After my traumatic weekend without tea, I redeemed myself with two delicious cups on Monday. First thing, I opted for a new favorite, White Peony. However, last night, I decided to go with something new… Blueberry Cocktail. The very name got me excited.
Composition: Blueberries, grapes, hibiscus, beetroot, berry leaves, black currants, and natural flavors. I always wonder what the vendor means by “natural flavors”. As opposed to what?
Dry Visual: Blueberry Cocktail reminds me of a high fruit content trail-mix. The blueberries, grapes, and black currants really stand out and are complimented by the rest of the ingredients. Thanks Dragonwater for the great picture!
Dry Aroma: Scrumptious! The smell of berries was absolutely delicious – I was tempted to grab a handful and taste. Okay truthfully? I am still tempted.
Flavor: While not a huge lover of fruit teas, I was pleasantly surprised by Blueberry Cocktail. After the delicious smell of the dry tea, I was fearful of being disappointed by the taste. I assure you, Blueberry Cocktail held its own. I could immediately taste the various berries – especially the blueberries and grapes. The other ingredients were masked, but I cannot say I expected anything different. My initial taste was without sweetener and there was a slight tartness evident. However, I added about a level teaspoon of Sugar-In-The-Raw and Blueberry Cocktail was completely transformed. The sweetener eliminated the tartness and enhanced the natural sweetness of the tea. It was delicious.
As is my custom, after drinking about 3/4 cup, I allowed the remaining 1/4 cup cool. My final recommendation? Blueberry Cocktail would make an awesome flavored sweet tea.
Liquor: A rich, dark purple. Almost the color of eggplant, but not quite.
Brewing Time: Recommended brewing time is 3- 5 minutes. I brewed for 4 minutes, but question the intensity of the flavor if brewed for 1 additional minute. I’ll try 5 minutes the next time I brew Blueberry Cocktail.
Manufacturer: Dragonwater.
Caffeine: No.
If you are looking to make a break from the ordinary, you may want to give Blueberry Cocktail a try. Hot or cold, I think you will be impressed if you enjoy fruit flavored teas. Stop by and share you experience, if you have already tasted Blueberry Cocktail. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!
That sounds delicious. I’m not the biggest fan of fruit teas, either, but have found several good ones lately. Both of my recent finds are from Republic of Tea. Wild Blueberry is a Fair Trade certified black tea with natural blueberry flavor AND blueberries. Pomegrantate Green is one of their Superfruit Teas and has hibiscus, black currants, rosehips, and sweet blackberry leaves, in addition to the pomegrante! I cannot seem to find the Blueberry in loose leaf, but the Pomegranate is available loose and looks and smells divine. (tastes pretty good, too)
Mmmm . . . that looks sooo good. You’re right, I think I’d be tempted to nibble, too. I really rather dislike teas that are flavored with fruit, but I’m fond of teas that have actual fruit in them. I’ll have to go over to Dragonwater and order some of this.
Teas made from fruit have their own special name, but I can’t remember what it is. Herb teas are tisanes, I think, but I’ll have to check Wikipedia and see what the fruit teas are called.
TTYL and God bless,
Cindy
scrabblequeen,
Thanks for sharing. Both sound divine. Every now and then I fall head-over-heels in love with a fruit tea. Blueberry Cocktail may be it for 2008.
I think I have only had Republic of Tea tea once and unfortunately, I cannot remember what it was. Borders Bookstore carries a lot of tea from Republic of Tea. I may have to purchase a tin. That is once I am able to find my way out of my current tea stash.
Cindyinsd,
I’ll keep you posted if I break down and taste a nibble.
I believe you are right, true herbals and herbal blends are considered tisanes. I did not realize that fruit teas had a different name. I have learned something new today. Please stop back and let me know if you find the name. Thanks!
I’ve never had a tea with grapes in it… so far.
Ah, the evil “natural flavors!!!!!”
Glad you are back in a tea-rhythm after the weekend without it!
Brittiny,
This was my first experience with tea and grapes. Who knew? Funny thing… cold it almost reminds me of grape KoolAid or grape candy. Except more natural.
“natural flavors”… what is that? Let me know if you discover the truth…
Yes, I am so glad to be back in the tea-rhythm. I cannot have too many more weekends like that.