Having had 2 black teas for the first two days of this sampler, I was looking forward to having something a little different – perhaps something a little lighter and maybe even a little fruity? Well, apparently Frank (aka the Willy Wonka of Teas) had the same idea, and chose the perfect tea for Day 3.
Speaking of which, don’t you think it would be neat to have a 12 days of Christmas Sampler that was inspired by the song? It would be a bit challenging, of course, to fit teas with some of those days, but, it doesn’t have to be literal … it could be an interpretation. I know that Frank touched on this idea a bit last year with his introduction of the Partridgeberry in a Pear Tea (and I still giggle a bit whenever I type out that name) … but I think it could be a fun idea.
Anyway… I’m babbling, when I should be talking about today’s tea:
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE BAI MU DAN
I was a little surprised to see this one in this sampler, only because it seems like it hasn’t been that long since I tried it and reviewed it. But then, I looked at the date of my review – August! Wow… time flies when you’re having fun I guess.
This tea is a light, crisp and refreshing tea. I am sitting here, enjoying it hot, but it makes an even better iced tea! I enjoyed this several times as the warm days of summer came to a close.
One thing that I’m noticing this time around, though, and I don’t know if it is because this is a whole new batch or what – but this is a less pucker-y tart Strawberry Lemonade. I still get a strong sense of tartness in the finish which lingers into the aftertaste. You know that tingly-tart sensation that sort of tickles the tongue? Yeah, I’m getting that, but, in the actual sip, I notice a sweeter, smoother lemon-y taste than the way I remember it.
I know that 52Teas has begun reviving these teas that are included in the 12 Days of Christmas Sampler, and this is one that I’d recommend stocking up on for iced tea brewing!
Lemon-Aid from 52Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Product Description:
In the process [of creating the Lemolicious Guayusa Blend], we created what I’m going to refer to as Lemon Aid, which is a blend of (yup:) lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon peel and some sun-dried lemon slices along with natural lemon flavors–which I felt was bold and awesome enough that perhaps some folks would like to make a tea out of, or perhaps add in with whatever teas they are steeping for a little extra lemon zing.
Taster’s Review:
I have been holding on to this pouch for quite some time and haven’t tried it until a few days ago… and I haven’t really stopped drinking it since. I brewed up batches of it for iced tea (and it is spectacular as an iced tea), and have been sipping on it just about every night … until now … as I’ve reached the end of the pouch!
So I guess it goes without saying that I LOVE this stuff. It surprises me just how much I like it; I didn’t expect it to be this good. I figured “lemon-aid? … ho-hum.” But it isn’t ho-hum at all. As much as I enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade in the summer, I think I may like this even better.
When this is served iced it really shines. It has that zesty lemon flavor, but, it doesn’t come off pucker-y tart. The herbal notes in this help mellow out those sharper lemon notes, and make it very smooth and delicious. It doesn’t taste overly herbaceous, but, there are some vegetative notes in the background. Bright lemon notes, more sweet than tart (which is just fine with me), and a tingly lemon note that lingers on the tongue in the aftertaste.
It is also quite nice hot, and this evening as I write this, I find myself with a bit of a sore throat, and I may be coming down with a cold (thankfully my tastebuds are not yet affected). I find this to be very soothing on my aching throat and a little bit of honey makes this even more soothing.
A very pleasing, mild lemonade … err, make that Lemon-Aid … that is definitely not ho-hum. I am really going to miss this now that it is sold out. I only wish I had tried it sooner!
Strawberry Lemonade Bai Mu Dan from 52Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: White
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Product Description:
Here’s our delicate and sweet Bai Mu Dan white tea blended with real freeze-dried strawberry bits, organic lemon myrtle and natural flavors. If it’s anywhere near as hot where you are as it is here (111° yesterday!), you’re going to want some of this deliciousness to cool off with. It makes a great, light, refreshing and thirst-quenching iced tea!
But don’t drag your feet! Like all of our Tea of the Week offerings, this is a limited edition blend. When it’s gone, it’s gone!
Taster’s Review:
For me, 52Teas has become synonymous with unique and sometimes even unusual blends. So, when Frank (chief Zoomdweebie at 52Teas) announced this tea of the week, I was somewhat taken aback. What? Strawberry Lemonade? That’s not all that unusual. It’s actually quite … ordinary. I decided I’d probably not order it, because … well, it seems rather run-of-the-mill.
But when I noticed that this particular tea seemed to be selling very quickly and getting close to the ‘sold out’ point, I broke down and bought a pouch. I figured that I’d probably like it (I mean, there aren’t any of 52Teas’ blends that come readily to mind that I haven’t liked), and more importantly, I worried that I’d regret it if I didn’t try it.
And, I’m really glad I decided to order it. It’s really good! The first thing I noticed – well, other than the delicious aroma – is that there is no hibiscus in this blend. Not that 52Teas is known for adding hibiscus to their blends. In fact, I can’t recall a single 52Teas blend in which hibiscus was used. But, other companies *might* have added hibiscus to a blend like this one to give it a reddish hue. I am glad that 52Teas didn’t add hibiscus to it – because this tea tastes so delightful and I think that hibiscus would have ruined it.
The flavor is so light and refreshing. The Bai Mu Dan is a delicate tea, and the flavors are just as softly flavored, giving the cup a very nice balance. The strawberry tastes sweet and the lemony flavor is tart. It’s not sour … but it has that pucker-y tartness that definitely resembles homemade lemonade.
So as I sit here, sipping on this delicious tea, I am happy that I didn’t let the somewhat commonness of this tea stop me from ordering it. Because even though strawberry lemonade is somewhat Plain-Jane compared to some of 52Teas more eccentric blends, it is yummy! Just like gramma would have made!
PRODUCT REVIEW: Organic Ginger Lemonade Concentrate from Third Street Chai
For more information about this product: Third Street Chai
Third Street Chai products are sold on Amazon
Product Description:
Made with organic lemon juice, luscious fresh ginger & sweetened with 100% real cane juice.
Taster’s Review:
OK, so this isn’t tea. You’ve probably already guessed that. But, since it is produced by the same company that creates yummy chai and iced tea concentrates, I felt it was alright to review this product too.
I really don’t drink a lot of lemonade – not just because I’m a fan of tea, but also because I really don’t care for most of the lemonade mixes out there and I don’t like squeezing lemons myself to make my own lemonade. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like lemonade. I guess I was just spoiled by my gramma who had a very prolific lemon tree in her back yard and would make fresh lemonade. That amazing lemonade turned me into something of a lemonade snob.
But this stuff is different! This is yummy!
The addition of ginger is brilliant as it gives a very pleasing contrast of flavors. This isn’t your ordinary tart-yet-sweet lemonade. The light peppery taste of the ginger gives this a very refreshing twist. It doesn’t taste or feel as cloying as a typical “soft drink” lemonade might. The ginger cuts through some of the sweetness, although it isn’t an overwhelming presence. It’s a very light touch of ginger.
This lemonade is so very refreshing and delicious. The mixing is simple, 1 part lemonade concentrate to 3 parts fresh water. Much easier than squeezing your own lemons! And for those who are crazy about tea (like me) try adding this to your tea to make an Arnold Palmer (half tea/half lemonade). YUM!
PRODUCT REVIEW: Matcha Lemonade (Lemonatcha) from Matcha Mountains
Tea Information:
Tea Type: Green Tea/Matcha Mix
Where to Buy: Where Matcha Mountains Products are sold
Product Description:
Lemonatcha is our version of homestyle lemonade offering the refreshing tanginess of lemon combined with the gentle taste of green tea. Enjoy this one cold or hot – and for a special treat mix it with carbonated mineral water.
Taster’s Review:
This is fabulous!
Is there really anything more refreshing on a hot day than a glass of ice cold lemonade? Well, now there is – it’s Lemonatcha!
This tastes just like fresh-squeezed lemonade (my gramma made it best because she had a huge, very prolific lemon tree in her backyard. Those lemons were huge! Sometimes they’d get so big that she could make a pitcher of lemonade from just one lemon! But… I digress!) but with just a hint of sweet Matcha.
The lemonade part of this beverage really is the strongest flavor, but as I continue to drink this Lemonatcha, I notice the flavor of the Matcha develop. However, even by the end of the glass, the Matcha is not a strong, overbearing presence – but I don’t think I want it to be. This is just perfect – just the way it is.
And even though the Matcha is not strong here, you still get the great health benefits of Matcha. It is sweet – pleasantly so, but not too sweet … err… remember that old commercial “not too tart and not too sweet”? That fits with this beverage as well.
This is so yummy! I suggest stocking up on this for the summer! This will be your new favorite lemonade – and the kids will love this too!