Infusion Tea
1600 Edgewater Drive • Orlando, Florida 32804
infusionorlando.com • 407-999-5255
Christina Cowherd learned the true joy of sipping a cup of hot tea while living in Guatemala during her and her husband’s time in the Peace Corps. After discovering open-air markets full of succulent in-season produce, tasting slow-cooked whole foods, and immersing herself in an intentional, supportive community, Christina was inspired to bring those same qualities back home with her to the United States.
“I fell in love with tea—the ritual, the health benefits, and the aroma,” Christina says. “The more I learned about loose-leaf tea, the less willing I became to drink ‘tea bag’ tea, where the leaves don’t have space to unfurl and release their flavor.”
When she and her husband, Brad, returned to Orlando, Christina immediately went to work to create her own restaurant that would bring fresh, quality food and tea to her corner of the world. Since opening in 2004, Infusion Tea has become known for its wholesome vegan and vegetarian food options, along with its impressive line of more than 100 teas. Among the collection, Christina says the Green Tea Jubilee—infused with notes of passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, and vanilla—remains hands down the most popular house blend among customers. Other specially made flavors include Turkish Apricot, Himalayan Blackberry, Rose-Colored Glasses, and Very Oolong Engagement. Tea can be enjoyed as a single cup or glass, a pot or pitcher, or purchased in bulk in loose-leaf form.
In addition to a full menu of health-conscious fare, diners at Infusion Tea can also opt to partake in the restaurant’s afternoon tea for two for $24 per person. Teatime at Infusion Tea includes a pot of tea and a three-tiered tray brimming with freshly baked scones, vegetarian finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a medley of desserts. For $29 per person, guests can order gluten-free and vegan alternatives for their tea service. Walk-ins are welcome for afternoon tea, but reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.
“Afternoon tea is so fun,” Christina shares. “We love serving it, and it’s such an honor to be a part of peoples’ special occasions.”
Those who dine at Infusion Tea will note an assortment of artwork on display throughout the restaurant. As part of her mission to recreate the sense of community she experienced in Guatemala, Christina has dedicated a section of the café to operate as an arts co-op, where local artists can sell their pieces and crafts.
While her restaurant has thrived for almost two decades, Christina’s dedication to sharing her love for tea with the community hasn’t always been confined to her brick-and-mortar business. During the initial months of the stay-at-home ordinances put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Christina and Brad devised a plan to ensure people were well stocked with tea and “Tea-P.” To combat the nationwide toilet paper shortage, the couple created a care package option for customers to order and have delivered to friends or family. Each “Tea-P” delivery included two rolls of toilet paper and a large bag of tea along with a yard sign proclaiming, “You’ve been Tea-Ped,” which featured a space for the bestower’s name. And while the endeavor was an innovative technique to connect with customers, Christina is more than happy to be able to once more serve tea and wholesome treats to her guests in person.
“Infusion Tea was created to be a nourishing Third Place, your home away from home where all are welcome,” Christina says. “We want you to stay.”
Infusion Tea is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
