It’s no secret that us Brits love a good cup of tea. Our unofficial national drink has been ingrained in British culture for as long as we can remember, and come rain or shine, drinking tea provides the perfect pick-me-up.

According to a recent survey, the UK is so obsessed with tea that we drink more than any other country in the world. In fact, research has revealed that we get through an impressive 165 million cups every day.

With winter well underway, our love for a daily brew grows, with a hot cup all we need to warm our cockles in these plummeting temperatures.

English breakfast tea is the nation’s favourite, but there are more tea varieties that can and should be explored. We reveal the top six and unveil the secret to a great tasting brew, whatever your tea of choice.

1. Earl Grey

The perfect way to start the day is with a cup of Earl Grey. This robust blend is similar to English Breakfast tea. Earl Grey, like most leaf tea is drunk without milk.

By leaving out the milk, you can really appreciate the fragrant addition of bergamot oil. Like a splash of milk in your tea? Try an Earl Grey that’s made from Ceylon black tea leaves and simply add milk.

2. Green

Those on a New Year health kick may want to replace their English breakfast tea with green tea. Green tea is a classic variety that’s a favourite around the globe.

There are many types of green tea available from the rich and smooth Sencha to the bitter and savoury Gunpowder. Whichever green tea variety you opt for, you can unlock some exciting health benefits as BBC Good Food explains:

“Green tea does have more health benefits than black tea which can be attributed to its lack of processing. Green tea is higher in protective polyphenols. The major polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids, the most active of which are catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which function as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to protect the body against disease and are an important part of a healthy diet.”

3. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a region in the northeast of India, and the tea of the same name is grown at the foot of the Himalayas. This setting and the tea’s exquisite taste are just two of the reasons why Darjeeling tea is known as the ‘Champagne of teas’.

Light, delicate, and tasty, Darjeeling can be enjoyed throughout the day. This tea should be steeped for three to four minutes before serving to ensure a full flavour.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint tea is a herbal infusion using peppermint leaves, and is a great drink to enjoy after a big meal. It unlocks a number of health benefits, and has been known to relieve headaches, reduce stress, aid weight loss, and ease unsettled stomachs. Its menthol flavour is also delicious.

5. Chamomile

English breakfast tea is known and loved for providing a small caffeine hit to help you go about your day, but those looking to enjoy a better night’s sleep should reach for another tea variety.

Chamomile is an infusion of dried sweet chamomile tea flowers and is naturally caffeine free. Its floral and fragrant taste is particularly relaxing and has been proven to improve sleep quality thanks to its apigenin content.

Apigenin is an antioxidant that promotes sleep and people with chronic sleep problems have enjoyed a better night’s sleep thanks to regular drinks of chamomile tea.

6. Lemon and ginger

The ultimate winter warmer, lemon and ginger tea is a classic blend that gives your body, mind and soul a much needed citrus kick.

It’s also a great palate cleanser and as a result, can be enjoyed before a meal or between courses. Make your own lemon and ginger tea at home, and add a drop of honey for extra natural sweetness.

The secret to a perfect brew?

Whatever your tea of choice, make sure you make your brew with filtered water for the best possible taste. Filtered water isn’t just good for your health, it’s pure and odour-free to ensure a more delicious taste.

Filtered water can be produced for as little as 3p per litre with drinking water filter systems easily installed within the home.

To discover the benefits of drinking water filters for yourself, browse our range today.