Nestled in among the booths showing salty snacks [1] and lush chocolates [2] at the 2014 Winter Fancy Food Show [3] were a handful of delightful drinks. From a new, floral take on tonic water to some of China's finest tea, these were our top picks.
— Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
Tipu's Chai Now Sweetened Chai Tea Blend
Unlike other instant chai teas on the market, Tipu's Chai Now Sweetened Chai Tea Blend [4] ($11) has spice particles you can see and taste in its spicy-sweet mix. We tried ours with soy milk, and it rivals any store-bought chai latte for its rich body, balanced tannins, and authentic, peppery kick.
Mountain Valley Sparkling Water Blackberry Pomegranate
Mountain Valley makes our go-to sparkling water — we prize it for its clean flavor and perfect-size bubbles. So, it was hardly surprising to find that we were similarly enamored with its new flavored sparklers, including Mountain Valley Sparking Water Blackberry Pomegranate [5].
Pok Pok Som Thai Basil Drinking Vinegar
Last year, we tried its tamarind drinking vinegar [6] and found it fun but a bit too sweet for our liking. However, this year, we tried Pok Pok Som's newest flavor of the line, Thai Basil [7] ($15), with much more success. The pink potion tastes, as promised, like floral Thai basil with a sweet, slightly acidic aftertaste. Those weaning off sodas (who also appreciate Asian flavors) will love this niche item. We suspect it'd also be great in a cocktail.
Silk Road Teas Tieguanyin Oolong Tea
Whenever we walked past Silk Road Teas booth, there was a crowd gathered around. Granted, it was hardly surprising, given the quality of its Chinese teas like Silk Road Teas Tieguanyin Oolong Tea [8] ($8), an aromatic oolong, and Silk Road Teas Yunnan Black [9] ($8) a malty, delicate black tea that's best served without milk or sweetener.
Owl's Brew Pink & Black
Lately, tea cocktails have been popping up on the menus of many of our favorite watering holes. To bring the flavor home, we'll be experimenting with Owl's Brew, a line of concentrated teas designed for mixing 2:1 with liquors like tequila, gin, and whiskey. Our favorite: Owl's Brew Pink & Black [10] ($16) a black tea, strawberry, and hibiscus concoction that adds juicy, elegant sweetness to cocktails.
The Republic of Tea Dandelion SuperHerb Tea
Out Feb. 3, The Republic of Tea Dandelion SuperHerb Tea [11] ($13) has a touch of French vanilla added to its mix. That combined with the caramelized flavor of dandelion root will trick your taste buds into thinking you're drinking birthday-cake-flavored tea.
Fever-Tree Handpicked Elderflower Tonic Water
One sip of the British Fever-Tree Handpicked Elderflower Tonic Water [12] ($24 for eight), and you'll be hooked for life. English elderflower essential oil and Eastern Congo quinine from the fever trees come together to form a bitter sparkling beverage with a sweet, floral finish. Drink it solo for a biting refreshment, or try it in a floral-leaning gin like Hendrick's.
Kombucha Wonder Drink India
The distribution for Kombucha Wonder Drink India [13] is insanely small, but keep your eye out for this darjeeling- and assam-tea-based beverage. Brewed with green cardamom, fresh ginger, Indian rose, and tulsi, it's the best chai kombucha we've tried yet.