We were invited by Kusmi Tea to enjoy afternoon tea at Mari Vanna Restaurant in the Flatiron District of NYC. We had a chance to get a first sip of Kusmi’s latest limited edition blend, Tsarevna, while we learned about the history of the brand and the tea.
The story behind the Tsarevna blend
Once upon a time…
The tsarevnas, daughters of the tsars, used to journey to the heart of the Imperial Russia for Christmas celebrations. They would go to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg – the birthplace of Kusmi Tea – where an immense tree would be hung with Christmas decorations. Tsarevna is a Russian blend that takes its inspiration from that time.
Kusmi Tea celebrates that 19th century tradition by presenting its limited edition Christmas Tea inspired by that era, a Russian blend of black tea, spices, licorice, orange peels, scents of orange, vanilla and almond.
Tasting notes
Tsarevna is a well-balanced, smooth tea that is drinkable all day long. The spices give a warm feeling.
Tea Tidbits
- In the past people left citrus in their month and drank the team to counter the bitterness.
- Kusmi tries to educate customers to drink tea as loose leaf, using paper or metal filters.
- The longer you steep tea, the stronger the flavor but the amount of caffeine lessens.
Where to Buy Tsarevna
Gold glitter adorned tins of Kusmi Tsarevna are available now in stores and online (as of October 10, 2014).