Aw, geez. You offered to have an all-nighter tea party with your buddy, the werewolf, when a bunch of other monsters self-invited. What are you supposed to serve them? How can you keep them calm?



Don't worry, this happens, and there are some tried and true offerings you can have on hand.

1. Bigfoot

This big bear is easily soothed with a reminder of his safe place: the forest. Spiced Mate will leave a pep in his step while doing just that.

Brew spiced mate at 150 for 3-5 minutes. This is a very delicate tea and, like a conversation with Bigfoot, can turn unpleasant quickly. Don't be afraid to turn the heat dial a little lower for this tea, it brews at a lower temperature than even green or white teas. It is made of very fine leaves, expect an earthy speckle of leaves in the cup.
Serve warm with sugar, honey, and cream.

2. Frankenstein's Monster

When Frankenstein's monster escaped from the lab, he briefly enjoyed a stay at a farm. Try meadow-like Foxtrot, a blend of chamomile, vanilla rooibos, and peppermint. It will certainly bring him back to those happy memories and the beautiful scenery before he burned it down.

Foxtrot is a herbal tea, so it will be tolerant to many brewing methods. With no caffeine, it will help ease him. Simply steep it for 3-5 minutes in boiling water.
Serve warm, with honey and sugar.

3. Headless Horseman

When the headless horseman gallops to your door, "wow" him with fall-like spices of the versatile Chai. Nearly any chai will do here and bring him right into his favored season.

Brew black chais, such as Masala, at 212 degrees for 3-5 minutes, but green chais are more delicate and prefer around 180 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm, cool, or even iced, with an offering of cream, honey and sugar.

4. Loch Ness Monster

What a mess. This monster has no business being out of its lake. Take it back with the vegetal flavors of a green tea, such as Sleeping Dragon. It will remind the monster of all the algae and kelp of a good lake, except delicious.

Green teas are delicate and will develop a harsh flavor if steeped at too high of a temperature. Steep at 180 degrees for about 3 minutes. If you're not confidant reaching just 180 degrees, try cold brewing it. Steep it in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours, strain, and enjoy a perfect green tea.
Serve warm or cool. Honey is a perfect sweetener for this tea, and a great choice for that local honey you splurged on.

5. Ogre

Your friendly house Ogre will always arrive ready for a fight and some lunch. Bring your friend right to the battlefield with toasty Gunpowder tea or a sweet Raspberry tea.

Gunpowder tea is a green tea that should be steeped at 180 degrees for 3 minutes or cold brewed in the fridge (strain before serving). Like picking a fight with the Ogre, this tea carries consequences: It can develop an unpleasant tobacco-like flavor when brewed too hot.
This tea goes well with honey.

Raspberry tea is an herbal tea and much more forgiving. It can be steeped at 212 degrees for 3-5 minutes or cold brewed.
It pairs with all sweeteners.

6. Slender Man

When the dapper Slender Man pops up, match his mood with Earl Grey Lavender. A touch of lavender adds a sophistication that leaves your guest too absorbed to notice you. Otherwise, earl gray is always a classic touch, and provides just enough kick to aid your escape, if necessary.

Earl gray is a black tea, so steep it at 212 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
Pairs with sugar cubes, honey, and cream.

7. Troll

With a rowdy spirit and a terrible stench, take the troll right to the heart of his dreams: That bridge by scenic peach orchards. PeachPeach black tea will lift his spirits right from the first whiff and leave him feeling right at home.

Black, oolong, and herbal peach teas should be steeped at 212 degrees for 3 minutes.
Serve warm with cream, sugar, and/or honey.

8. Werewolf

Bolster Werewolf's spirit with Earl Grey Bella Luna. This earl gray includes coconut, a sweet reminder why you should survive tonight. If you didn't snag it last full moon, no worries, he will certainly enjoy Earl Gray Moonlight, which includes cream and vanilla.

Steep earl gray at 212 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm with honey and sugar or sugar cubes. Accentuate the full moon with a hint of cream.

9. Zombie

This undead beast has become accustomed to certain flavors others may hesitate with. Pu Erh Chorange, or any Pu Erh, is a fermented black tea with an earthy "hay-like" flavor. The citrus of orange complements and tames these flavors. Much more palatable than what this flesh-craved guest has been munching on.

Brew pu erh at 212 for 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm with honey and sugar.

Happy Halloween!