Teavana introduces Berry Kiwi Colada tea

Summer is a great time for a tropical tea. Teavana’s new Berry Kiwi Colada loose tea was added to the selection last week.

Teavana has a wide range of tea infusers for preparing loose tea. PHOTO /Stephanie Sokol

One of seven new spring teas, the featured beverage mixes fruit favorites with coconut for a tropical twist.

The blend is herbal, with notes of mango, kiwi, pear, pineapple and strawberry, meshed with a mellow coconut taste.

At first sip, berry elements stand out by adding sweet flavor, with kiwi coming after for a bit of a bite. Both fruits are evident in the drink’s aroma as well.

While the recommended mix is with one of Teavana’s white teas, Berry Kiwi Colada also blends well with one teaspoon of Pineapple Kona Pop. Add one-and-a-half teaspoons of each and steep for 2 to 3 minutes for the right amount of flavor.

Ice and a teaspoon of sugar transform the warm beverage into a sweet treat for summer, though it is good hot and plain as well.

For $9 an ounce, the tea is a bit pricey. But the strong, rich flavors of loose give tea drinkers the most for their money. Loose teas should be stored in a metal tin to preserve freshness and flavor, and prepared with an infuser.