Get Goosed on Starbucks Cocktails and Other New Summer Drinks
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The
sun is scorching, your brow is damp, and the back of your throat is
Sahara-dry. So yes, it is indeed summertime in Beijing. Thankfully
there’s no shortage of cool and soothing drinks around the capital.
Starbucks, Wagas, and Luckin are all trying something new this season,
although some are more successful than others. We round up some of our
new favorite summer thirst-quenchers.
While
some of us use Starbucks to cure a hangover, now you can visit the
ubiquitous Seattle chain to induce one, thanks to their new “mixology
menu.” While they won’t put your favorite cocktail joint out of business
anytime soon, their latest libations come equipped with a shot of your
favorite liquor.
It may take a bit of getting used to seeing your
barista dump booze instead of milk into your takeaway cup (especially
at 9am – kidding!), but truth be told, only lightweights will notice
that their drink has been spiked at all. We found the RMB 38 citrus mint
mojito above neither delicious nor memorable, but it was rather
refreshing, so there is that at least.
Other new non-alcoholic
summer items include blueberry pearl and peach shrub fizzes, a
pomegranate pearl drink, and a triple citrus flavored drink (each RMB
38). There are also new caffeinated alternatives like their cold brew
lemon sour and sparkling pink cold brews (each RMB 42). Last but not
least: a sparkling espresso tonic (RMB 38) that’s bubbly, tart, lemony,
and includes enough caffeine to shake you awake without overdoing it.
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While
I do my best to keep an open mind in Asia, I’ve sometimes fallen short
when it comes to certain fare: durian in general, matcha-flavored
anything, and cheese teas. While I love cheese and tea separately, I
long ago vowed that nary the two should meet, at least in my mouth.
How
misguided I was! The new cheese teas at Luckin (which I had once also
erroneously dismissed as a subpar chain) is now selling a handful of RMB
27 fruity cheese teas that are really quite good. While peach, guava,
and grapefruit flavors are all available, I stuck to the strawberry
jasmine option. The crushed ice thankfully didn't dilute the drink's
flavor, making for a simple and refreshing drink with a nice light
creamy layer of dairy on top, which not only didn't curdle (as I had
once so naively expected), it may have actually converted me to the
cheese tea-loving masses.
The closure of Papp’s Tea shop in Topwin mall
earlier this month was certainly discouraging for fans of boutique
teas. However, the brand is not still going strong on its online store
(Wechat ID: PAPPsTeaChina), and has also inked a lucrative deal with
Shanghai-born health food chain Wagas. In fact, Papp’s now supplies all
the teas at the restaurant chain and has also designed a special iced
tea range just for them.
The must-tries from this new seasonal
bunch include a sweet-and-tart Safari Sundowner (made with South African
rooibos tea, mango, and lemon), the sweeter Rio Carnivale (comprised of
Brazillian mate tea, honey grapefruit tea, apple, orange, lemon, and
mint), and the more herbal Hibiscus Happy (featuring Dianhong black tea,
grapefruit, lemon, and strawberry). Each cost RMB 28 per glass and are a
tasty, refined way to wash down your Wagas salad and sandwich. Glad to
see you back, Papp's!
READ: Re-Bonjour! Comptoirs de France Releases New Summer Menu Where Desserts Reign Supreme
Photos: Kyle Mullin
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