Creating your own flavors may be just your cup of tea

Lemon Mint Green Tea

Makes 2 cups INGREDIENTS

2 heaping teaspoons green tea (or tea from 2 tea bags) 4 dried lemon slices Four sprigs fresh mint

DIRECTIONS

Steep tea blend ingredients in 2 cups hot water for 2to 3minutes, or to desired strength.

Pot of Chai

Makes 4 cups INGREDIENTS

5heaping teaspoons (or tea from 5 tea bags) of Ceylon or English breakfast or other black tea 4 or 5 cinnamon sticks 2 teaspoons fresh or candied ginger 1tablespoon ground cardamom 1teaspoon ground cloves Fresh ground pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a pot on the stove, bring the tea blend ingredients and 4cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5minutes. Add your favorite milk and sugar to taste.

Blood Orange, Rosemary and Rose Tea

Makes 2 cups INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon dried rose petals 4 dried blood orange slices 1⁄2 sprig fresh rosemary

DIRECTIONS

Steep tisane ingredients in 2 cups hot water for 7minutes, or to desired strength.

Apple, Pear, Cinnamon and Sage Tea

Makes 2 cups INGREDIENTS

¼ cup cinammon-sprinkled dried apple and/or pear slices 1 teaspoon dried sage

DIRECTIONS

Steep tisane ingredients in 2 cups hot water for 7minutes, or to desired strength.

Lavender Jasmine Tea

Makes 1 cup INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon jasmine or chamomile tea (or tea from one bag) ¼ teaspoon dry lavender petals, or more to taste

DIRECTIONS

Steep the tea and lavender mixture in 1cup hot water for 3minutes and taste. If you want more lavender flavor, strain the tea, add another ¼ teaspoon lavender and steep for 2 to 3 minutes more.

GARY REYES — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP Victoria Boyert’s Satori Tea Co. in Saratoga, Calif., offers traditional tea blends, such as Earl Grey, as well as custom blends.