Justine Duquette's introduction to “the tea world” came while living in London. She was drawn to the way tea was woven into “every scenario of life” there, she says. It showed her that tea “is more than a hot cup – it’s self care, it’s culture, it’s education and so much more.” 

It was a lightbulb moment for Justine when someone described what she does as “working in flavor.” Her work now features culture-spanning tea blends that are multisensory journeys around the world.

What’s more, she’s added mind-bendingly innovative products like bubble gum-flavored tea syrup – “‘90s, Dubble Bubble Barbie nostalgic bubble gum.” 

Cup of Communitea

♡ Tea, tea latte powder, tea syrups, tea accessories
♡ Global tea shop in Williamsville, NY
♡ Founded in 2020

When we asked Justine what her signature blend would be, she didn’t miss a beat.

“A very even keel flavor profile, nothing too dark or grassy, with a very warm and nutty profile to it. Slightly creamy – naturally creamy, nothing added to the cup.”

(One of the things we love about talking tea with Justine? Everything she says sounds like poetry.) 

Justine is continuing to raise her game – after years of studying, she's a certified tea sommelier. (We love to see it!)

Seeks inspiration in...

Trying new things and combining new flavors to see what happens.

“There are too many amazing flavors out there. I didn’t know pomegranate and lime go together until I tried a new thing.”

Cup of Communitea’s tea syrup collection is the result of an exploratory process that included more than 200 different teas. 

Her happy place?

“When I’m teaching classes, educating. It’s so much fun to see a lightbulb moment, a record-scratch where someone thinks ‘This is so interesting,’” Justine says. “Seeing those moments, when someone starts to grow that appreciation that I have into the nuances of it, the cultures of it and the work that goes into it.”

On her playlist:

Upbeat tunes with fun lyrics. Good vibes! Good vibes, upbeat tunes with fun lyrics. But when working and training, Justine prefers cooking shows to music – Bobby Flay and Alex Guarnacelli are among the voices she likes to hear in the background.

Follow Justine and Cup of Communitea on Instagram: @cupofjustine & @cupofcommunitea