Herbal beverages made from mint, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, rooibos, and other plants do not necessarily contain leaves from the tea plant.

They are more accurately described as herbal infusions or tisanes.

Despite that distinction, they have been consumed around the world for centuries.

It can be delicate and floral, dark and malty, grassy, smoky, sweet, or deeply aromatic depending on the type and preparation.

Although countless drinks are called tea, traditional tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis.

Unlike clear fruit juice, smoothies usually blend whole ingredients together, creating a thicker texture and retaining much more of the fruit or vegetable.

They can be simple combinations of fruit and water or elaborate mixtures containing yogurt, oats, seeds, greens, and nut butters.

Mineral content, geology, source, treatment, temperature, and carbonation can all influence the flavor and texture of water.

This is why bottled mineral waters from different regions can have surprisingly distinctive characteristics.

Yet the history of chocolate beverages extends far beyond modern sweet drinks topped with whipped cream.

Cacao was consumed as a beverage in the Americas long before chocolate bars existed.