From the non-alc tearaways who brought you T.I.N.A comes a brand-new way to drink well and drink sober. It’s called Table Tea, and in the words of its co-creator, Imogen Hayes, “it’s all about really, really good quality tea, and not much else.” The tea, she says, has been brewed with organic marigold and lavender, and “ever so slightly sweetened for a soft sparkle”. Where T.I.N.A is poured into wine glasses for special occasions and festivities, Table Tea is for easy-drinking, on-the-go refreshment. Here’s how it’s made.
Give us the elevator pitch – what makes this tea in a can different and special? It’s delicious. And it’s been very carefully brewed using the highest quality ingredients, with a focus on provenance. It’s also not sweet; perfect to enjoy daily.
Who are you and what are you all about?
Table Tea was created by the T.I.N.A (This Is Not Alcohol) team, which is Chrissie Trabucco, who is also a coffee roaster and owner of Assembly, and me, Imogen Hayes. We’re about making delicious and innovative drinks, and we love being creative and experimenting with different teas, flowers and fruits.
Explain like we’re five: how do you make it?
For this drink, we had a particular tea in mind. One of our tea-producing partners sent us a 20-gram sample of her brother’s award-winning tea, grown in central Taiwan. It’s called qi yun and we were super excited about it and ordered more. We got to know the tea by drinking it endlessly, and then it was a matter of honing our recipe to land on what the exact brew recipe would be: how much tea to water, at what temperature and for exactly how long it should be steeped, how much should it be stirred while brewing, et cetera. Then we introduced summer marigolds, a tiny hint of lavender and a pinch of sugar. Once we nailed the recipe at one litre, we buckled up and did our big master brew. It’s always pretty nerve-wracking – working with natural products isn’t always an exact science.
What excites you about this project?
We’ve been making T.I.N.A drinks for a few years now, and love how the drinks find a place in celebrations and nighttime occasions. You can find T.I.N.A at many wine bars and restaurants across the country – even on degustation menus. But we love that Table Tea is made for the everyday – rather than having to pour it into a wine glass like T.I.N.A, or pair it with food, you can have it on the go. It’s a great little treat during the work day.
What are the perfect conditions to enjoy Table Tea?
Picture this: it’s 2pm, you’re sitting on the 86 tram on the way to a meeting thinking about all the things you still need to complete for the day. You think about having a coffee but remember you’re already at your limit. You want something delightful, but what? You crack a can of Table Tea and relax for five minutes before you jump off the tram.
Is this here for a good time or a long time?
Table Tea is here for a good time, and a long time, although it may evolve and change depending on what ingredients inspire us.
Where can I buy it?
Find it on our website, and follow our Instagram for updates on who’s stocking it.