
Lovers & Friends: Rory Gilmore’s Paramours and Besties

Welcome to the final chapter of our Gilmore Girls tea pairing series! Over the last two posts, we’ve explored the beloved residents of Stars Hollow and the core Gilmore family, but now it’s time to shine the spotlight on some of the most dynamic figures who helped shape Rory’s journey. From her fiercely loyal best friend Lane to her brilliant, intimidating frenemy Paris—and, of course, the three very different boyfriends who each captured Rory’s heart—we’re diving into the teas that capture their unique personalities. Grab your favorite mug and join us for one last steeped-in-nostalgia adventure!
Dean Forester
Dean Forester—Rory’s first boyfriend and the quintessential small-town guy. In the world of Gilmore Girls, Dean was far more likely to be seen with a “pop” (as he calls soda) than a cup of tea. But we like to imagine that somewhere between all the cotillion prep and time spent with the Gilmores, he might have developed a quiet appreciation for it.
Dean isn’t one for frills or fuss, so a complex blend probably wouldn’t suit him. But a classic, approachable tea with just a touch of flavor? That feels right. Our Vanilla Black Tea is the perfect fit—simple, smooth, and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that shines when paired with a splash of milk and sugar. It’s unpretentious yet satisfying—much like Dean himself.
Jess Mariano
Jess Mariano—Rory’s most polarizing boyfriend, the one fans either love or love to hate. Jess was the classic bad boy with a complicated edge—brooding, rebellious, and often frustrating, yet undeniably intelligent and capable of surprising depth. While he struggled in school and ultimately didn’t graduate, he devoured books in his spare time—Hemingway, Kerouac, the greats from both sides of the Atlantic. Later, he’d channel that love of literature into becoming a self-published author, proving there was always more to him than met the eye.
For Jess, we’ve chosen our Samovar - Russian Caravan Fruity tea. This blend of bold Chinese black tea and sweet lychee feels like a perfect match—robust and complex, yet unexpectedly soft around the edges. The historical connection to the old trade caravans adds a touch of worldliness we think Jess would appreciate, while the subtle sweetness mirrors the rare glimpses of vulnerability beneath his rough exterior. It’s layered, intriguing, and just a little bit rebellious—much like Jess himself.
Logan Huntzberger
Logan Huntzberger—the charming rebel with a trust fund, and my personal favorite of Rory’s boyfriends. Logan was a man who lived between two worlds: the thrill-seeking escapades of the Life and Death Brigade, and the rigid expectations of his powerful, upper-crust family. He balanced them effortlessly on the surface, but beneath it all, he wrestled with finding his own identity. Still, Logan brought a vibrant energy to Rory’s life—showing her that the world of privilege she often avoided could be just as exciting as her cozy, quirky Stars Hollow. He encouraged her to embrace adventure, indulge in luxury, and see the beauty in both worlds.
That’s why we’ve chosen our Gyokuro Supreme for Logan. The most prized tea in our catalog, it’s a selection for true aficionados—complex, elegant, and full of character. Slightly sweet yet rich with umami depth and strong vegetal notes, it’s a tea that rewards those willing to savor its nuance. Much like Logan himself, it’s a perfect marriage of refinement and adventure—one that’s impossible to forget.
Paris Geller
Paris Geller—the force of nature who ruled every room she walked into, often with an iron fist. While Rory may have been her only true friend, Paris made sure everyone else knew exactly where they stood: beneath her. Who could forget her reign as editor of the Yale Daily News? She assigned staffers numbers instead of names, banned bathroom breaks, rewrote every article herself, and locked herself away in a self-made bunker. Ruthless, brilliant, and undeniably powerful—Paris radiated conqueror energy in everything she did.
That’s why we’ve chosen our Genghis Khan – Russian Caravan tea for Paris. Named after the Mongol emperor who dominated vast territories, this bold, smoky black tea is as commanding as Paris herself. We can almost picture her sipping it in satisfaction, seeing Genghis Khan as the ultimate example of how to run the newsroom—uncompromising, efficient, and maybe just a touch terrifying. And with its subtle hint of smokiness, it even calls to mind her much older boyfriend, Professor Asher Fleming, and the pipe he always seemed to have in hand—a detail Paris would no doubt consider “distinguished,” just like her.
Lane Kim
Lane Kim—Rory’s childhood best friend and the ultimate partner-in-crime. Living a double life behind her mother’s back, Lane mastered the art of sneaking rock CDs under floorboards and hiding her drum kit in a closet, all while surviving the strict rules of Mrs. Kim’s household. Through it all, she remained loyal, loving, and fiercely determined to carve out her own path—whether it was chasing her dream with Hep Alien or juggling odd jobs to make it happen.
For Lane, we chose Yerba Mate. Bold, energizing, and anything but ordinary, this South American brew perfectly matches her rebellious spirit. With its earthy, slightly tangy flavor and natural caffeine kick, it’s the kind of tea that fuels late-night band rehearsals and long shifts at Luke’s Diner. It’s a far cry from the plain, regimented life she grew up with—a tea that says, “I’m doing things my way,” just like Lane herself.
Goodbye Stars Hollow!
And with that, we wrap up our Gilmore Girls tea pairing series! From the quirky charm of Stars Hollow to the complexities of Rory’s friendships and romances, we’ve sipped our way through the personalities that made this show so iconic. But who knows—maybe our next tea-inspired deep dive will take us to the Upper East Side, where secrets, scandals, and scheming reign supreme. After all… you know you love me. XOXO.