By Fiona Chan

THE image of a busy corporate type with a hot drink in hand is a cliche, but most working people have certainly become used to their daily shot of caffeine.

While coffee is probably the more popular choice, nothing conveys executive elegance like a freshly brewed cup of tea.

It would be easy to fall back on old standbys such as Lipton, Twinings and Dilmah, especially since these ever-reliable brands are coming up with new inventive options to keep up with the times.

For those who want more hubba in their cuppa, however, there are plenty of other selections.

Most also come in pretty tins that double as desk decorations.

Some of the latest hip choices hail from the TWG Tea Company, which recently opened a tea salon in Republic Plaza and offers top-quality teas in brightly coloured canisters.

Exclusive blends include the White House and Silver Moon, which are white and green teas respectively. They cost $28 per canister, while regular loose-leaf teas cost $19 per canister.

A more time-honoured option would be teas from Fauchon, the French luxury food brand.

Flavours run the gamut from apple tea to China jasmine tea, and they come in teabags for greater convenience: $22.50 for 25 sachets.

Loose-leaf teas are also available, starting at $22.50 for 100g and going up to $28 for Darjeeling.

Equally chic alternatives are available at Duchy Originals in Paragon, which sells organic teas that come in classic flavours and tasteful packaging.

They are packed in boxes of 20 teabags, with prices ranging from $14.60 for chamomile or peppermint to $18.55 for Darjeeling. For loose-leaf teas, prices start at $33 for 125g of Earl Grey or English Breakfast.

If you want organic on a budget, try the Clipper Infusion teas on the shelves of Jasons Market Place.

They come in piquant flavours such as liquorice and fennel. The white teas are mixed with raspberry, ginger or vanilla.

Expect to pay $5.95 for a box of 20 teabags. The price goes up to $8.15 for a box of 40.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on October 06, 2008.