I really like this one! I think it might just be my favorite from Adagio. I was digging through the tea packets I have here at the office looking for something that felt spring-like enough to compliment the warm breeze coming in the window on this beautiful spring day.
But, since my taste is always geared toward spicy, dark, autumnal flavors (caramel always reigns supreme in my book!) there wasn’t much to choose from. But this one, with it’s Thai-inspired coconut and refreshing lemongrass flavors, fit the bill. I tore open the bag with visions of Thai beaches roaring through my head (why, oh why aren’t I rich enough to spend my vacation in Phuket?), but upon opening it, I was walloped with the not-so-springtime smell of cardamom and cinnamon. But I could also pick out coconut and there were ample pieces of lemongrass, so all hope was not lost!
(That’s a really drawn-out way of saying, “I got caught up by the ‘Thai’ part of the name and completely missed the word ‘chai.’”) But man, I’m glad I pushed on even after my mini let-down because this tastes awesome. It’s spicy, with a good amount of heat from the ginger and cinnamon waking up at the back of your throat. The coconut adds a touch of creamy sweetness and makes it a real warm weather tea. And the clean, crisp taste of the lemongrass ties it all together in a totally unexpected, yet awesome, way.
This is just like drinking Thai food! It’s spicy, clean-tasting and a little sweet – all the flavors that I crave when I hit my favorite restaurant. It’s so wonderful that it’s making me crave fresh rolls with peanut sauce and tofu panang curry. Oh, and basil fried rice. Yes, definitely basil fried rice. Yum. Now all I can think about is getting takeout on the way home. Argh, curse your spicy goodness, Thai Chai!
