It’s all about respect.

Tea Mixology and Tea Gastronomy are based on the same fundamental principle; respecting tea. In mixology, the technique of extracting the character of a particular tea, determining the complementary ingredients in a drink are vitally important in ensuring the authenticity of the tea inspired mix. As our Mixologists learn about tea, and understand the blessing of terroir that gives each tea its own identity, they realise that from that knowledge comes the need for precision in selecting the right tea for the task, ensuring that it is fresh and then properly brewed and finally in selecting and measuring the ingredients for mixing tea.

It is no different with cuisine, for there are few teas that will survive a pairing with a good steak. Our Dilmah Ceylon Souchong or Ceylon Supreme brewed for 5 minutes can work well though. Tea offers a palette of tastes and textures that is potent in the hands of a creative mixologist or chef. Understanding – and respecting – the tea, is a prerequisite though.

The harmony of flavours on the palate, the marriage of textures and the nurturing influence of aroma are at the heart of gastronomy. An understanding of each tea, its components, flavours and textures, offers infinite possibilities for creating pleasure. The character of tea changes with the weather – literally – for it is nature that determines the taste of tea through the influence of sunshine, wind, rainfall, soil and other climatic factors. From that indulgent truth stems a host of possibilities to combine different teas with food and beverage to produce a harmony of flavour on the tongue.

A creative fusion of food and tea can produce subtle but magnificent harmony that adds a touch of magic to a combination. Beyond that pleasure in taste, comes a similarly potent reason for bringing tea and food or beverage together; the protective effect of tea on human health, especially in relation to digestion, cholesterol and diabetes (amongst other ailments).

A pleasurable, natural, mysterious herbal beverage, crafted by nature, offering protection and goodness, enhancing food and beverage … what better beverage for the 21st Century than tea? It only takes respect (and good tea!).