The knee-jerk reaction to almost every situation, whether it is celebration, stress or even a minor ailment, often comes with one beverage that receives unparalleled love: a cup of tea. Indian households show a lot of love for tea, and it knows no bounds. Even in 40-degree summer heat, you will still see people beelining at chai tapris for their daily cup of tea. Irrespective of the latest beverage trend in the market, from matcha to ube, returning to this simple drink can feel almost like curing homesickness.
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That said, tea is not limited to the usual hot. It can also be experimental with at-home using plenty of culinary finesse, from cold brews, fruit infusions, to herbs and spice additions.
We asked Parimal Shah, Founder, Cherise India, a tea beverage brand, how tea is being reimagined today.
“Across age groups, consumers are experimenting with new formats, flavours, and occasions for enjoying tea throughout the day. From cooling fruit-infused beverages to comforting herbal blends, these refreshing beverages allow us to look after our health while enjoying amazing flavours."
To put it simply, it goes on to suggest that tea is becoming more flexible, functional and experimental. So even if it does retain the taste of familiarity, it is also incorporating everyday wellness needs, such as spices and herbs important for wellbeing.
Shah shared with us four easy tea recipes which give a creative spin on your regular chai recipes with flavourful spices, fruits, and herbs:
1. Cold brew lemon green tea
Ingredients
- 2 green tea bags
- 500ml cold water
- half a lemon (sliced)
- A spoonful of honey
Method
- Drop the green tea bags and lemon slices into a glass pitcher.
- Pour in the cold water, cover it, and leave it in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours.
- Strain it, stir in your honey, and pour it over ice.
Why do you need to try it?
- Perfect for those who find green tea too strong.
- Those who prefer a cleaner taste without any earthy, bitter taste.
2. Peach iced tea
Ingredients
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 ripe peach (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
- 400ml water
Method
- Brew the black tea in boiling water for 3 minutes, then remove the bags and let it cool.
- In a glass, lightly mash your peach slices with the sugar to get all the juices out.
- Pour the cooled tea over the peaches, chill it in the fridge for an hour, and strain it over fresh ice.
Why do you need to try it?
- Balances the bold taste of black tea with the natural sweetness of real fruit.
3. Tulsi ginger wellness tea
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of Tulsi leaves (dried)
- A small piece of fresh ginger (crushed)
- 1 slice of lemon
- 300ml water
Method
- Take a small pan and boil the water.
- Then, add the crushed ginger and Tulsi leaves. Turn the heat down low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain it straight into your mug, squeeze in the fresh lemon, and sip it while it is warm.
Why do you need to try it?
- The tulsi in the functional drink calms down stress, while the ginger warms up the body.
4. Cardamom chai latte
Ingredients
- 1 strong black tea bag
- 3 whole cardamom pods (crushed)
- 150ml water
- 150ml milk
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Method
- Boil the water and add the crushed cardamom pods for 2 minutes so they release their flavour.
- Add the tea bag and simmer for 3 more minutes.
- Pour in the milk and sugar, and bring it just to a boil.
- Strain it into your cup, and add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom on top.
Why do you need to try it?
- Upgrades regular tea into a cosy, mood-boosting treat.
- Aromatic.