Blue tea is the new trend

In a city that proudly boasts of its cafe culture, the innovations in tea are no less. On International Tea Day, connoisseurs and enthusiasts in the city talk about the trends in
tea.

While there are a lot of coffee lovers here, interest in the beverage has increased over the years, says tea artiste Susmita Das Gupta.

Founder of the group, ‘Tea with Susmita’, she has been holding workshops for those who are interested in learning about tea across the country.

“There is a misconception that tea was introduced to us by the British, but there is historical evidence which shows that tea has been around in the country for more than 5,000 years,” she says.

Along with explaining about different types of tea, the processing time and selection of tea is also taught in her workshops. “Tea tasting is an art. Understanding the aroma and pairing it with the right food is a science,” she says.

Even millennials are interested in knowing about tea, she adds. “From free classes for less than 12 people, my workshops have now grown to paid events for around 55 people.”

While coloured and herbal tea rule the market, a concoction that is catching on right now is Blue Tea. Infinitea offers this new beverage.

Gaurav Saria, owner, founder and chef says, “The health benefits of the product are many. The plant (Clitoria ternatea) makes a non-caffeinated drink, which is not bitter and has 200 percent more anti-oxidants in it. Adding a bit of lemon into the drink turns it purple which makes it visually impressive.”

The drink is one of the latest additions at the cafe. “Millennials and fitness freaks are going gaga over it. We haven’t added it to our menu yet; it’s on our Specials board and it has been a rage since then. Bengalureans are willing to try new things and something unique always triggers their interest,” he adds.

Tea is not just used in cooking and baking; it has become an inclusive part of socialising and has entered the menu of pubs too.

Sumit Wahal, vice president (operations), FoxTrot says that they have several interesting cocktails to offer. Globetrotters and young Bengalureans (25 to 35 years) are fans of these drinks.

“Our most popular ones are the ‘FoxTrot Mojito’ and ‘What a Match’. The Mojito is made of Blue Tea and rum. The purple colour is the ‘wow factor’ that brings customers to it,” he adds.

Many prefer alcohol in healthier combinations now rather than with the usual aerated drinks.

Liquor increases calorie intake but tea tries to somewhat balance it. In the drink, ‘What A Match’, we modify whiskey sour and serve it in a cup with ginger candy,” he adds.

Sumit says they are introducing a drink called the ‘Fox Sling’. “It is a rum-based cocktail that includes hibiscus and Darjeeling tea, honey and lime. Tea blends well with rum, whiskey and vodka and such drinks do not need too many ingredients. It is only the freshness quotient that matters,” he adds.