Expressing "tea is not just a drink"
I think your Chinese counterpart got confused because you mentioned the importance of drinking tea as part of your lifestyle, yet refusing the tea she offered. Your subsequent clarification on your preference to drink mediocre coffee rather than mediocre tea helps clear the air.

You could have expressed it unambiguously in this manner:


  我对喝茶比较讲究，咖啡就好。
  I am more particular with my tea; coffee will do.


To further elaborate, then you say:


  茶不只是一种饮品，对我而言，是一种生活方式。