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As an ardent camper with a decade’s experience exploring the great outdoors, I can’t emphasize enough how the simple joys of a warm, comforting drink can elevate your camping escapades. Tea, often overlooked, is a versatile, nourishing, and compact companion that should find its way into every camper’s kit.
If you are a casual RV or cabin camper, step aside from the conventional bottled water, beer, and instant coffee, and welcome the world of tea with open arms! Here, I present to you six delightful tea recipes that are not only delectable but also incredibly easy to prepare amidst nature.
Camp Tea Essentials
Tea, besides being invigorating, is exceptionally space-efficient and requires no refrigeration. The warmth of a good cup of tea can uplift your spirits on a chilly morning and also serve as an excellent companion by the campfire. However, the choice between tea bags and loose leaves can be a dilemma.
Though convenient, typical store-bought tea bags contain more “tea dust” than actual tea leaves. My personal, tried-and-tested recommendation is to opt for empty tea bags. Fill them with your choice of high-quality tea leaves and you are set for a refreshing experience without the hassle of an infuser.
Ensure that the tea bags are steeped in very hot water for a minute or two before adding other ingredients. Many of these recipes also use flavored syrups which can be easily purchased online, at specialty food stores, supermarkets, or coffee shops.
Energize Your Mornings with Chinese Black Tea
Black tea is adored among health enthusiasts for its rich anti-oxidant properties. I find these recipes to be perfect wake-up drinks on crisp mornings:
London Fog or Grey Fog:
- 8 oz cup of Chinese black tea in a 12 oz cup
- 1/2 oz of vanilla-flavored syrup
- 2-3 oz warmed milk
Emerald Green:
- 8 oz cup of Chinese black tea in a 12 oz cup
- 1/2 oz of Irish creme-flavored syrup
- 2-3 oz warmed milk
Rejuvenate with Yerba Mate
Another morning favorite is Yerba Mate. The combination of caffeine in coffee with yerba mate is incredibly invigorating.
Andrea’s White Matte:
- 4 oz cup of yerba mate tea in a 12 oz cup
- 4 oz white coffee (or instant black coffee if white coffee is not available)
- 1/2 oz of butter rum flavored syrup
- 2-3 oz of warmed cream or half and half
Savor Your Afternoons with Chinese Green Tea
Green tea, with its anti-oxidant qualities and moderate caffeine content, makes for an excellent afternoon drink. The following recipes have been a hit in my camping circles:
Dublin Fog:
- 8 oz cup of Chinese green tea in a 12 oz cup
- 1/2 oz Irish creme flavored syrup (or Irish creme liquor)
- 2-3 oz warmed cream or half and half
Green Hazel:
- 8 oz cup of Chinese green tea in a 12 oz cup
- 1/2 oz of flavored hazelnut syrup
- 2-3 oz warmed cream or half and half
Wind Down with Chinese Herbal Tea in the Evening
As the day comes to an end, nothing can beat the serenity offered by a soothing cup of herbal tea. Here’s my go-to recipe for a restful night:
White Mint Tea:
- 8 oz cup of Chinese peppermint tea in a 12 oz cup
- 1/4-1/2 oz of white chocolate sauce
- 2-3 oz warmed milk
These camping tea recipes not only awaken campers for the day ahead, invigorate them before a long hike but also assist in a good night’s sleep. Break away from the monotony of typical camping drinks and add these unique tea recipes to your camping adventures.
Trust me, the wonders of a good cup of tea can make your camping experience all the more memorable!
