It's the tea you've wanted to try for oolong time! If Green and Black Teas are at opposite ends of the tea spectrum, Oolong Teas can be found anywhere in the middle: some are delicate and closer to green teas, while others are bolder like black teas. With this wide range of tea, you are sure to find something you like!

Before we begin: Let's Talk Reinfusions

While the price of oolongs may be higher than most teas, don't let that scare you. Most oolongs can be steeped multiple times, anywhere from four to seven infusions depending on the variety and the taste preference of the one enjoying it. Each steeping treats the sipper to a new experience and different nuances. A good rule of thumb is to add 30 seconds to the brewing time per infusion. Experiment with the number of infusions and steeping times to your preference!

Ti Kuan Yin

One of China's finest and most popular oolongs, Ti Kuan Yin (or Ti Guan Yin) is named after the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. Ti Kuan Yin comes from the mountains of the Fujian Province in China, and, unlike other tea varities, uses only the leaves of the tea bush and not the buds. Because it's only lightly oxidized, Ti Kuan Yin is similar to green tea and is even pan-fried like other Chinese green teas. To brew this sweet, floral tea, steep Ti Kuan Yin in water below boiling (somewhere between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 2 to 5 minutes. This bright yellow brew will keep you satisfied as you meditate upon the delicate aspects life.

Ali Shan Oolong

Grown in the mountains of Taiwan, the leaves used in Ali Shan grow at a slower rate than other teas. Because of that, Ali Shan Oolong has a naturally stronger tea flavor. However, because of slow growth, this tea can be difficult to find (but luckily, Adagio Teas has two varieties: Ali Shan and Formosa Ali Shan). After harvest, the leaves are rolled and left for eight hours before being roasted, creating a toasty, floral flavor with a natural sweetness; some even liken the floral flavors to rose or jasmine, even though no flowers have been added. Because of its oxidation, the leaves produce a darker oolong liquor with a bolder flavor than other oolongs. Ali Shan can be brewed in water heated to 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit for anywhere from 3 to 4 minutes depending on taste. As you sit on a rainy day, enjoy this robust, floral oolong as you listen to the pitter-patter of the rain outside.

Milk Oolong

Known as Jin Xuan Tea, Milk Oolong, while it does not contain actual milk, has a creamy taste similar to milk due to its level of oxidation. While grown in the mountains of Taiwan like Ali Shan, the harvests for Milk Oolong are larger than Ali Shan harvests, making Milk Oolong easier to find. Once harvested, the leaves are roasted to bring out Milk Oolong's warm, creamy taste; additionally, it also has sweet and floral flavors as well as a delicate feel. Brew at 190 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 4 minutes to yield a milky cup of tea without the addition of cream.

Da Hong Pao Oolong

Da Hong Pao is a Wuyi Oolong (or an oolong grown in the Wuyi Mountains of the Fujian Province in China) and is a cousin to the black tea Lapsang Souchong. While some varieties are the most expensive teas in the world (even worth more than gold), other commercial varieties taste nearly identical and are more accessible to the beginning tea connoisseur. Unlike other oolongs that are rolled, Da Hong Pao's leaves are twisted into long leaves before being pan-fried and then baked. Similar to black tea, Da Hong Pao yields a golden dark orange brew with a smooth texture and nutty flavor. Simply brew at 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit for anywhere from one minute to five. If you like the heartiness of black teas, this tea is a must-try!

Golden Flower Oolong

Known by the name Huang Jin Gui in China, Golden Flower Oolong is similar to Ti Kuan Yin: it's similar to a green tea, comes from the Fujian Province, and yields a golden brew. Differing from Tie Kuan Yin, Golden Flower Oolong is less oxidized and baked: this gives it a deep floral scent with the delicate consistency of a green tea but without the astringency. Brew this green tea-like oolong in 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit water for about 2 to 3 minutes: because it's similar to a green tea, over brewing per steeping should be avoided. Enjoy this tea in a garden surrounded by flowers.