Drunk on Tea

After a week back at the pub that dreaded hangover is not something that we have missed. The anticipation of those first few pub nights led to a mixture of beer, wine and Jäger bombs that didn’t work out in the long run. Now like many, we are searching for an alternative drunk and as its #NationalTeaDay maybe we should revisit the nation's favourite. 

 

‘Tea drunk’ (茶醉 – Cha Zui) is a Chinese tradition where you experience the same euphoria normally felt after the consumption of alcohol. However, you aren’t drinking a bottle of wine but a few mugs of high quality tea. Associated with the elements of caffeine, L-theanime and antioxidants all found in tea, this state of mindfulness creates the perfect catalyst for a fun night out. The energy found in the caffeine, countered by the relaxation caused by L-theanime and the weightlessness in the antioxidants makes for a more memorable evening at the pub. I mean, forget the 10 pints challenge and try the Japanese medieval tradition where soldiers would drink up to 50 cups of Matcha and get absolutely pissed!

 

So, I know what you are going to say...how could tea even compare to the cold buzz of that first pint, or the sweet hit of that large glass of Sauvignon or even that guilty (and expensive) Pina Colada? Well, why not try a Kombucha to solve those beer blues, with it’s fizzy quality matching the sensation of your favourite lager. Instead of a bottle of wine try out some fruity teas, such as Darjeeling, which after one sip any wine connoisseur would recognise the distinct sweetness of  ‘muscatel’ meaning dried grape, more formally known as raison. If you’re more of a cocktail drinker, then mix it up! Find yourself some Green Pu-erh tea. Derived from trees as old as your parents, this tea has the taste and indulgence of a Single Malt Whiskey. Mix with some Cola for a Rum & Coke, or even Green tea and Coconut water for a guilt free Margarita. Don’t forget to dress it up, with frozen fruit or a sprig of mint adding that much needed visual to your taste buds. 

 

Similarly, many experts recommend that you line your stomach before you embark on your tea-drinking sesh. Who would have thought that drinking your gran's favourite brew would lead you to spill the tea with your pals on a night out and that's why at Licklist we are embracing #NationalTeaDay.

 

Words By: Jessica Daley