AquaExotica

Adventaggedon Day 22: Tea 4/8

I do not understand what makes the combination of apple and hibiscus worthy of a name like ‘Exotica’ when those are both probably the most commonly used ingredients in fruit infusions – especially when combined with each other.

I will say that the dry leaf aroma was pretty appetizing. It reminded me more of a juicy red apple or candied apple than anything else. However, steeped up this is entirely generic across the board. Not unpleasant, mind you. Just simple and unexciting sweet apple notes with a bit of tart hibiscus and maybe just a hint of tropical fruit. That last part could honestly be placebo and my brain playing tricks on me; it wasn’t a hard leaning flavour direction.

I liked the tea well enough but I’ve also tasted what feels like a million others like it, so it’s not something I’d order for myself by any means.

Advent Day 6

What is this?! A hibiscus blend that isn’t hideous?! I cold steeped it, because that is the only way to drink hib IMO, and it isn’t gross! That’s high praise from this committed hib hater. It is tart, but not overwhelmingly so. The tartness seems to just overshadow and round out the other fruits that I can’t quite pin a name to. It’s a little fruit punchy without the depth of cherry. I am totally amazed that I just drank the whole cup. I wouldn’t add it to my cupboard, but I know I could drink it without too much resentment if I were, oh say… lost in the desert for a week. This would be fine!

Kusmi Advent Day 6
This tin is so cute! Definitely a pleasant little surprise this morning. Both the dry leaf and the brewed cup have a strong nectarine aroma- which I love. The hibiscus is appropriate here, so I’m not mad at it. The tartness works quite well with the tropical fruit. The nectarine I was smelling is mango- like a mango Hi-Chew. This would definitely be delicious iced.

Kusmi Advent Calendar – Day 6

A mini tin today! I admit, I’d totally forgotten that there were mini tins in this advent, though now I remember it being mentioned. This is a fruit tisane, so naturally I’m not terribly excited. You know how hibiscus and I don’t often get along… XD

I steeped this hot but let it cool basically to room temperature before trying it. The color is a bright hibiscus-y red-purple. It’s quite tart and there’s definitely a strong hibiscus flavor to it. But it also has a nice tropical flavor – I get mango for sure. I can also taste the apple and perhaps a bit of orange?

It’s quite good to be honest. Even though there’s a fair amount of tartness, it’s not too sour, and there’s a bit of sweetness balancing it. I’m not a huge tropical flavor person but it’s nice here when combined with the tartness and the orange. I think it would be weird hot, but it’s tasty at room temperature. And I’m sure it would be great iced, which is most likely what they intended for this anyway. So color me surprised, I actually liked a fruit tisane, and with hibiscus too!

I also had my La Maison du Chocolat advent selection with a pot of this tisane, and wow was it good! It was called Praliné Épices, meaning spices, and it tasted like some kind of delicious gingerbread cookie with milk chocolate on top. It also had a cute transfer pattern on top with little yellow Christmas stars (which I really should’ve taken a picture of…), so I assume this is a seasonal chocolate. Yum!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIeP4uoAeit/

(today’s advent teas: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIdqxdfAjbO/)

I love when a fruit tea brings something new to the table, and this one definitely has! The citrus flavor is so crisp and fresh. And it’s not like orange either. I’m not sure what it is…tangerine? I just love that they’re doing something different with this one. It’s pleasantly tart, complex, and delicious. Really the perfect cold beverage.