GREAT COOKS AND THE TEA SPOT
What: Sencha blood orange, a citrusy Japanese green tea, and Jewels, a black tea with tangerine, rose hip, freesia and hibiscus (each $7.95 per 58 grams), can both be sipped at the shop. All teas here are sweetened with simple syrup, which is easy to make. Measure equal parts sugar and water. Bring water to a boil and add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
When: This citrus pair would go well with a light seafood lunch, a salad niçoise with seared tuna, perhaps, or even a casual bagel-and-lox platter.
Where: The Bay, 176 Yonge St. (at Queen), 416-861-4727, www.greatcooks.ca. View map >>

HOUSE OF TEA
What: For black tea drinkers, lime–passion fruit tea ($10.95 per 100 grams) satisfies with its fruity flavour and deep red colour, but owner Marsha Golla prefers to use green tea for chilling, because it’s less dehydrating. She will prepare special blends for customers, and recommends the mango green tea ($12.95 per 100 grams) with a drop of orange or lemon juice to help keep the colour vibrant. For a summertime cocktail, try Morning Star herbal tea ($14.95 per 100 grams)—a mix of orange, grapefruit and lemon peel—and adding a splash of white rum.
When: These teas are well-suited to a garden party, as the fruit flavours and bright colours make pretty cocktails and refreshing virgin versions for kids.
Where: 1015 Yonge St. (at Roxborough St.), 416-922-1226. View map >>

SAY TEA
What: Tuscany Pear rooibos ($4.25 per 56 grams) is caffeine-free, so it’s ideal as an evening drink. Japanese Topaz ($5.95 per 56 grams) is a fruity blackberry and pomegranate sencha green tea that benefits from a small spoonful of honey, added when the tea is hot. Staffers recommend preparing ice cubes with flavoured teas—that way, when you’re adding them to hot tea, you aren’t diluting the flavour.
When: On a hot evening, curl up in bed with a book and chill out with a glass of pear rooibos iced tea.
Where: 2362 Bloor St. W. (at Windermere Ave.), 416-766-5425; 2496 Yonge St. (at Castlefield Ave.), 416-488-1827; www.saytea.com. View map >>

THE RED TEA BOX
What: While many people enjoy dining in its café and courtyard, the Red Tea Box also sells its high-quality imported teas to take home. Nantou Oolong ($12 per 28 grams), from Taiwan, is hand-roasted in a wok and has a stronger aroma than most teas, so no added flavour or sweetener is needed. Japanese green teas are also popular here, including golden Yuzu Sencha ($12 per 28 grams)—citrusy and best with a touch of honey—and Genmaicha ($9 per 28 grams), a rich, nutty, brown rice green tea.
When: A muggy grey day in July or August gets an instant punch with one of these flavourful options.
Where: 696 Queen St. W. (at Bathurst), 416-203-8882. View map >>

THE TEA EMPORIUM
What: With more than 140 loose teas available, The Tea Emporium offers almost endless opportunities for experimentation. Owner Frank Weber recommends Moroccan Mint ($12.80 per 100 grams), an organic green tea with spearmint that also makes a refreshing cocktail when mixed with lemon or blackcurrant vodka. Sunburst Raspberry herbal tea ($11.45 per 100 grams) is prepared with raspberries, lemon grass and oranges—all the teas here are made with real dehydrated fruit. Weber recommends lightly sweetening all iced teas while the tea is still hot, by adding three tablespoons of honey per two-litre pitcher.
When: Add flair to a cocktail party by mixing drinks with these unique iced teas—Weber has an endless list of suggestions for tea-based martinis.
Where: 351 Eglinton Ave W. (at Braemar Ave.), 416-488-4061; Hazelton Lanes, 55 Avenue Rd. (at Bloor St. W.), 416-928-2308; 1920 Queen St. E. (at Woodbine), 416-698-8378; First Canadian Place, 100 King St. W. (at Bay), 416-861-1755; 1592 Bayview Ave. (at Davisville), 416-483-9547; www.theteaemporium.com. View map >>