Two years. Fans of the hit BBC television show, Sherlock, have waited two years to get answers to questions left hanging at the end of the season 2 finale cliffhanger. Who is dead? Who is alive? And, most importantly: how did Sherlock do it?!
The show, a modern adaptation of the detective stories famously written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the show’s namesake and Martin Freeman as his loyal sidekick, Dr. John Watson. The series started in 2010 with season 1, consisting of three one-and-a-half hour episodes. Two years later, in 2012, fans devoured season 2. And just last Sunday, American fans were able to dive into season 3 on PBS’s Masterpiece Theater (roughly two weeks after it aired in Britain).
One of the most notable influences the show has on its fans is a hankering for tea. Seeing as it is a British series, tea is the primary beverage consumed. And it is consumed much. Whether Mrs. Hudson, John and Sherlock’s landlady, is preparing tea for her tenants or Sherlock is quickly setting up tea for his archnemesis James Moriarty, tea truly abounds.
For those who are unfamiliar with the many categories of tea, we’ve compiled a quick list of six of the more popular types. We’ve also given recommendations on which type of tea would suit a Sherlock fan depending on which show character one most closely identifies with.
PA Eats’s Guide to What Tea You Should Be Drinking While Watching Sherlock:
Black Tea
A warmly flavored tea that many sippers can identify with, black tea is the most common kind of tea (it makes up 75% of tea consumed around the world). Black tea goes with anything, so it is the tea leaf that is most popularly made into tea blends. It is truly the ‘everyman’s tea.’
If JOHN WATSON is a character you connect with, than black tea is for you: loyal, caring, courageous and a man of integrity.
Earl Grey
Old fashioned but refined. This tea is a classy black tea blend, distinct by the addition of the oil from a bergamot orange. This tea is very entrenched in the ways of the United Kingdom, as it has been historically noted to be a favorite among lords and ladies of Britain. One might get the impression that this tea thinks a bit highly of itself.
If you are steeped with pride and tradition—and a bit of ego—then Earl Grey is for those who identify with MYCROFT HOLMES: superior, intelligent, a bit proud.
Herbal Tea
These teas are light and are most noted for their flavors. Some are fruity while others are more floral. They fall into 3 categories: rooibos, mate, and herbal infusions. These teas are fun and easily enjoyed by anyone who likes a little flavor in their life. Since the main focus in these teas are herbs, they are comforting and are sometimes used medicinally.
Opt for herbal if you identify most with MRS. HUDSON: motherly, daft, charming.
White Tea
White tea is one of the least processed types of tea, with the leaves being steamed and dried. It is well known in tea crowds but is notably simple. There is nothing complicated about white tea, and it is very mild while naturally sweet. If tea drinkers are not looking for anything overwhelming, white tea is a great choice.
Anyone who has a kinship with the character of GREG LASTRADE, choose white tea: a leader but not terribly intuitive, simple, team player.
Oolong Tea
Also known as “brown tea” or “rock tea,” oolong tea is full-bodied, flavorful and has a sweet aroma. There are many sub-varieties of oolong tea (the leaves are commonly grown in China and Taiwan), so the taste can range from sweet to earthy. You never know what you are going to get with oolong, which makes it a bit unpredictable.
Drink oolong if you are a fan of JAMES MORIARTY: flamboyant, unpredictable, slightly insane.
Chai Tea
A tea that has been enjoyed in many parts of the world, most particularly in India, though the United States has seen a rise in its popularity. Chai is a unique blend of cardamom, cloves, pepper and ginger mixed with black tea. It takes the best of tradition (black tea) and accentuates it with eclectic spices. Those who are truly discriminating can identify with each of the spices individually. Chai tea can come on strong, especially to those who are unsuspecting. While some may be put off by it, it is truly, deep down, very sweet. It is one-of-a-kind.
Drink this if you identify most with SHERLOCK HOLMES: one-of-a-kind, observant, discriminating, calculating and somewhat insensitive.
Which tea is most suited for YOU?
If you are looking for great local PA places to pick up tea, check out Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop in Kennett Square, A Taste of Britain Cafe and Tea Room in Wayne and Pureblend Tea at the West Chester Growers Market.
Don’t miss the last two episodes of season 3 of Sherlock, airing this Sunday (Jan. 26) and next Sunday (Feb. 2) at 9:58 p.m. on PBS!
- Black, Oolong Tea Photos: Mrs. Robinson's Tea Shop
- Earl Grey, White, Herbal, Chai Tea Photos: Pureblend Tea
- Sherlock TV Stills: PBS Masterpiece Theatre
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