Tea is one of the world's oldest rituals. It outlasts empires, punctuates grief, anchors mornings, and closes the space between strangers. It is the most drunk beverage on earth after water — and yet, in most kitchens, it is still being made too quickly, with too little thought. That gap is the reason Tea Drop exists.

Why May matters — for tea, and for us

May is the month the world pauses to celebrate tea. International Tea Day, designated by the United Nations and observed on 21 May, recognises tea's role in culture, trade, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. It is a moment to think beyond the cup: to the hands that picked the leaf, to the communities built around the gardens, to the ancestral knowledge preserved in every harvest.

It is also, not by coincidence, the month Tea Drop was born.

Twenty-two years ago this May, Ashok Dias founded Tea Drop in Melbourne, and the fact that our anniversary falls in the same month the world gathers to honour the leaf has always felt like more than chance. May is, for us, a season of reflection: on where tea comes from, on what it means to do it well, and on why any of this matters.

For Tea Drop, International Tea Day is not ceremonial. Ethical sourcing through the Ethical Tea Partnership has been part of the business model since the beginning, ensuring fair conditions for every picker at the estates we work with. Sustainability runs through the entire supply chain, from FSC-certified packaging to fully biodegradable pyramid bags and soft-plastic-recyclable pouches.

• Plant-based pyramid bags
• Ethical Tea Partnership
• FSC-certified packaging
• Small-batch, seasonal sourcing

On ritual, tradition, and the patience of good tea

There is a particular kind of patience required to make great tea, and an equal patience required to appreciate it. The ritual of boiling water, choosing a blend, watching the pyramid bag bloom in the cup: these are small acts that do something measurable to the pace of a day.

Tea culture has always understood this. High tea traditions across Britain, gong fu ceremony in China, the elaborate preparation of Japanese matcha, the daily chai ritual across the Indian subcontinent — all of them are expressions of the same truth: that the act of making tea is inseparable from the act of drinking it.

"My understanding of tea came from living with it, not studying it. I saw how it moved through daily life, how people gathered around it, and how much attention went into getting it right."

— Ashok Dias, Founder · Tea Drop

That understanding is not learned from books. It comes from proximity, from seasons spent watching how different elevations, different soils, and different harvest timings produce entirely different expressions in the cup. It is craft knowledge, passed between people rather than preserved in manuals, and it takes generations to accumulate.

It is also, increasingly, at risk. As tea production scales and convenience dominates, the quiet artistry of the tea garden gets compressed into commodity. International Tea Day exists in part as a recognition of that tension: a reminder that the alternative still exists, for those who seek it out.

Twenty-two years in Melbourne

Ashok grew up in Sri Lanka, in a family with three generations of tea merchants and farmers behind them. He came to Australia not simply to sell tea, but to reconnect a new audience with the soulful, careful work that precedes every cup. That mission has not changed.

This May, as Tea Drop turns 22 and International Tea Day approaches, the occasion feels less like coincidence and more like purpose.

The 22nd Anniversary Signature Collection

To mark the occasion, we've launched a limited anniversary collection: six signature blends, each in a complementary tin, chosen to accompany every moment of the day: from the first cup of the morning to the last pause before sleep.

Six tins. One hundred and fifty pyramid bags. Free delivery. Valued at $200, available for $100.

The collection is available now, online and in-store at Brew Bar. It will not return once it sells out.

Explore the collection

There's something timeless about chamomile. From ancient rituals to modern sips, this delicate flower has carried its calming charm through centuries. The ancient Egyptians once crushed chamomile blooms for their skin-soothing powers, while the Romans discovered them growing wild in the coliseum and infused them into drinks for their fragrant flavour. Fast forward to today, and this golden blossom still weaves its way into our lives, especially in the form of our Chamomile Blossoms tea.

Crafted with a thoughtful blend of chamomile flowers, rose petals, and lavender buds, Tea Drop’s  Chamomile Blossoms offers a soft bouquet of sweet floral notes with a whisper of green apple. It’s a pick-me-up, a wind-down, and a sensory delight all in one.

And what better way to bring out its refreshing elegance than in a vibrant, health-packed cooler? Enter the Ruby Blossoms Refresher, a colourful, antioxidant-rich drink that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial.

 

Ruby Blossoms Refresher Recipe

(Serves 4–6)

Ingredients:

• 1 beetroot, peeled and roughly chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

• 1 green apple, cored and chopped

• 1 litre cold-brewed Tea Drop Chamomile Blossoms tea

• Ice, for serving

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds or half-moons (for garnish)

• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Method:

1. Cold Brew: Add 4 teaspoons of Tea Drop Chamomile Blossoms to 1 litre of cold water. Let it steep in the fridge for 6–8 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavour.

2. Juice It: Using a juicer, extract the fresh juice from beetroot, carrots, and apple.

3. Blend & Chill: In a large pitcher, combine the cold-brewed chamomile tea with your fresh juice. Stir well.

4. Serve: Pour over ice into glasses.

5. Garnish: Top each glass with a slice of orange and a rosemary sprig.

The Ruby Blossoms Refresher is more than just a drink; it's a wellness ritual. The beetroot and carrots offer a natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants, while the green apple adds a crisp finish. Paired with the floral, calming tones of Chamomile Blossoms, this drink is your go-to for slow afternoons, garden brunches, or mindful moments.

We’ve partnered with MasterChef Australia Season 13 semifinalist Elise Pulbrook to create this vibrant Ruby Blossoms Refresher. Known for her Italian-Sri Lankan heritage and seasonal, garden-to-table approach, Elise brings a thoughtful balance of flavour and wellness to every recipe. With her culinary expertise and creative flair, she’s reimagined the calming notes of our Chamomile Blossoms tea into a refreshing, nutrient-rich drink.

 

 

Want to hold on to summer for just a bit longer? Here is the perfect way to do so. With a delicious cocktail using our favourite Strawberry Guava tea. 

What you need:

• 250ml fresh watermelon juice
• 4 large strawberries
• 3tsp Strawberry Guava brewed in 100ml water
• 100ml vodka (optional)
• Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles

How to make

Step 1: Play Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles. (this is a vital part of this recipe)

Step 2: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend till smooth.

Step 2: Strain over ice and enjoy!

Women wear many hats—leaders, caregivers, creators, dreamers. Amidst the endless responsibilities, taking a moment for self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. But wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And something as simple as a cup of tea can be a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and nourish both body and mind.

Prioritising Self-Care in a Busy Life

 

Between balancing work, family, and personal goals, women rarely get a moment to themselves. Yet, taking care of oneself is the key to sustaining the energy needed to care for others. Whether you’re a professional managing deadline, a mother juggling responsibility, or someone navigating life’s ever-changing demands, finding small moments of peace is essential.

Wellness teas offer that much-needed pause—a warm embrace amidst the chaos. With blends designed to support relaxation, digestion, and overall well-being, they fit seamlessly into any part of your day.

Morning Boost: Turmeric Ginger Tea

Start the day with strength and vitality. Turmeric ginger tea, with its warming spices and powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, is the perfect way to energise the morning. It helps awaken the senses and sets the tone for a productive day ahead.

Midday Refresh: Peppermint Tea

As the day unfolds, peppermint tea offers a refreshing escape. Known for aiding digestion and easing tension, it’s ideal for a post-lunch moment of rejuvenation—keeping you feeling light and focused for the rest of the day.

Afternoon Calm: Relax Tea

Taking just ten minutes to enjoy a cup of Relax tea can create a sense of balance. Designed to ease stress and promote mindfulness, this blend is a reminder to prioritise well-being, even during the busiest afternoons.

Evening Wind-Down: Chamomile & Lemongrass

As the day slows, a cup of chamomile or lemongrass tea invites tranquillity. Perfect for unwinding after a long day, this blend prepares the body and mind for restful sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for a new day.

Wellness Boost: Darling Darjeeling Tea

For those who cherish the elegance of black tea, Darling Darjeeling offers a refined touch to your wellness routine. This light, floral tea is known for its ability to calm the mind and improve focus—ideal for an afternoon break to recharge and reset. Rich in antioxidants, it’s the perfect companion for enhancing both your well-being and productivity.

A Daily Ritual of Self-Love

📷Victoria Gulatri

Wellness isn’t about finding extra time—it’s about making the most of the small moments. Sipping tea is a simple yet powerful way to care for yourself, no matter how busy life gets. It’s a moment of stillness, a reminder that your well-being matters.

 

So, to all the incredible women—whether you’re leading, nurturing, creating, or simply being—you deserve to pause and enjoy a cup of tea made just for you.