SimplyJenW

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SimplyJenW drank Zocolatte Spice Herbal Tea by Teavana

ChOTD………

I will admit to pulling the trigger just a little too early on this one. Darn it, Teavana. The allure of the free spoon and sample, plus the super low price on the tea itself sucked me in even with the flat rate shipping tagged on. Luckily, I did not have issues with my shipment like some have recently.

I was hoping it was Mercuryhime’s beloved Spicy Chocolate from Specialteas, but I have since learned it is not. Since I ordered 8 oz of it, I have been trying to decide what to do with it. Once I took a whiff, I had my answer. Chai spice mix. I have some tea that my friends brought back from India that is pretty finely ground. The tea really reminded me of the texture of the Tipu’s Chai I had in my cupboard at one time. So, here is where my 3 Roses tea from India and Zocolatte Spice meet…..to make the perfect chocolatey and somewhat mocha-ish (from the chicory, probably) chai.

For two cups of chai, I used almost a perfect teaspoon of Brooke Bond 3 Roses Tea and 2 perfect teaspoons of Zocolatte Spice. Simmered for 3 minutes in 1 1/2 cups filtered water, added just over a half cup of skim milk and simmered for another minute and a half. Strained and then sweetened. Very tasty….and I am going to try a caffeine free version using Herbal Hot Cinnamon from Harney in place of the 3 Roses.

As a chai spice blend, I rate this as at least an 85…..

2012-01-26 16:25:20 -0500

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Mercuryhime 2012-01-26 18:08:14 -0500

I’m rather flattered that you bought so much of it on my recommendation. But I’m also feeling kinda bad now since it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. :( I’m glad you enjoyed it though. If I had any Spicy Chocolate left, I’d share some with you so you’d know what it’s supposed to taste like.

SimplyJenW 2012-01-26 18:26:00 -0500

Don’t worry about it! It really does make a great chai spice blend (have you seen the price of just the green cardamom pods?). Stay tuned for how it turns out with the Herbal Hot Cinnamon!

Mercuryhime 2012-01-26 18:37:58 -0500

It was a pretty good sale. The main reason I couldnt blend it up myself was because I had a heck of a time finding food grade cocoa shells that didn’t cost a small fortune. It’s a byproduct for Pete’s sake! At least we have this to fiddle around with. :) I was thinking it might work with 52teas’ Cinnamon Roll with some chicory picked out of the mix.

SimplyJenW 2012-01-26 19:14:11 -0500

The Cinnamon Roll Honeybush does sound good. I might even try it with a Vanilla Rooibos that could use a pick me up…. Really, I don’t see it as a loss at all. I love chai and the chicory was not an issue for me.

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Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a few other flavored teas. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)