JENNIFER JOHNSON: MAD GOOD >>>

As the weather grows warmer, I begin modifying my beverage routine. Hot coffee or tea in the morning becomes a room temperature or iced version of its former self. Hoping to stay away from dubious bottled green teas packed with corn syrup and the same amount of junk as a Pepsi, I posed my question to Maureen McHugh, co-owner of Mad Hat Tea Company in downtown Tacoma. Absolutely perfect was her recommendation of Creamsicle tea, a caffeine-free blend of Rooibos and vanilla Honeybush loose-leaf South African teas that she sells.

Just as the frozen treat of the same name, the resulting steeped tea was naturally sweet, packed with citrus and mellowed with creamy vanilla; no sweetener needed. Another favorite of mine that’s excellent cold is the tart red hibiscus made popular by Celestial Seasoning as Red Zinger.

Adding brown sugar before allowing it to cool diffuses tartness and replaces it with pleasant sweetness.

[Mad Hat Tea Company, 1130 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.441.2111]