RANGSAA TALK – Marathi Literature Festival

Posted on by

I recently got invited to be a part of the panel at India’s first Marathi Literature Festival organised by Dainik Bhaskar Group in Nasik. The theme of the event was “From Tapri to Cafes: Exciting Days Ahead”.

It was an honour to join the fellow panellist Ankit Bohra, founder of Tapri Cafe in Jaipur and Priya Kapoor, founder of Roli Books Publication and CMYK stores. While Ankit represented the love for traditional chai in India and Priya highlighted the growing trend of cafes in bookstores, Rangsaa was there to introduce people to the new culture of tea and the Global Tea Movement that we have initiated.

It was a great opportunity for me to speak about our incredible Rangsaa journey. I was deeply humbled and honoured to share my knowledge, insights…and of course love for tea in the company of esteemed authors, writers, creatives and visionaries. The hospitality and kindness of people in Maharashtra always fills my heart. And I thank Dainik Bhaskar group with all my heart for this opportunity.

Tea Cocktails – Not So Looong Island Ice Tea

Posted on by

tea-talk-2Surprising as it may sound, the centuries old LIIT, a favourite cocktail for many, has now started seeing an innovation of sorts with actual tea in it.

The tea trend has motivated bartenders to explore new tweaks and additions in old drinks, especially in a bid to cater to health-conscious individuals. In a world where schedules are tight and the pace of life increasingly fast, more and more people are drawn towards natural and healthy substitutes for traditional dietary options, giving rise to an increase in the number of tea adapters.

High-end bars and cocktail lounges across the globe have started seeing a shift towards various tea-based cocktails that are now gaining wide popularity. Cashing in on this trend towards ‘healthy’ cocktails, even alcohol and coffee producers are exploring fusion styles with tea.

What makes tea and alcohol the ideal partners for the perfect drink? The inherent natural synergies present in the two beverages and similarities in flavor and aroma lend great beauty to the mixture. The two complement each other and result in a concoction made superior by the combined flavor profiles.

Sarah Allard, Founder of London-based company  Leaf and Liquor, is a strong proponent for tea cocktails. In conversation with LoveforTea she says, “ I do like mixing whiskey with tea – it works particularly well with rich, malty black teas and smoky/charcoal flavored teas. She further adds, “Tea is so diverse – the depth of flavors means you can create a cocktail base that has a multi-sensory effect. Most of us enjoy a cup of tea and green tea consumption is on the rise. It’s only natural the next step is to explore the creative levels to which we can take the humble leaf – something consumers really enjoy and appreciate.”

The delicate balance of unique flavours found in a tea blend with the right kind and amount of alcohol can make for stunning hot and cold cocktails, a territory an increasing number of mixologists are venturing into. Maureen Donegan, the Bar Director at Presidio Social Club in San Francisco says, “Tea is versatile and yields myriad flavor profiles when paired with different ingredients. The combinations are endless. The opportunity to use an herbal tea with, say, a herbal liquor, is a big advantage to a non-caffeine drinker.”

Tea is mutitalented in nature, offering something for everyone. The number of liquor brands globally that are taking to creating tea cocktails goes on to highlight the popularity of this mixture across the world. Alcohol leader Johnnie Walker is an active player in the space, with it’s website featuring quirky and easy-to-do recipes. Tea Enriched Alcohol, a London-based premium gin and vodka brand, is another interesting player that specialises in tea infused spirits. Long Leaf Tea Vodka, Australia’s first tea infused vodka also seems to be riding on the back of the trend.

So the next time you’re out on a Friday night, don’t forget to ask your bartender for an exciting new tea cocktail!

MingCha Tea House – Fun with Kids, Tea & Family

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Most of us can relate to the statement “there is not much to do outdoors” or “why can’t I stay in and play my Xbox or PS3?” Sounds like a familiar statement kids use so profusely. It is true, while technology has provided some thing for every consumer of all age groups in terms of entertainment, it has led to a sense of detachment in terms of experiencing the natural environment and human interaction. One may be in a room of friends but would prefer the company of an ipad , laptop or a phone. With this in mind, parents and teachers have been taking initiatives in focusing on activities which help children interact.

So wanting to carry forward this initiative we thought, what would be a commendable and fun filled activity for children and adults to do together? Being avid tea lovers the idea flowed easily and quickly – of course a tea tasting! Kids are early adapters and this would certainly provide as an interactive activity to indulge them into exploring not only their senses, but giving families a much deserved fulfilled time together, from learning to interaction.

While exploring the idea of tea tasting for kids, MingCha Tea House in Hong Kong came to our minds. In an exclusive conversation with Love for Tea, Vivian Mak, founder of MingCha, shares her mission and vision, which is to allow people from every walks of life to be able to enjoy the true taste of tea – including kids. Based on the concept of togetherness, family interactivity, helping even the young ones explore their sensory palate while learning the art of tea, Vivian has successfully introduced workshops for kids in tea. These are free for children up to 11 years of age and are taught by the tea masters of the MingCha Tea House. And yes, adults are also welcome to attend or chaperone at the workshops, turning this into fun interactive experience for an entire family.

It is said as we grow older we cultivate our likes and dislikes based on external influences. Vivian believes, children being expressive and untarnished in their thoughts on what they like and dislike are more perceptive and true to their senses. However, given an opportunity to taste, smell, bite, sniff and experience tea from a creative and educational approach at a tea tasting, children surely provide a genuine feedback for our comprehension but may also create a platform for future careers for themselves too. Tea tastings are certainly proving to be a good blend of fun, interaction with nature and education which are growing to spark the interest of many little kids who are enthusiastically trying to put their sensory skills to test.

With a fine success and outreach to the world of tea lovers, Vivian of the MingCha Tea House continues to strive to inculcate this deep appreciation for tea in every age group. We at Love for Tea surely commend the initiative as we do believe tea can not only heal your body (internally and externally) but your environment, and it tastes heavenly too.

Next time you plan a family activity, incorporate your little ones in a session of tea tasting and wait to be pleasantly surprised. Don’t take our word on it, give it a try . Who knows you may discover a hidden appreciation or skills of a Tea Sommelier within your own family.

A cup of tea brings the world together and bridges the age gap between kids and adults through a mutual love for tea. A family that tastes tea together, most certainly has fun together. And that’s a promise!