Winter’s official drink

Even though it’s been frigid (by California standards, anyway) and stormy for weeks, it’s not even winter yet—until this week, that is. The winter solstice is Friday, December 21, and the official unofficial drink of the cold season is Yerba Mate Latte All Night Samba Herb Tea by The Republic of Tea. Celebrate by wrapping your chilled little vegan fingers around a warm cup of this fragrantly sweet brew of roasted yerba mate, rooibos, cactus flowers, almonds and cocoa—that’s right, it’s basically chocolate tea. It’s an intoxicating—and slightly caffeinated—alternative to hot chocolate or a Frappu-whatever if one adds a swish of almond milk for creamy sipping. Find it in bulk or bagged in stores or online at www.republicoftea.com.