The flavor formulators at the Smith Teamaker’s Tea Lab have created a holiday party starter called Merry Maker’s Punch – a ruby red, all-natural spiced hibiscus tea blend with notes of cranberry, honey and spice.
The punch was designed to be served straight or used as a mixer in a myriad of ways, making it an ideal addition to a holiday table, as a complement to a holiday feast, or on its own. The giftable package contains 10 large plant-based sachets, which each brew-up cups of festive goodness.
“We created this punch as a versatile base for all of your holiday festivities,” said Head Teamaker Ravi Kroesen. “It's delicious hot or iced, but it’s also a perfect jumping off point to create simple but impressive cocktails.”
In addition to being used on its own, Merry Maker’s Punch works as a zingy mixer for anything from an alcohol-free spritz to a spirited Old Fashioned. This festive botanical-based elixir is built around hibiscus, ginger, cassia, sarsaparilla and clove, with additional floral botanicals such as rose petals and elderflower.
Serving Suggestions (full recipes printed on the Merry Maker’s Punch package):
Merry Maker’s Zero-Proof Spritz: Top one part brewed punch concentrate with grapefruit soda in a glass over ice, and garnish with an orange twist. Enjoy as a mocktail or add your favorite spirit.
Winter Mimosa: Stir three parts Prosecco into one part punch concentrate, add a dash of simple syrup if desired.
Mulled Merry Maker’s Punch: Add equal parts punch concentrate and apple cider. Serve chilled, or, bring to a simmer on the stovetop with cinnamon sticks and cranberries. Sweeten to taste and add Bourbon, if desired. Garnish with orange wheels, fresh cranberries and rosemary.
Additional New Releases for the 2021 Holiday Season
Holiday Assortment: This year, Smith Teamaker’s popular holiday teas – Silent Night (“a candy cane in a cup”), Ho-Ho-Hoji-Chai (an warming roasted green tea with chai spice and chocolate), and Morning Light (black tea with rosemary, cassia and black currant) teas – are packaged in a beautiful, shimmering 30-count golden box, ready for gifting.
Ice Cream Royale: A rich and creamy tea inspired by a collaboration with Salt & Straw ice cream, containing Oolong tea from Taiwan, French sugar pearls, vanilla, amaretto and chamomile.
Chocolate Peppermint Pu-Erh: A complex offering combining the creamy flavor of Pacific Northwest grown peppermint leaves with rich cacao nibs, aged pu-erh and flavorful orange peel.
Celebrating 11 Years of Sourcing Fine Teas and Botanicals
In 2021, Smith Teamaker celebrates 11 years of sourcing fine teas and botanicals. The brand – based in Portland, Ore. – was founded by the late legendary teamaker Steve Smith, who was the visionary behind two of the nation's biggest tea brands – Stash and Tazo.
Smith Teamaker’s mission is to elevate the tea experience by crafting products made with transparency, exceptional blending and of the highest quality. Head Teamaker Ravi Kroesen and his tea lab team oversee the consistency of their core line, develop new blends released seasonally throughout the year, and source exceptional single-origin teas for their reserve collection.
To learn more about Smith Teamaker, visit SmithTea.com.
Plan to Attend or Participate in the
World Tea Conference + Expo, March 21-23, 2022
To discover more products and services related to the global tea community, plan to attend or participate in the World Tea Conference + Expo, March 21-23, 2022, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The event will be co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo for the second year, creating unique opportunities and synergy. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the World Tea Conference + Expo, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
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