combination, try nondairy creamers with black tea blends such as English Breakfast, Darjeeling, or Earl Grey.

Spice it up: infusions of aromatic joy

Spices and florals add depth and complexity to your tea, making it a sensual experience. You can experiment with lavender, rose petals, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise. Try Thai tea, which is spiced with star anise, crushed tamarind, and cardamom, or have classic hot spiced tea throughout the winter.

Pro tip: Combine spices, flowers, and honey to make a strong cold-fighting cocktail that pairs well with lemon-ginger tea.

Maple elegance: a sweet twist 

Maple syrup is a unique sweetener. Maple syrup, dubbed “a less bad version of sugar” by Healthline, offers sweetness without settling to the bottom of your cup. Many tea enthusiasts on Reddit suggest adding maple syrup to a strong cup of black tea for a delicious twist.

Pro tip: Experiment to develop your personal tea concoction—that’s what makes drinking tea so enjoyable.