The other caffeine

Seattle's reputation as a coffee epicenter is unquestionable, but several tea gurus are quietly shifting the caffeine scene in Seattle.

As a self-confessed tea addict, I was thrilled when local tea oasis Remedy opened its doors. Their awe-inspiring collection of teas you've never heard of combined with the funky Euro décor make it the perfect spot to plop for an hour or so on a rainy Sunday. However, sometimes a girl wants to enjoy her tea in peace and for that we have Sassafras, the brainchild of Seattlite Christa Gardner.

Sassafras is an online tea shop offering several uniquely named tins of tea. With titles like Cranky B@%*! and Shush, Gardner's sense of humor adds a quirky touch to the tea experience. Sassafras teas are all organic and shipped in packages using recycled materials. Each tin costs $14. To encourage re-use of the tins, returning guests receive a discount on refills. To further showcase her good intentions, Gardner donates 3 percent of every purchase of Aunty Ox green tea to the Breast Cancer Fund.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company