Mandarin Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai

mandarinChai Information:

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Blue Lotus Chai

Chai Description:

Our latest variety has the lush and delicious flavors of our secret mandarin orange/tangerine blend, in addition to the masala spices that our BLC lovers find so scrumptious. A new favorite!

Learn more about this chai here.

Taster’s Review:

This Mandarin Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai is really different than I expected.  As I was preparing it, I kind of expected a sort of “holiday-ish” type black tea blend … you know what I’m talking about, right?  The usual “cinnamon and orange” type holiday black tea.

But this isn’t that holiday orange tea at all!  That’s not to say that I don’t like those holiday orange teas – I enjoy them!  I’m just saying that this tastes quite different from what I was anticipating it to taste like.

Before I wrote this review, I tried this tea a couple of different ways.  The first preparation – I prepared it the way I had prepared the other Blue Lotus Chai teas that I’ve enjoyed in the past, with a 1:1 ratio of hot water and steamed milk, and a heaping scoop of the Mandarin Masala Chai mix.  (The most adorable little bamboo scoop is included in the package!)  Then I stirred vigorously until the mix was completely incorporated.  Then I got out my hand held frother to give the top a little bit if a foamy texture.

It’s yummy prepared this way.  The tangerine/orange flavors together with the milk give a sort of “creamsicle” type of flavor, which is actually more of an accent flavor than a strong presence in the cup.

The spices are the main focus of this chai (as well they should be … this IS a chai!)  I can really taste the nutmeg here.  In the other Blue Lotus Chai blends, I could taste the nutmeg … but here, it really comes into its own … perhaps it’s the orange-y notes that really play to the nutmeg here to bring it out.  The pepper is well-pronounced.  The other spices are also strong … but, unlike some of those aforementioned holiday blends … this is NOT all about the cinnamon.  This is not one of those sweet, cinnamon red-hot kind of teas.  This is a chai and I taste the ginger and the black pepper … I taste the cinnamon and the nutmeg … and I taste the cardamom and the cloves!  It’s a magnificent blend of spices!  The black tea is also discernible, but, as I say … the spices are the main event here.

For my second cup of this chai, I decided to omit the milk and prepare this with just eight ounces of boiling water to see if the orange/tangerine flavors are more pronounced in just water versus the water/milk combination.

I actually prefer this particular chai from Blue Lotus Chai without the milk.  It’s still nice and spicy, but I taste the tangerine and orange notes better.  It’s brighter and more citrus-y … it’s really ZESTY like this … the spices seem to literally dance on the palate.  It is spicy and absolutely delicious!

So, there you have it … I’ve tried all five of the chai blends that Blue Lotus Chai offers … and I’ve enjoyed them all.  My favorite is still the Star Anise Masala Chai, but I would recommend all of these chai blends to anyone looking for a delicious chai!  And since autumn is nearly here (I hope so, because I’m really tired of the heat!) the time is perfect for a yummy chai!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *