This is another one of those blends that taste good as long as you don’t know what they’re supposed to be. The description messes with your head, creating a pre-conceived notion of what to expect from the flavour, and that’s where things go a bit pear-shaped.
So let’s pretend that I received this blend in an unmarked tin. No name, no description. My nose tells me that this is likely a rooibos blend with almonds in it. The rooibos isn’t front and center, it mostly provides a foundation on which the tea’s flavour is built. There is a very clear amaretto fragrance, and since that fragrance isn’t exactly subtle, it is the one that really stands out. Without knowing otherwise, I probably couldn’t tell you what else is in here. I might guess at ginger, if my nose were feeling particularly on point that day.
Steeped, the tea tastes like amaretto rooibos. It’s got a little bit of heft to it and makes a nice dessert tea. But wait! What’s this? The tail end of the sip has a bit of a bite to it! And, wait for it, when it hits your stomach, a delicious warmth spreads outward from the point of contact. But…how? I don’t understand. Almonds alone wouldn’t have this effect.
At this point, let’s put an end to our little flight of fantasy and have a look at the ingredients. Why, look! There’s ginger in here, and coconut, and black pepper, and all sorts! The ginger and black pepper would explain that bit of kick and the warmth. It’s interesting that I can’t actually taste them, but I can feel the effect they have and appreciate their contribution to the blend. Noticeably absent, though, to my nose and tastebuds, is the coconut. I think I’d like to add some coconut flakes and grated ginger to my next steep, just to see if it helps this blend realise its full potential or if it just messes everything up. =)
Tea amount: 1 level tbsp
Water amount: 16oz./~475mL
Additives: ~1 level tbsp Demerara sugar
Caffeine: None
Dry mouth factor: 0/10
Preparation
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That is a tasty tea! I usually drink it with stevia & coconut milk, & I also like to mix it from time to time with a really strong chair!
Coconut milk sounds like a good idea. I’m not really familiar with it, though. Do you have a brand preference? My mum and I both love coconut water and we’ve found that the brand really makes a huge difference. We’ve tried at least 5-7 different brands and have only found one or two that we think tastes “real” (despite the fact that they all claim to be 100% natural, no additives, etc.). I wonder if the same applies to coconut milk?
Nik, I keep a drill (with a large drill bit in it) in my kitchen for drilling holes in water coconuts! I also have a cleaver for hacking them open after they’re drained. I used to drink that stuff every day! Did you know you can make a really awesome keifer with coconut water, & you can make yogurt with the ‘meat’? I haven’t done it lately, its more of a fall activity, like making homemade Kimchi & sauerkraut.
Anyway, the coconut milk I have right now is Native Forest Organic. It’s pretty good! Thai Kitchens also makes a decent one. I have made my own coconut milk, homemade is always better, & it’s not really that complicated, but there is something to say for convenience!
I will say this: Coconut milk in your tea is an acquired taste. It’s especially good in a Chai Latte. When you open the can, all the heavy cream is on top, solidified. Some people remove that & put it in a jar, dumping the rest of the thinner liquid, or using it in a smoothie or something. I usually put the unopened can in a bowl of hot water for awhile, allowing the cream to melt, then I shake it up real good before I open it. You can store it in a jar in the fridge, I think for up to 4 days or so. Give it a try!
Thanks so much, Terri, I really appreciate all the info. =)
Zingiber is currently my favorite tea from Teavana’s. When I 1st smelled it, I smelled the sharpness of the ginger right off. Same with tasting it. And never gotten a Amaretto feel to it, just as well because for the most part, I am not an amaretto fan. I have had it with Almond milk which goes ok with it, but not much of a any kind of milk in my tea fan.
That is a tasty tea! I usually drink it with stevia & coconut milk, & I also like to mix it from time to time with a really strong chair!
Coconut milk sounds like a good idea. I’m not really familiar with it, though. Do you have a brand preference? My mum and I both love coconut water and we’ve found that the brand really makes a huge difference. We’ve tried at least 5-7 different brands and have only found one or two that we think tastes “real” (despite the fact that they all claim to be 100% natural, no additives, etc.). I wonder if the same applies to coconut milk?
Nik, I keep a drill (with a large drill bit in it) in my kitchen for drilling holes in water coconuts! I also have a cleaver for hacking them open after they’re drained. I used to drink that stuff every day! Did you know you can make a really awesome keifer with coconut water, & you can make yogurt with the ‘meat’? I haven’t done it lately, its more of a fall activity, like making homemade Kimchi & sauerkraut.
Anyway, the coconut milk I have right now is Native Forest Organic. It’s pretty good! Thai Kitchens also makes a decent one. I have made my own coconut milk, homemade is always better, & it’s not really that complicated, but there is something to say for convenience!
I will say this: Coconut milk in your tea is an acquired taste. It’s especially good in a Chai Latte. When you open the can, all the heavy cream is on top, solidified. Some people remove that & put it in a jar, dumping the rest of the thinner liquid, or using it in a smoothie or something. I usually put the unopened can in a bowl of hot water for awhile, allowing the cream to melt, then I shake it up real good before I open it. You can store it in a jar in the fridge, I think for up to 4 days or so. Give it a try!
Thanks so much, Terri, I really appreciate all the info. =)
Zingiber is currently my favorite tea from Teavana’s. When I 1st smelled it, I smelled the sharpness of the ginger right off. Same with tasting it. And never gotten a Amaretto feel to it, just as well because for the most part, I am not an amaretto fan. I have had it with Almond milk which goes ok with it, but not much of a any kind of milk in my tea fan.