Yaupon Holly might sound like a new trend, but it’s anything but. It’s one of the very few plants native to North America that naturally contains caffeine, and it was brewed long before coffee and imported teas became part of daily life. Indigenous tribes in the southeastern United States drank Yaupon as the black drink, reserved for important gatherings rather than everyday sipping.
What we love about Yaupon is how easy it is to drink. The flavor is mild and aromatic, with a soft, rounded character and no bitterness. Since Yaupon contains no tannins, it doesn’t turn sharp or unpleasant if you forget about it for a while. We’ve both left the tea bag sitting in the mug for far longer than intended while working, and it still tastes exactly the way it should.
Yaupon Brothers make several different blends, and honestly, they’re all good. Our personal favorite is the lavender coconut. It’s subtle, calming, and well balanced, without leaning too floral or sweet. One of us brought it along on a trip to Bali, where it became a go to post yoga drink, especially iced. And that’s where Yaupon really shines. Cold brewed or poured over ice, it stays clear, clean tasting, and refreshing, even in the heat.
It was Tina who first found Yaupon Holly and Yaupon Brothers, and later Sanne had the chance to visit their production site in Florida. The people behind the brand are genuinely kind and deeply committed to what they’re doing. It’s the kind of company you feel good about supporting.
If you’re new to Yaupon or just can’t decide where to start, this 3 pack is a really smart option. It includes their three best selling blends, so you get to try American Green, Fire Roasted, and Lavender Coconut side by side and figure out what you like best. We like this set because it shows how versatile Yaupon can be, from clean and grassy to deeper and roasted, all the way to the softer, more aromatic lavender coconut. It’s an easy way to get a feel for the range without committing to just one flavor.
