Some teas come and go with the seasons. Others become part of who we are. Organic Northern Serenity is one of those. It's one of the very first blends we ever created at Sipping Streams, and years later, it's still one of the cups our customers and our own team reach for again and again.
If you love chocolate and mint, don't do well with caffeine, or just want something cozy to sip on a cold Alaska evening, this is the blend for you.
What's in Northern Serenity?
Northern Serenity is made with four simple, organic ingredients:
-
Cacao nibs for a rich, earthy chocolate note
-
Peppermint for a cool, refreshing finish
-
Rooibos for a naturally smooth, slightly sweet base
-
Vanilla to round everything out
Look closely at the loose leaf and you'll see little bits of each one mixed together. Because it's an herbal blend, it's completely caffeine-free, which makes it an easy choice any time of day.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think chocolate mint, but lighter and more natural than a mug of hot cocoa. Because we use raw organic cacao nibs rather than sweetened chocolate, the flavor leans earthy and nutty rather than sugary. The peppermint comes through bright and clean, and the rooibos and vanilla give it a gentle, mellow sweetness.
Some of our customers say it reminds them of a chocolate mint cookie. Add a splash of cream and a spoonful of honey and it becomes a true dessert tea. Try it with our Fireweed Creamed Honey for an extra-smooth, creamy cup.
One of the best parts happens before you even take a sip. As it steeps, the peppermint releases its oils, and that fresh, minty aroma fills the room. On a stuffy winter day, just breathing it in feels good.
How to Steep Northern Serenity
Jenny's go-to method is simple:
-
Measure about 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of Northern Serenity for every 8 ounces of water.
-
Pour boiling water over the tea.
-
Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
-
Enjoy it hot, or let it cool and pour it over ice.
A tip on tea infusers: Northern Serenity has small pieces of cacao and herbs, and a classic tea ball doesn't always seal tightly at the clasp. That's usually where little bits slip out, not through the mesh itself. If you'd rather have a perfectly clear cup, try our Stainless Steel Teastick, which has a snug seal, or use disposable tea filters.
That said, a few stray pieces floating in your cup are nothing to worry about. With an herbal blend like this, you're drinking an infusion of the whole ingredients, so those little bits are just part of the experience.
Why It's Perfect for Fall and Winter
When the temperatures drop and the days get short, Northern Serenity is the kind of cup that makes you want to slow down. It's warming and comforting without any caffeine, so it won't keep you up at night. It's a favorite during cold and flu season, when a hot, minty, aromatic cup just feels soothing. It's also a lovely after-dinner treat when you're craving something sweet but want to skip dessert.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it this season:
-
As an evening wind-down: Steep a cup after dinner and settle in with a good book.
-
As a dessert latte: Add steamed milk and a spoonful of creamed honey.
-
As a holiday party option: Offer it as a caffeine-free choice guests of all ages can enjoy.
-
Iced, any time of year: It's just as refreshing cold as it is cozy hot.
A Sipping Streams Original
Northern Serenity has been with us since the very beginning. It was one of the first blends we developed, and it has stayed on our shelves because people keep coming back for it. Our team drinks it regularly, and it's one of the teas we love recommending to anyone who wants a flavorful cup without caffeine.
Want to share it with someone special? Our Northern Serenity Tea for Two Wooden Postcard is a fun way to mail a taste of Alaska to friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northern Serenity have caffeine?
No. Northern Serenity is an herbal blend made without any true tea leaves, so it's completely caffeine-free. It's a great choice if you're sensitive to caffeine or want something warm to sip in the evening.
What ingredients are in Northern Serenity?
Northern Serenity is made with organic cacao nibs, peppermint, rooibos, and vanilla. It's one of the original blends Sipping Streams created when the company first started.
What does Northern Serenity taste like?
It tastes like a light, natural chocolate mint. Because it's made with raw organic cacao nibs, the chocolate flavor is earthy and nutty rather than sweet like hot cocoa. The peppermint adds a cool, refreshing finish, and the rooibos and vanilla give it a smooth, mellow sweetness.
How do I steep Northern Serenity?
Use about 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of loose leaf for every 8 ounces of boiling water. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the leaves and enjoy.
Can I drink Northern Serenity iced?
Yes. Northern Serenity is delicious hot or iced. For iced tea, steep it as usual, let it cool, and pour it over ice.
Can I add milk and honey to Northern Serenity?
Absolutely. A splash of cream and a spoonful of honey turn Northern Serenity into a dessert-style tea. Our Fireweed Creamed Honey is a favorite pairing because it adds sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Why are there little pieces floating in my cup?
Northern Serenity has small bits of cacao and herbs that can slip out of a tea ball, usually through the clasp where it doesn't seal completely. For a clearer cup, try a Stainless Steel Teastick or disposable tea filters. If a few pieces do get through, they're perfectly fine to drink.
Is Northern Serenity good to drink at night?
Yes. Since it's caffeine-free, Northern Serenity is a cozy choice for evenings and won't keep you up. Many of our customers enjoy it as an after-dinner treat.
Can kids drink Northern Serenity?
Because it's caffeine-free, Northern Serenity is a popular choice for families to share. Just be sure to let it cool to a safe drinking temperature before serving it to children.
Is Northern Serenity good when I have a cold?
Many people find a hot, minty cup of Northern Serenity comforting during cold and flu season, and the peppermint aroma alone feels refreshing on a stuffy day. It isn't a treatment for illness, so check with your doctor if you're feeling sick.
Where can I buy Northern Serenity?
You can buy Organic Northern Serenity online at sippingstreams.com, at our Tea House in Fairbanks, or at one of our pop-up events around Alaska.
Try Northern Serenity Today
You can shop Organic Northern Serenity online, or stop by our Tea House in Fairbanks to smell it for yourself and ask our team any questions. Want to learn even more about tea? Join the Sipping Streams Tea Tribe, our private Facebook group, where we host free online tea workshops. You can also find more videos from Jenny on the Sipping Streams YouTube channel.
