Getting Goosed on Starbucks Cocktails and Other New Refreshing Summer Drinks
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.
Boozy Starbucks Mojitos
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.
Luckin’s Legitimately Tasty Cheese Teas (Really)
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.
Wagas Woos Papp’s Tea
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 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
