Ready for Summer with Gypsy Teas and Big Train Drinks
It’s been a while since we reviewed Gypsy Teas, and they’ve released quite a few new items in the mean time. Whenever we pop open a new package of tea, we immediately try a few types of loose leaf, and Gypsy didn’t disappoint. Their Opus Garden Collection offered a few really nice black and green teas, including a nice, strong Earl Grey “Supreme” from Sri Lanka, and a Taiwanese Jade Oolong that was nice and sweet. One of our constant favorites are Pearl Jasmine teas, and Zhena’s was no exception- all of the Opus teas were organic, good enough to savor, with classy packaging and nicely marked information. They were also strong and fresh enough to use a bit less tea than usual, especially with a blend like the Imperial Dragonwell (which we found a bit too bitter). Opus teas range between $12 and $55, with most falling in the mid-$20 range- available in some stores, and from their website.
We also got to try the new seasonal tropical blends. These were brightly colored, great smelling, and definitely appealing for those in the mood for something sweet or light. They made for good flavored iced teas, and our favorite was the Coconut Rum, kind of like a cocktail-tea. The Mojito Mint was a fun spin on mint tea, with some citrus and rum flavor, and Strawberry Kiwi was a bit tangy (the licorice perhaps?), with plenty of real fruit. The Papaya Mango was the weakest of the bunch. We felt that these teas are best made in larger batches and sweetened a bit, then iced, and actually are a few of the only teas that we found work with alcohol- adding a bit of rum to a condensed cup made for a fun, interesting drink. Each package contains 22 bags, and runs $7.50.
If those aren’t enough for you, Big Train offers a wide range of easy-to-make instant drink mixes. Their chais were a bit nondescript (and quite sweet), and come in several flavors- vanilla, of course, but also raspberry and Sereno, a liquid condensed chai that is great for summer (just add milk or soymilk). It isn’t quite as good as a few other condensed chai blends, but is organic.
Big Train seems to sell mostly in bulk to businesses (coffee shops and cafes), so their items aren’t likely to be in stores, and they don’t appear to sell directly to consumers on their site. But, if you get a chance, try their fun horchata mix. Just add water and you get a Mexican rice milk beverage with cinnamon… it’s kind of like drinking rice pudding. The Mexican hot cocoa was only OK- kind of weak chocolate, without the kick that we were hoping for. The probiotic Tart smoothie mix was one of the more divisive items we had, with folks liking the texture and disliking the flavor, and vice versa- it’s meant to be mixed with a smoothie concentrate, and appears aimed at a trend we must be missing. You may very well have tried some Big Train products before without knowing it- be sure and ask your local café or coffeehouse!
