“101 Teas to Steep Before You Die” Book is Here!

The launch of 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die is around the corner and I’m thrilled to invite you along.

I’ve had the honor of co-authoring this book alongside three trusted voices in tea—James Norwood Pratt, Shabnam Weber, and Nigel Melican—and together we’ve created something we hope will deepen the way you drink and think about tea.

What you’ll find inside: a 256-page journey (hardcover and digital) from Page Street Publishing Co., distributed by Macmillan Publishers, arriving Nov 25, 2025. Whether you’re new to loose-leaf or you’ve been steeping for decades, this book is a passport to the world’s most remarkable teas.

We guide you through all the tea tastes—from everyday treasures hiding on grocery shelves to harvests plucked in misty mountain gardens. You’ll find expert buying tips, steeping instructions, tasting notes that (hopefully!) make each tea unforgettable, creative recipes, and behind-the-leaf stories of growing, processing, cultivars, and the gong fu way of brewing. Chapter highlights include: Archetypes for the Six Types; Classic Blends and Flavors; Teas That Changed History; Steeped in Wellness; Supermarket, Café & Restaurant Stars; Happy Accidents; Teas to Impress; Rare Treasures; Desert-Island Teas and Beyond the Traditional.

The big bonus I’ve been working on since getting the manuscript in, is a new line of Origin Reserve Teas. Our line includes some of my very favorite teas from the book, and it just didn’t feel right not to be bringing you those, since we are, after all, The Tea Spot. 

I hope you’ll join me on this adventure. Let’s raise our mugs to way more than 101 steeps—together!

Maria
Founder & CEO, The Tea Spot

What People Are Saying About the Book

Anna Olson, pastry chef, Food Network host, and author of Anna Olson’s Baking Wisdom, said, “A simple leaf with such a grand story!”

LP O’Brien, award-winning mixologist and champion of Netflix’s Drink Masters, noted, “Whether you’re behind the bar or simply craving a more mindful sip, this book offers a thoughtful, beautifully written journey through flavor, tradition, and the global impact of tea.”

Kevin Zraly, James Beard Award-winning wine educator and bestselling author of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, said, “The authors have done an excellent job taking you back over 6,000 years from the beginnings of tea as a beverage to its universal appeal today, from Darjeeling to Ceylon and even Sir Tommy Lipton! A fascinating journey.”

Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman, James Beard Award-nominated chef, baking entrepreneur, and TV personality, shared, “Whether you’re a newcomer to tea or a seasoned expert, this book is a true treasure. A must- have for anyone who wants to experience tea on a deeper, more meaningful level.”

Order the Book Today!

101 Teas to Steep Before You Die can now be pre-ordered at major book retailers, including: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, Amazon Canada, Amazon U.K., Books- A-Million, Books Inc., Chapters, and The Tea Spot’s website here.