And then, each day\u2019s length shortens until the winter solstice, on December 21. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cultures around the world identified the solstices millennia ago\u2014and they marked them with celebrations. We rejoice in celestial-born commemorations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Religion, tradition, history and other factors serve as the foundation for a colorful diversity of festivals and observances. But for the most part, they lack threads that unite all people. Traditions tied to the heavens, though, share that bind. Practices may diverge from one another, but the engine behind them\u2014what\u2019s happening up there in the big sky\u2014remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turning to Tea for Summer Solstice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_229883324-1024x683.jpeg\")
Sipping tea the gong-fu way.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe mark the solstices, of course, with tea\u2014we even carry a blend called Summer Solstice! In winter, we sink into brooding, bold teas; into elixirs that light inner fires during cold mornings and soothe us in the evenings. Our winter solstice teas represent the kind of brews we drink across the dark months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The summer solstice, on the other hand, compels us toward lighter teas. It also reminds us to drink gong-fu style. That\u2019s the Chinese way of savoring tea, in which tea leaves get brewed repeatedly. Each steeping yields tea with different flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why gong-fu? Because just like the solstice\u2019s (and summer\u2019s) long days, gong-fu stretches out the tea sipping experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solstice practices around the world don\u2019t touch on tea much. Scandinavians erect may poles during what they call Midsommar, and feast and dance until the sun barely sets. In China the solar term Xi\u00e0zh\u00ec, which means summer\u2019s peak, does persuade people to honor the day with tea, especially cooling brews like chrysanthemum; they also enjoy a three-day holiday. Crowds still gather at Stonehenge in England and watch light wash over the big stones, the design of which is tied to the solstices. One thing all of these celebrations share is a simple, radical notion to slow down on the year\u2019s longest day and savor it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So happy summer solstice. Savor it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Sui Yue Liu Xiang<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sui-yue.jpg\")
Brew – and brew again, and again – “The Fragrance of the Age”!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat a glorious way to mark the year\u2019s longest day! Meaning \u201cThe Fragrance of Age,\u201d Sui Yue Liu Xiang serves as an ideal candidate for re-infusing repeatedly. A dozen times? Absolutely. Hailing from LinCang County in Yunnan Province, this pu-erh\u2014pu-erhs are China\u2019s unique and fermented teas\u2014brews smooth and earthy, with notes of both pipe tobacco and citrus. Artisans make this tea from Imperial or Gong Ting Grade pu-erh\u2014translation, exceptional tea. In addition, it\u2019s well-served by Colorado\u2019s dry climate. Tea fanatics collect pu-erhs, and age them in the manner of wine; they gain complexity over time. Get your summer solstice on with this gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Tiger Mountain<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/tiger_mountain_raw-3-low.jpg\")
Tiger Mountain has strong Cha Qi!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts leaves come from wild tea trees, and it brews with a strong Cha Qi (tea energy). Meet our Tiger Mountain, a young raw pu-erh (2017) from Tiger Mountain in LinCang County, Yunnan Province. Brew Tiger Mountain, and behold a bright, complex, bittersweet sipping experience shot through with pear fruitiness. As with Sui Yue Liu Xiang, Tiger Mountain pu-erh ages wonderfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Tie Guan Yin Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ot_tieguanyin_02.jpg\")
“Iron Goddess of Mercy” is a pu-erh perfect for summer solstice.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPeople engage with gong-fu through many kinds of teas, including the pu-erhs detailed above. But oolong gets the gong-fu treatment more than any other style. And we think brewing Tie Guan Yin, one of China\u2019s most famous teas and known as \u201cIron Goddess of Mercy,\u201d on the summer solstice does the celestial event justice. From Fujian Province, Tie Guan Yin has a sweet and floral fragrance, a bright taste and a smooth finish, with sweetness lingering in the mouth. It takes winningly to multiple infusions, making it a fantastic summer solstice sipping choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Oriental Beauty Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/oriental-beauty.jpg\")
Bai Hoo gets the full insect treatment!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Shou Mei White Tea Cake<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
We mark the solstices, of course, with tea\u2014we even carry a blend called Summer Solstice! In winter, we sink into brooding, bold teas; into elixirs that light inner fires during cold mornings and soothe us in the evenings. Our winter solstice teas represent the kind of brews we drink across the dark months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The summer solstice, on the other hand, compels us toward lighter teas. It also reminds us to drink gong-fu style. That\u2019s the Chinese way of savoring tea, in which tea leaves get brewed repeatedly. Each steeping yields tea with different flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why gong-fu? Because just like the solstice\u2019s (and summer\u2019s) long days, gong-fu stretches out the tea sipping experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solstice practices around the world don\u2019t touch on tea much. Scandinavians erect may poles during what they call Midsommar, and feast and dance until the sun barely sets. In China the solar term Xi\u00e0zh\u00ec, which means summer\u2019s peak, does persuade people to honor the day with tea, especially cooling brews like chrysanthemum; they also enjoy a three-day holiday. Crowds still gather at Stonehenge in England and watch light wash over the big stones, the design of which is tied to the solstices. One thing all of these celebrations share is a simple, radical notion to slow down on the year\u2019s longest day and savor it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So happy summer solstice. Savor it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Summer Solstice Teas: Sui Yue Liu Xiang<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBrew – and brew again, and again – “The Fragrance of the Age”!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat a glorious way to mark the year\u2019s longest day! Meaning \u201cThe Fragrance of Age,\u201d Sui Yue Liu Xiang serves as an ideal candidate for re-infusing repeatedly. A dozen times? Absolutely. Hailing from LinCang County in Yunnan Province, this pu-erh\u2014pu-erhs are China\u2019s unique and fermented teas\u2014brews smooth and earthy, with notes of both pipe tobacco and citrus. Artisans make this tea from Imperial or Gong Ting Grade pu-erh\u2014translation, exceptional tea. In addition, it\u2019s well-served by Colorado\u2019s dry climate. Tea fanatics collect pu-erhs, and age them in the manner of wine; they gain complexity over time. Get your summer solstice on with this gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Tiger Mountain<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTiger Mountain has strong Cha Qi!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts leaves come from wild tea trees, and it brews with a strong Cha Qi (tea energy). Meet our Tiger Mountain, a young raw pu-erh (2017) from Tiger Mountain in LinCang County, Yunnan Province. Brew Tiger Mountain, and behold a bright, complex, bittersweet sipping experience shot through with pear fruitiness. As with Sui Yue Liu Xiang, Tiger Mountain pu-erh ages wonderfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Tie Guan Yin Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n“Iron Goddess of Mercy” is a pu-erh perfect for summer solstice.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPeople engage with gong-fu through many kinds of teas, including the pu-erhs detailed above. But oolong gets the gong-fu treatment more than any other style. And we think brewing Tie Guan Yin, one of China\u2019s most famous teas and known as \u201cIron Goddess of Mercy,\u201d on the summer solstice does the celestial event justice. From Fujian Province, Tie Guan Yin has a sweet and floral fragrance, a bright taste and a smooth finish, with sweetness lingering in the mouth. It takes winningly to multiple infusions, making it a fantastic summer solstice sipping choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Oriental Beauty Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBai Hoo gets the full insect treatment!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Shou Mei White Tea Cake<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
What a glorious way to mark the year\u2019s longest day! Meaning \u201cThe Fragrance of Age,\u201d Sui Yue Liu Xiang serves as an ideal candidate for re-infusing repeatedly. A dozen times? Absolutely. Hailing from LinCang County in Yunnan Province, this pu-erh\u2014pu-erhs are China\u2019s unique and fermented teas\u2014brews smooth and earthy, with notes of both pipe tobacco and citrus. Artisans make this tea from Imperial or Gong Ting Grade pu-erh\u2014translation, exceptional tea. In addition, it\u2019s well-served by Colorado\u2019s dry climate. Tea fanatics collect pu-erhs, and age them in the manner of wine; they gain complexity over time. Get your summer solstice on with this gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Summer Solstice Teas: Tiger Mountain<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTiger Mountain has strong Cha Qi!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts leaves come from wild tea trees, and it brews with a strong Cha Qi (tea energy). Meet our Tiger Mountain, a young raw pu-erh (2017) from Tiger Mountain in LinCang County, Yunnan Province. Brew Tiger Mountain, and behold a bright, complex, bittersweet sipping experience shot through with pear fruitiness. As with Sui Yue Liu Xiang, Tiger Mountain pu-erh ages wonderfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Tie Guan Yin Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n“Iron Goddess of Mercy” is a pu-erh perfect for summer solstice.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPeople engage with gong-fu through many kinds of teas, including the pu-erhs detailed above. But oolong gets the gong-fu treatment more than any other style. And we think brewing Tie Guan Yin, one of China\u2019s most famous teas and known as \u201cIron Goddess of Mercy,\u201d on the summer solstice does the celestial event justice. From Fujian Province, Tie Guan Yin has a sweet and floral fragrance, a bright taste and a smooth finish, with sweetness lingering in the mouth. It takes winningly to multiple infusions, making it a fantastic summer solstice sipping choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Oriental Beauty Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBai Hoo gets the full insect treatment!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Shou Mei White Tea Cake<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
Its leaves come from wild tea trees, and it brews with a strong Cha Qi (tea energy). Meet our Tiger Mountain, a young raw pu-erh (2017) from Tiger Mountain in LinCang County, Yunnan Province. Brew Tiger Mountain, and behold a bright, complex, bittersweet sipping experience shot through with pear fruitiness. As with Sui Yue Liu Xiang, Tiger Mountain pu-erh ages wonderfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Summer Solstice Teas: Tie Guan Yin Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n“Iron Goddess of Mercy” is a pu-erh perfect for summer solstice.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPeople engage with gong-fu through many kinds of teas, including the pu-erhs detailed above. But oolong gets the gong-fu treatment more than any other style. And we think brewing Tie Guan Yin, one of China\u2019s most famous teas and known as \u201cIron Goddess of Mercy,\u201d on the summer solstice does the celestial event justice. From Fujian Province, Tie Guan Yin has a sweet and floral fragrance, a bright taste and a smooth finish, with sweetness lingering in the mouth. It takes winningly to multiple infusions, making it a fantastic summer solstice sipping choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Oriental Beauty Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBai Hoo gets the full insect treatment!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Shou Mei White Tea Cake<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
People engage with gong-fu through many kinds of teas, including the pu-erhs detailed above. But oolong gets the gong-fu treatment more than any other style. And we think brewing Tie Guan Yin, one of China\u2019s most famous teas and known as \u201cIron Goddess of Mercy,\u201d on the summer solstice does the celestial event justice. From Fujian Province, Tie Guan Yin has a sweet and floral fragrance, a bright taste and a smooth finish, with sweetness lingering in the mouth. It takes winningly to multiple infusions, making it a fantastic summer solstice sipping choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Summer Solstice Teas: Oriental Beauty Oolong<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBai Hoo gets the full insect treatment!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Teas: Shou Mei White Tea Cake<\/mark><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
Pro tip: Insect bites can make for grand tea. Consider Oriental Beauty oolong, also known as Bai Hao. This famous Formosa oolong, from Taiwan\u2019s Mount Ali, gets nibbled by green leaf hoppers, a species of insect that revolves its diet around tea leaves. It\u2019s also highly sensitive to chemicals, meaning Bai Hao farmers can barely even look at an agricultural input without their prized leaf hoppers \u2026 hopping away. The leaves, reminiscent of fall foliage, get harvested in the summer, then are oxidized a fair bit\u2014more than most Taiwanese oolongs. The final result\u2014after the insect feasting and the oxidation\u2014offers a smooth and sweet flavor, with virtually no astringency. It also broadcasts a unique aroma of ripe peaches and honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shou-mei-1024x1024.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kuchatea.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/summer-solstice-1024x1024.jpg\")