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Tea Time

As it is commonly said, “you are what you eat”, I wonder if such adage applies to what you drink? There certainly seems to be a stereotype when it comes to this subject that is generally accepted. When I was a cocktail waitress patrons were judged in the analyzing of tips and costs of drinks. If a customer ordered the “Happy Hour Special” or a mixed drink with well liquor, they were considered “cheap” by the staff and drinking to become intoxicated, getting the most “bang for the buck”, there were of course the regulars who ordered the “usual” flavor of choice, regardless of its location on the shelf (i.e. top shelf or well liquor). When I was bartending the orders that would come in were less about the tip and more about the preparation and ingredients of the drink ordered. Blended drinks, such as Margaritas, Pina Coladas and the like (which required pulling out the temperamental blender) were for “pain in the butt” customers that enjoyed the fruit more than the punch. Even in media circles it has been portrayed that “Men shall not order fruit mixed cocktail, or his sexuality shall be questioned”, which is plainly absurd! I’ve also commonly heard that “Fizzy yellow beer is for wussy’s”, but if anyone has been camping in the summer time, sometimes there is nothing more refreshing than a very light, fizzy beer.
While I certainly do not condone stereotypes in any manner, there does seem to be some truth to personality types and their drinks of choice. I started drinking coffee and espresso at a very young age and continued to do so thru most of my life. In my early thirties I “kicked” the habit, getting thru mornings with Orange Juice or a couple slices of pineapple to wake me up, now I drink energy drinks occasionally, and still every once a rainy day enjoy wrapping my hands around a steaming cup of warm Joe. I used to be one of those people that said ‘Don’t talk to me until I’ve had a sip of coffee’, now I am proud not to be mood controlled by a substance from the outset of my day.
Drinking Iced Tea with lemon reminds me of my Grandparents and their ranch when I was growing up. I was put to work during the summer and looked forward to a glass of sun brewed tea by the time the sun was directly overhead for a refreshing break. Teas have become quite popular in recent years and certainly more diverse for differing taste buds, homeopathic uses, and social conversations of preference (Japanese vs. English, etc.). My son loves tea, specifically Chiai’s, Traditional English Breakfast, some fruity black and tangy green teas. He is a methodical, predictable and healthy young man that gave up drinking soda on his own accord at age 9. My young daughter seems to bear more resemblance to myself in this regard, drooling at the smell of coffee brewing, preferably tasting it with lots of cream and sugar so it resembles toffee. They are so different in many ways of course.
In regards to the coffee and tea commodities and the ever rising standard of sustainable production of coffee beans and tea leaves it is amazing how tea’s image has changed over time in America. Without relenting on economic and environmental factors, it is of curiosity to me if there is a certain personality type that is consistent with ‘Tea Totelers’ and ‘Java Nuts’? In my home and community as well as in your local café I’m certain it is an issue to perpend upon.

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