Yesterday, media personality and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey informed her social media followers that an exciting announcement was on the horizon. Soon after, official word came: Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks and Oprah Winfrey announced a new partnership to create Teavana Oprah Chai Tea in support of youth education.

Starting on April 29, Starbucks will make a donation for each Teavana Oprah Chai product sold in Starbucks and Teavana stores (in North America), to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, which provides funding for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls-South Africa. The foundation helps graduates attend college and university. Winfrey developed her signature tea in Seattle with Teavana’s leading teologist Naoko Tsunoda. Loose-leaf black tea and rooibos were blended with cloves, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom flavours to create a unique beverage. “My daily tea ritual is a vital part of my morning,” says Winfrey. “Savoury and spicy chai, with its deep flavour has long been a favourite of mine. When Howard Schultz offered to have me come into the Starbucks tasting room and create my very own tea blend, I thought that sounded like such a unique opportunity… To share one of my favourite things with the rest of the world and support youth education at the same time is truly the perfect blend.” Starbuck’s Schultz hopes to elevate the tea experience, while giving back in a meaningful way. “I am personally humbled to work with such an inspirational leader and visionary who shares so many of our core values and beliefs,” he says. At Starbucks Canada, tea is the third largest beverage, with Starbucks Chai Tea Latte consistently one of the top five-selling beverages across the country. Try an Oprah Chai and tell us what you think. Need more reasons to drink tea at canadianliving.com? Find eight here! Photo courtesy CNW Group/Starbucks Coffee Canada