Don’t let Richmond’s chilly weather dampen your spirits. With the cold and snow comes the perfect opportunity to embrace coziness—and what better way to do so than with tea?

You may not know that the month of January was National Hot Tea Month; well, there is still time left to get out there to a few local spots to explore the fascinating world of tea.

Carytown Teas

Carytown Teas has been a Richmond tea staple for almost two decades. Situated on West Cary St. (there’s also a satellite location at Apothec on Libbie Avenue), the shop offers 240 organic loose-leaf options and blends alongside 100 organic single-origin herbs.

Visitors can peruse the selections, receive assistance as to what might be the perfect pick for them or sip on a freshly brewed cup. Some options to consider this winter include London Fog (the shop’s bestseller), Immunity Boost, Tangerine Ginger and Winter Raspberry Green Tea.

“They are delicious, warming [and] invigorating during the colder months,” says Andrea Post, its managing partner. “The two wellness blends have a lot of immune building [and] circulating properties.”

Want to investigate the world of tea even more? On Jan. 26, Carytown Teas will host a tea blending class from 3-5 p.m. at Apothec. Participants can book a spot on Apothec’s site.

The Queen’s Library Tea Room

If one must deal with Richmond’s frigid winter, why not do so at a posh English tearoom?

Located at 221 East Clay St., the Queen’s Library Tea Room is a unique escape to England. Adorned with antique furniture and fine china, there are several teatime possibilities to relish, including a tea flight.

The flight contains three daily rotating hot teas from Fortnum & Mason alongside a cold sparkling tea that refreshes the palate between each one. A traditional Earl Grey or black tea is typically included with flavors expanding from there.

“Some of our favorites are Victoria Earl Grey with hints of lavender and honey, smoky Earl Grey similar to the taste of bourbon as a hot tea and Fortmason with its lovely orange fragrant notes,” says Clarissa Luna who runs the tearoom with her husband Daniel.

They also now include a sampling of their recently launched in-house blend 221 E Clay St. Blend, a smooth Darjeeling tea mixed with jasmine green tea. But be ready for full immersion here. Guests won’t only savor tea but learn more about its intricacies.

“Our experience also provides quite a bit of education through the flight of teas—from seeing the loose leaf brewing process, understanding the history of tea and how to best pair tea with certain foods,” says Luna.

T.Caf Salon de Thé

Hidden inside a former Jazz Age-era garage, T.Caf Salon de Thé is a French-inspired tea haven in Scott’s Addition.

“We are not like any of the other tearooms in the area,” says Chef Nancy Kingcaid. “We pride ourselves on our comfortable homey and bougie vibe.”

There are around 40 tea selections available with some winter choices including decaf Honeybush Chocolate Cake, refreshing Golden Orange, Organic Chai (a house favorite) and smoky Gunpowder (a green tea). Natural organic wines, coffee, hot chocolate and a vast French-inspired menu are also available to enjoy alongside them.

If you want to further your tea journey, T.Caf Salon de Thé hosts wine and tea tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3 p.m.

Savory Blends Tea Company

Looking for innovative teas to please your palate? Savory Blends Tea Company has you covered.

Founded by Lori Whitmore, the business has 12 distinct blends—all of which cater to various tastes, health needs and preferred caffeine levels.

Some of her winter recommendations include Cha Cha La Chai, Maple Me Please Oolong, the top-seller Get Lifted and Southern Comfort. “This blend is perfect for sipping right now with its abundance of antioxidants, immune-boosting benefits and help in warding off cold and flu symptoms,” says Whitmore regarding Southern Comfort.

Savory Blends’ teas can be found throughout Richmond, including at VMFA’s Floris, Shop Made in VA, Capital Chips Fine Foods & Gifts and local maker’s markets and festivals. They can also be ordered through its site.

And keep an eye out for one of Whitmore’s numerous events. While this month’s tea-making workshop at Fairfield Library is full, there’s always next month’s Tea for Two at Potter’s Craft Cider.

Tea with Kip

Tea with Kip is another English tea opportunity but with some southern hospitality mixed in.

“Our laid-back shabby chic decor gives you the feeling that you are in the happiest little tearoom in the south,” says owner Kip Barefoot.

The Midlothian tearoom has over 60 blends, including the in-house black peach tea Kip in a Cup. For January, Tea with Kip is serving French Vanilla Black Tea, Black Dragon Oolong and Cup of Serenity, an herbal blend featuring orange peel, chamomile and lemon verbena. “It will make you want to grab a book, cozy throw and enjoy the snowy days we are experiencing,” says Barefoot.

Tea with Kip also offers an assortment of scones and desserts to munch on, all of which are homemade and organic.

Hemlock & Key

Owner Josh Schneider curates a delicious assortment of over 50 tea varieties ranging from pure, loose-leaf options to handcrafted blends.

Some of Schenider’s winter suggestions include Houjicha (a Japanese green tea), Ember Court (a spicy, caffeine-free rooibos chai), Sanguine Spring (a caffeine-free fruit blend), and the company’s iconic Richmond Breakfast. “[It’s] a black tea blend I developed using a combination of black teas to offer up a rich, malty cup with a smoky undercurrent that wakes the entire body up,” says Schneider.

Hemlock & Key’s tea can be ordered through their site, found at some local markets (like Fallout’s Black Market), or at a city carrier, like Sefton Coffee Company and Riverbend Roastery.

Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond

Carytown’s Spice & Tea Exchange is another of the city’s jewels to grab some tea at. Customers can order from their tea bar, which debuted in June 2022, and sip on a hot cup while browsing over 70 tea selections for purchase, alongside culinary spices, infused sugars, honey and countless other goods.

“We love to recommend our Daily Defense Herbal Tea, Mint Basil Herbal Tea and Elderberry Fortress Herbal Tea for immune system support during the colder months,” says store owner Heather Hulbert. If you’re looking for some cozier options, Hulbert recommends their Fireside Spice Oolong, Crème Brulée Green Tea and Warm Bread Pudding Black Tea.