Roasted pear and plum notes are already part of this GABA Alishan’s character, so fresh red plum feels like an extension of the tea rather than an added flavor. A little honey rounds the fruit; soda only lifts the finish.
WHAT YOU NEED
6 g GABA High Mountain Alishan Oolong
300 ml filtered water at 90°C
Ice
Fresh red plum
A little honey, to taste
Chilled sparkling water
HOW TO MAKE IT
1. Brew 6 g GABA Alishan in 300 ml water at 90°C for 2 minutes.
2. Strain and let the tea cool.
3. Prepare a small amount of strained fresh plum juice.
4. Stir a little plum juice and honey into the cooled tea, tasting as you go.
5. Fill two glasses with ice and divide the tea between them.
6. Finish each glass with a small splash of sparkling water.
BESIDE THE GLASS
Serve with aged cheese, roasted nuts, stone fruit or a savory pastry. The tea has enough depth to sit beside richer food without disappearing.
SERVING NOTE
Keep both plum and honey restrained. The finished drink should still show the tea’s roasted-fruit character, with the fresh plum simply making that character brighter.
