For those of us who are coffee addicts, we can get a fix anywhere. But if you want tea, your options are limited. You might find a couple blends at your corner coffee shop, but tea comes second to the mighty java.
That is why it's so refreshing to find a shop that sells nothing but tea. Loose, brewed, iced tea. Without making your way through a mall to get to it.
You might not have noticed this little shop on the Atlanta BeltLine, tucked behind Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, although it has been there two years: Just Add Honey.
Just Add Honey offers beautiful teas from around the world, such as Argentina, China and Sri Lanka. They also offer blends like Georgia Peaches and Cacao Mint.
There is even a blend honoring the BeltLine.
Jermail Shelton, who owns the shop with his wife Brandi, says they have pivoted during the past year by offering parTEAs online, for celebrations like baby showers, birthday parties, etc. Partygoers are shipped a box with a tiered cake stand, tea, sugar cubes, honey and mini bundt cakes in lemon, Kentucky butter and red velvet flavors. Yum.
And while COVID has curbed in-store tastings at the shop, they offer classes virtually. Participants receive their teas ahead of time, and learn about the origins of tea, as well as their particular blend.
I splurged on a Strawberry Kiwi, which was sweet with a nice floral finish (definitely rose).
It was lovely to stroll the BeltLine with it.
An Atlanta native, Nicole Gustin is the Founder & CEO of BiteLines, which offers walking food tours on the Atlanta BeltLine. She considers the BeltLine her backyard, and is excited to see how Atlanta is reinventing itself. The BiteLines blog features art, restaurants, happenings and weirdness on the Atlanta BeltLine. Share story ideas and pics at: contact@bitelines.com. Or follow on Instagram @bitelinesatl.
Note: We have paused our tours during the pandemic, but will ramp up again as soon as it’s safe.