Agave Chai from Spice & Tea Merchants was MADE with vegans and diabetics in mind! I have to say I was thrilled because I’m vegan and my father is diabetic and we are both tea fans!
This black tea base hails from Australia and contributes to this unique black chai. It’s blended with healthy natural ingredients – without any additives or preservatives. It’s a chai created with vegans and diabetics in mind because it has low GI, is fully consumable by vegans, and is a healthy substitute for diabetics.
One thing I did notice and knew right away I had to mention is upon opening the package of loose leaf there was a stickiness to the leaves and other ingredients but I knew this was because of the agave in the mix. Just a heads-up in case it takes you by surprise!
Ingredients include: Ceylon back tea, organic light agave syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, peppercorns, cloves, fresh ginger, and salt.
I’m pretty sure the reasoning for the bit of salt is to do a nice yin and yang with the sweetness of the agave. It wasn’t noticeable…that is how little they used of the salt. The spices were nicely done. I wouldn’t change anything with the ratios of the ingredients they used.
This tea was TOTALLY worth it at $6.99 per ounce and was as fresh-as-fresh-could-be! Sweet, Semi-spicy, delicious!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Spice & Tea Merchants
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Maple Chai/DAVIDs Tea – Super Starling
I have literally no idea how to make a tea latte. I took half water, half oat milk, put it in the microwave for 95 seconds, and then put a tea ball in there to steep. Even if incorrect, this made a very nice result.
The first time I had this, I drank it straight, and I felt that the cinnamon was overpowering. Putting milk or creamer in there does wonders to take the spicy edge off the tea. If you’re a spicy person, by god, feel free to drink it straight-up. You’ll dig it.
This tea is super-sugary (maple syrup is basically sugar). It’s “sugar and spice and everything nice,” basically. It’s India meets Canada. It’s a weird blend but I feel like it works.
There IS a sort of sticky, sweet aftertaste. Sometimes I don’t like this. In the instance of this particular tea, though, it’s kind of like when your friend leaves the room and you can still smell her perfume.
I would liken the overall experience of this to being snowed in, and mulling some spicy cider to keep you company. You’ve got that fire, and that sweet. I’m into it. You might be, too. Throw some milk in there. You’ll see.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: DAVIDs Tea
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Day #1 Adagio Teas Advent Calendar -CuppaGeek-
Today is the second official day of the tea advent calendar season but to avoid spoilers- I’m going to review the lovely Adagio Teas Advent Calendar a day behind so without further ado. . . . .
Day #1- Spiced Apple Chai
Spiced Apple Chai is a tea blend from Adagio Teas that I know very well. I have enjoyed this one quite often. This lovely black tea based flavored chai is pretty much like fall in a cup but I like to enjoy this one with a twist. A shot of rum or a dollop of cream just adds a nice next level feel to this brew.
Brewed with fresh prepped water at boiling and steeped for right around 2-3 minutes this blends yields a distinctive distinctive apple flavor along with what I would consider the traditional chai spices-ginger, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon . Flavors that you would expect to go well together and a chai you want to enjoy on a cool day where wrapping your hands around a mug brings your tea loving soul so much love.
Adding the additional extras of course are optional to enjoy this lovely cuppa and what is great about this particular blend, there are so many different ways you can enjoy- western brewed, as a latte, adult like with a shot of this or that, cold brewed with or without a touch of maple syrup, truly the possibilities are endless which makes this one of my favorite Adagio blends.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Adagio Teas
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Coco Chai No. 5 from Bird and Blend Tea
This tea is named for Marilyn Monroe’s use of the perfume, Chanel No. 5, but I can’t help but think of the pop song that involves No. 5 instead (if it is stuck in your head now, you’re welcome). The blend suits both sassy scenarios. With a bold assam base it is full of life and flavor. Added heat from ginger and peppercorns keep things spicy without being too fiery. Earthy cardamom adds a little maturity and depth to the chai flavors. Last but not least, coconut, the “coco” part of the namesake, adds its trademark buttery creaminess to make the blend feel extra decadent.
I love chai teas on their own without milk and sugar, and this one is perfect in that style. The fattiness from the coconut makes it feel lush even without milk. If you really want to treat yourself, brew this as a latte for that perfect mix of soft foam and warming spices.
This is also a tea that looks pretty in the loose leaf, so be sure to snap a picture as you scoop it into your cup. There are golden nibs of ginger root, vibrant red peppercorns, boxy light green cardamom pods, and dark russet arcs of cloves. For a blend with plenty of style, personality, and flavor, brew up Coco Chai No. 5 from Bird and Blend Tea.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Bird and Blend
Description:
When asked what she wore to bed, Marilyn Monroe famously replied ‘five drops of Chanel No.5.’ We’re not sure about getting you into bed with blonde bombshells, but five drops of Coco Chai No.5 will definitely satisfy your taste buds with its delicious loose leaf blend of spices and smooth coconut.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Full Moon Chai from Plum Dexlue. . . .
I often find chai a little bit too aggressive. It’s SO. MANY. SPICES. It’s sometimes bitter, or overbearing with the cinnamon. Many people seem to agree, since mixing milk into chai is the typical approach.
Plum Deluxe wondered: What if chai were combined with… cream? Naturally? Without you having to add sugar or milk in yourself?
As a dessert tea aficionado and someone who travels around a bit, let me tell you, I am ALWAYS on board with such a notion. I don’t always just HAVE milk on me. Sometimes I want to throw some loose leaf in a travel container and GO. I want that sweetness, but not that effort.
This is a good solution to a problem you may have not considered. I’m really happy that this happened. Give it a whirl!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe
Description
Full Moon Chai was one of our original blends, now back with even more creative energy. We’ve taken our classic, signature masala chai and added a splash of vanilla butternut extract. This simple twist adds a depth, warmth, and vibrancy to your traditional chai, and also gives the flavor a hint of sweetness and creaminess without having to add lots of sugar or milk (though we do like this blend prepared as a traditional masala chai or chai latte).
It makes a great pairing for those indoor days where you need something warm and comforting. It’s also a lovely companion for those moments when you need a high-caffeine blend to give you focus and momentum, and it’s even good for a delicious chai cocktail or three!
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
