Tea Time with Rita Archives - The MockingOwl Roost

March 17, 2025

Celebration Tea Review - from Rita Mock-Pike - teapot and teacup on plain dark blue background

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at March 17, 2025

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It’s Time to Celebrate! – a Review of Harney & Sons Celebration Tea

Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Slowly sipping a delightful cuppa tea on a cold morning – or lazy afternoon – is one of the best feelings I can think of. That little touch of comfort, rich with sweet, natural flavors, fruit, and spices. And every time I take a sip of Harney & Sons Celebration Tea, that’s exactly what I'm doing: Celebrating existence.

September 30, 2024

Taylors of Harrogate Lemon & Orange Tea Review

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at September 30, 2024

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Taylors of Harrogate Lemon & Orange Tea, a Review

In case the name wasn’t a giveaway about the flavor of tea we’re indulging in here, it’s black tea with lemon and orange essence. It’s a fairly simple blend — just the black tea with the lemon and orange extracts—but it’s a delightful one.

August 30, 2024

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at August 30, 2024

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The Tao of Tea, Black Mango Review

Popping off the lid of the tea tin versus smelling a freshly brewed cup of Tao of Tea Black Mango offers two varied aromas. The tea leaves offer a rich, dark, almost indescribable aroma tinged with something fruity. The brewed tea, however, instantly transports you to the tropics where you might pluck a mango for enjoyment right off the tree.

July 9, 2024

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at July 9, 2024

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Casting Whimsy Vito Tea Review

The dark richness of the black tea hits first but quickly becomes overpowered by the amaretto flavors that rise from organic almonds, chocolate paillettes, and amaretto extract. Each of the key ingredients dance across the aroma arc over the tin, vividly painting the visual of the perfect evening cup as you watch the sunset and delight in good things.

June 26, 2024

Taylors of Harrogate Blackberry & Raspberry Tea - review cover

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at June 26, 2024

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Taylors of Harrogate Blackberry & Raspberry Tea Review

Each time I sniff this tea, my tastebuds literally start to salivate. The dark, richness of the black tea blends beautifully with the sweet, tart, tangy fruit for a powerful, titillating aroma. As I breathe in the aroma, I can’t resist then drinking the tea after a long draught of the aroma, which is exactly what the scent of anything edible should do.

March 4, 2024

Pinky Up Red Velvet Cake Tea review image - with tea and cup on pink fabric

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at March 4, 2024

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Pinkies Up for Some “Red Velvet” Pleasure, a Tea Review

By the name of the tea, I would have expected Pinky Up Red Velvet Cake Tea to contain cocoa or cocoa-like flavorings. Instead, as I opened the tin and smelled, I realized the product may well be misnamed. I double-checked the website and nope. It’s the correct label for the tea.

December 19, 2023

Ahmad Teas Blackcurrant Burst Teas Review - cover image - bunches of currants hanging on plants, teacup hovering over the fruit

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at December 19, 2023

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Ribena Dreams Without the Calories: an Ahmad Blackcurrant Burst Tea Review

Apart from import-friendly grocery stores in the United States, Ribena comes at a hard-fought effort. It also bears the calorie toll of sugar, both added and natural, and unnatural ingredients infused into the “black currant fruit drink” mix. A surprisingly delightful, and calorie-free alternative, comes in the form of Ahmad Teas Blackcurrant Burst.

December 1, 2023

Sip and Be Merry tea on a background with cardinal

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at December 1, 2023

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Christmas with Rita: Sip and Be Merry Tea Review

The instant the tea arrived, I headed to the kitchen, turned on the kettle, and waited for the bubbles. Lifting the lid of the tea tin, I knew instantly that delicate Christmas-y delight lay in store for my soul. Sip and Be Merry from the Republic of Tea could only offer all I had hoped for…

November 1, 2023

Apothecary Tea review, loose leaf tea on cranberry background with flowers on sides

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at November 1, 2023

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Cherry Lovers Rejoice! – “Cherry Blossom” Tea from Apothecary Teas is Here

I had never had the tea before, but I’ve been looking for a good cherry black tea for years. I pulled the cork from the scent jar on the table and knew I’d found what I’ve been looking for all this time. And now you can find it, too, my fellow cherry lovers!

October 14, 2023

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at October 14, 2023

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Montego Tea, A Sensual Journey for the Soul – a Tea Review

While I sat sipping this gorgeous cuppa, I felt myself drift all over the world in ecstasy. Memories of South Africa drifted in, sunflower fields of Georgia spilled over, daydreams in Australian gardens flooded my nose, my heart, my mind. The word that came was “sensual.” Not in the romantic sense, but in the spiritual sense. Every one of my senses was engaged.

June 27, 2023

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at June 27, 2023

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Stash Southern Peach Tea: A Teatime Review with Rita

Matt, who I knew would be the biggest critic because of those Chilton County Peaches, got the first cup. He wouldn’t be a make or break for me, but at least I’d know what I was getting into. I can’t say he was awed but I can say he was surprised. “It’s actually good!”

May 28, 2023

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at May 28, 2023

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Golden Kiwi Tea from Greenfield: A Teatime with Rita Review

The Golden Kiwi tea is a black tea with dehydrated fruit added, and golden kiwi flavoring added. The tea has an almost spicy edge to it when you sip. It’s a moderate to mild edge, though. And the actual fruit used in the tea is pineapple, not kiwi, which is where the edge comes from.