My friend who brought me Shamrock Shenanigans and I both ordered this but we didn’t get to drink it together. We did, however, compare notes on the goodies and both agree that the tiny Stoopwaffels that came with it were DA BOMB. I already like Stroopwaffels okay and mini Stroopwaffels better, but these were the best! I even looked for them at the grocery last night but it was a no go. There were so many little squeal worthy goodies in the package!
The tea is the main feature of the package, though! If you have read my many of my notes you know I like only a smidge of ginger, and a minimum of black pepper, so what most people consider REAL chai isn’t my bag. I had a really authentic one with turmeric, ginger, and lots of black pepper from an Indian acquaintance long ago and…not my thing.
I discovered that I really prefer chai with little pepper and ginger, some nice sweet things like cinnamon and cardamom, made in all milk with some sugar added. I do realize that traditional prep is usually half water and half milk with some sugar added.
Until this one.
It smells really unusual, and my friend said she smelled lots of black pepper but I didn’t. I am guessing the mystery smell was sarsaparilla, because it was akin to root beer, but definitely not the same. Since I am familiar with all the other ingredients it must be that.
I have had this three ways and for the first time ever I prefer a chai prepared like a chai. Milk alone took away its “chai-ness” too much and I really wanted the full flavor. The ginger did not need any calming down for me. The black pepper was not too much for me. I guess like Baby Bear said, as a chai this was “just right” for me.
And HOORAY! I can also taste the base tea with this one, which is great because my big complaint with the last chai I had (Holiday Chai by Stash) was that it tastes like water with chai spices added. I only drink it as a full milk latte with whipped cream on top or I make a “root beer” type syrup out of it to add to sparkling water.
I am eager for my friend to try it so I can find out what she thinks of it!
