Link to article of Nikki’s interview with Luke from PDG Media for Hardtank Cold Brew Insights – https://hardtank.com/2025/10/30/private-label-iced-tea-brand-tips/
Author: appalachiandivinitea
Give the Gift of Cozy: Our New Tea Bundles Are Here
As we settle into the cold weather season, it’s the perfect time to savor warm cups, nourishing blends, and moments of intentional rest. It’s also the time to make this year’s holiday gift shopping easy. Whether you’re shopping for a devoted tea lover in your life or treating yourself to something special, our new Appalachian DiviniTEA bundles are available just in time to make gifting easy, meaningful, and delicious.
These thoughtfully curated sets highlight some of our most-loved blends, paired together to support seasonal wellness, cozy mornings, and quiet evening unwind moments. Each bundle is available exclusively online and includes built-in savings – so you can give (or receive!) something beautiful while also saving some money.
Why Choose a Tea Bundle?
Our bundles are designed to do more than offer tea. They invite a deeper connection to self as well as the surrounding world. By pairing blends that complement one another, each set encourages intentional living, nourishment, and overall wellness this season.
- They also:
Make gifting simple and heartfelt - Offer exclusive online-only savings
- Highlight our organic, small-batch blends handmade right in Asheville, NC
- Support wellness and nourishment throughout winter and beyond
Explore Our Bundle Collections
Find the bundle that fits your season:
Browse all bundles: https://appalachiandivinitea.com/product-category/bundles/
Each set has its own personality – whether you’re cozying up with delicate rose chai latte, balancing your day with mushrooms and botanicals, or supporting vitality and nourishment. These blends are carefully crafted using organic, premium herbs and mushrooms, and prepared in small batches to ensure the freshest, fullest expression of each ingredient.
A Gift for Them (and Maybe One for You)
The holidays are a time of togetherness, giving, rest, and reset. Our bundles are a beautiful way to share comfort, nourishment, and grounding – and to remember that you, too, deserve care.
Treat someone you love. Treat yourself.
And enjoy a little extra savings while you’re at it.
Explore the full bundle collection and find your perfect set:
https://appalachiandivinitea.com/product-category/bundles/
A Note on Our Products and FDA Disclaimer
At Appalachian DiviniTEA, we craft our teas and extracts with care, using only high-quality, organic, and all-natural ingredients. We believe deeply in the power of plants to nourish and support wellness, but it’s important to clarify how our products are classified and what that means for you as our customer.
Our teas and extracts are considered food products, not dietary supplements or pharmaceuticals. Because of this classification, our offerings are not required to undergo third-party testing or FDA approval. While we take pride in sourcing responsibly, using only certified organic ingredients and/or wildcrafted mushrooms foraged by licensed foragers, and producing everything in small batches, our blends have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are meant to be enjoyed as part of a holistic lifestyle – nourishing, grounding, and connected to nature.
We are not medical professionals and cannot offer medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or have any health concerns, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before consuming any teas or extracts.
Thank you for understanding and for supporting our small business. We’re honored to share our love of plants with you and to be part of your journey in holistic wellness.
— With gratitude,
Ricky & Nikki, Appalachian DiviniTEA
🍄 Mushroom Cacao Brownies
Our Organic Mushroom Cacao Powder is so versatile. Unlike the mainstream mushroom coffee powders that are flooding the market and only good for replacing your morning caffeine kick, our Mushroom Cacao Powder can be used for that and so much more. Enjoy a mushroom hot chocolate as a warm, comforting beverage, or add it to smoothies, protein shakes, and baked goods. One of our favorite ways to incorporate mushrooms into our life is with these decadent Mushroom Cacao Brownie Cupcakes!
These small-batch brownies bake up rich, fudgy, and full of deep chocolate flavor, with the smoothness of our organic cacao powder and adaptogenic benefits of 7 functional mushrooms. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a wholesome dessert that feels indulgent AND has a plethora of powerhouse fungi!
🍫 Mushroom Cacao Brownie Cupcakes Recipes (Makes 9)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) Appalachian DiviniTEA Mushroom Cacao Powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks, ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 9 paper liners (or lightly grease).
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in Mushroom Cacao Powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Batter will be thick and shiny.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Spoon batter evenly into 9 cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tips & Serving Ideas:
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle with melted chocolate for a café-worthy finish. Enjoy with a warm cup of herbal tea for a truly cozy experience.
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days (if they last that long!)
These Mushroom Cacao Brownie Cupcakes are proof that nourishing ingredients and indulgent flavors can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or sharing something special with friends, this recipe is a simple and satisfying way to bring a little more magic (and mushrooms) into your kitchen.
Cold Brew Tea: How To Cold Brew The Easy Way
As the days warm up and the sun stretches longer into the evening, there’s no better way to enjoy tea season than with a refreshing glass of cold brew iced tea. Cold brewing loose leaf tea is one of the simplest, most delicious ways to sip your favorite blends – smooth, flavorful, and easy to enjoy.
Here at Appalachian DiviniTEA, we love how cold brewing brings out the subtle notes in our herbal and traditional teas alike. Whether you’re craving our Berry Blossom cooler or an energizing Floral Grey London Fog, cold brewing keeps it easy, low-maintenance, and effortlessly delicious.
What you need:
– Your favorite Appalachian DiviniTEA loose leaf tea
– Fresh, cold filtered water
– A jar, pitcher, or cold brew bottle
– Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser (if your vessel doesn’t have one)
Cold Brew Instructions:
1. Measure your tea:
Use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 oz (1 cup) of water. Adjust as needed to your taste preference – go lighter for delicate herbs or stronger if you prefer a bold brew.
2 Add water:
Pour cold, filtered water over the tea in your jar or pitcher. No need to heat anything!
3. Let it steep:
Cover and place your tea in the fridge to steep for 6–24 hours, depending on the tea type and your taste preference. Herbal blends often benefit from a longer steep (12-24 hours), while green and white teas may be perfect after just 6–8 hours.
4. Strain and serve:
Remove the tea leaves by straining, and pour over ice. Add a touch of honey, lemon, or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Enjoy within a few days:
Cold brewed tea is best enjoyed fresh. Store unsweetened tea in the fridge and sip within 3–4 days.
Tips from the Tea Table:
– Try cold brewing a few blends together or throw in fresh herbs from your garden for your own seasonal signature sips.
– Use a cold brew bottle with a built-in infuser for on-the-go convenience.
– Save your brewed herbs to toss into a bath or compost for a zero-waste win.
Bonus Brew Tip:
All of our prebagged blends can be cold brewed too! Just follow the same steps above and use 1-2 of our wood pulp tea sachets per 8 oz of water (16-20 sachets for a gallon). It’s an easy, mess-free way to enjoy cold brew on the go or at home.
Whether you’re picnicking, hiking, or just lounging in the backyard, cold brewed tea is a nourishing way to stay hydrated and enjoy some summer sips. Explore our collection of organic, small-batch loose leaf and prebagged blends and find your next summer favorite.
London Fog Recipe with Floral Grey Organic Tea
Looking for a cozy, aromatic drink to elevate your tea experience? Our Floral Grey London Fog recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, fragrant Earl Grey tea with a botanical twist. Made with our Floral Grey Organic Tea, a unique blend of Earl Grey tea, lavender, and rose petals, this version of the classic London Fog brings a delightful floral aroma and flavor that is both soothing and invigorating. Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or just starting to explore the world of tea lattes, this Floral Grey London Fog recipe is a must-try!
What you need:
– 2 tsp Appalachian DiviniTEA Floral Grey Organic Tea
– 6oz cup hot water (just under boiling, about 200°F)
– 2oz milk (dairy or plant-based)
– 1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, agave, sugar, or your favorite sweetener (adjust to taste)
– Dash of vanilla extract (optional)
How to make:
1. Steep Floral Grey Organic Tea in 6oz just under boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Remove/strain the loose tea.
2. While the tea steeps, heat and froth the milk until warm and slightly foamy.
3. Stir in sweetener of choice and vanilla extract into the brewed tea.
4. Pour the steamed milk over the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon, then top with the remaining foam.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of lavender or rose petals (optional) and enjoy your cozy, Floral Grey London Fog!
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors with our Floral Grey London Fog recipe—an ideal drink for any time of day. Its calming lavender notes and smooth, creamy texture make it a favorite for tea enthusiasts everywhere. Ready to experience the magic of this tea latte? Follow our easy recipe and discover how to create this comforting beverage at home. For more tea-inspired recipes and tips, check out our other blog posts and explore the world of Appalachian DiviniTEA!
Steep On,
Nikki
Supporting WNC – Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
On September 27, 2024 our beloved mountains were ravaged by Hurricane Helene, altering our landscapes, and our lives forever. The damage caused from this storm has made ever-lasting impacts on our mountain communities, with an estimated $59.6 billion in damages caused in WNC. We need your help to rebuild and recover. Small businesses across the region are facing economic challenges like never before, but you can support us and our neighbors. There are online resources to shop small and support WNC businesses.
Please consider showing your support to WNC small businesses with the resources below.
Love Asheville From Afar
Brands of WNC
Donate to Appalachian DiviniTEA
Thank you for caring. Keep Asheville Weird!
Canvas Rebel – interview
In October 2023, Ricky, owner of Appalachian DiviniTEA, caught up with Canvas Rebel for an interview for their series of articles highlighting local business owners. Check out the full article – click here!
Meet Ricky Van Warner, October 2023.
“We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ricky Van Warner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ricky, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea came to me while backpacking through Asia and exploring tea houses. I have always had a love for tea thanks to my Grandma, however, on this trip something clicked which told me to pursue this as a career. In my 20’s I spent some time traveling around the country and working on various farms and homesteads. Here I learned about herbalism and started making herbal remedies for different aliments. I began to dive deep into plant medicine and came up with a variety of teas. This was the beginning of my business starting to take form.
Ricky, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
What started as a hobby quickly grew and took over a good part of our house. Last year I decided to share this passion of tea with others and began selling some of our teas at local farmers markets. The local community was very receptive and things started gaining traction much more quickly than I had ever anticipated. This lead me to be able to quit my “day job” this year and pursue this full time business. I now do 4-5 farmers markets a week in the Asheville area as well as travel out of town some weekends to Plant & Herb Festivals. We have an online store and also sell our teas in other small businesses around town.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social Media has never been one of my strong suits or something I particularly enjoy. Luckily my partner and wife, Nikki, is extremely talented and understands that aspect of business well. She has really done wonders for our social media and online store presence. Her advice would be to remain true to who you are and consistency is key.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think what helped my reputation in our market is having a positive interaction with every customer. Really making connections and having meaningful conversations about our products has gone a long way. Another aspect is having a solid product that is approachable and delicious. Being open to suggestions from others has helped us formulate products and bring them to the standard they are today.”
Thank you so much to Canvas Rebel for shining the spotlight on our small business!
WLOS13 News Coverage of Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
In September 2023, local news station WLOS13 covered the Enka-Candler Tailgate Market. This local market serves as a cornerstone for community members to connect with local farmers and small businesses, keeping our local economy strong and providing access to fresh healthy foods to the community. Check out the full news article – click here!
Farmers Face Growing Challenges As Latest Farm Bill Set To Expire, September 2023.
“Ricky Van Warner with Appalachian DiviniTEA tells News 13 markets like this are important to the area.
“I feel like these communities need these local farmers markets to have an alternative to big corporate grocery stores to be able to support and buy local,” he said.”
Thank you WLOS13 for highlighting local markets in our area and addressing challenges that our local farmers face!
Tea Time: The 9 Best Tea Shops in Asheville, NC.
We’ve been featured by About Asheville in their article “Tea Time: The 9 Best Tea Shops in Asheville”
Check out the full article – click here!
Tea Time: The 9 Best Tea Shops in Asheville, May 2023.
“So maybe you’re looking for tea to take home, but you want to make sure it’s as local as it gets. While many local companies use as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible, supporting a local tea blender is a great way to make your mark on our local economy.
Featured at a variety of farmers markets, Appalachian DiviniTEA is a small business inspired by a trip to Asia, where the owner learned a lot about the history and culture of tea and came home ready to turn a new-found passion into a business. With blends like the [Rose Chai] organic tea, … a Jasmine Green organic tea, or a Spiced Peach organic tea, you’re sure to find something that fits your flavor profile while using the top available ingredients sourced for peak freshness. Check the Appalachian DiviniTEA website for upcoming markets or to buy online.”