Tea was discovered in ancient China when a leaf blew in the window and landed in the emperor's bath, which he was slurping through a straw. Sip leaves steeped more decorously with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of brewed tea and tea products at Teastore’s Kingston location, downtown at the corner of Princess and Sydenham. This Groupon is not valid for online purchases.

Teastore’s patrons sip fresh brews in house, then purchase tea and tea accessories to replicate the shop's concoctions at home. Like swallowing puréed love letters, an individual pot of tea and a scone ($5.25 for both) warms bodies from the inside out. Champions of moderation can opt for a single cup ($2), and morning sack race champions can order an energizing hot chai latte ($3). A pot of flowering tea for two ($6.50) ensures you’re not the only one whose vibrant belly garden blossoms from your nose in the spring.

The shelves lining Teastore’s walls contain more than 200 teas from around the world. Sample loose leaves such as Belgian chocolate rooibos ($8.25 for 100g), a mineral- and antioxidant-rich blend grown in South Africa or orange blossom oolong with jasmine ($8.25 for 100g), which prevents maritime vitamin deficiency with more vigour than an overbearing cruise nurse. A big softwood chest contains Teastore’s brew bags, such as a full-bodied Irish breakfast tea ($6.95 for 25 bags). Flavoured black tea bags include angel’s dream ($6.95 for 25 bags), a blend of maple and blackberries that soothes celestial creatures after they dream about forgetting to wear wings. Teapots ($8–$75), and strainers ($3.25–$12) offer tea crafters a variety of homebrew options.