This is the Iced Coconut Jasmine Tea ($4.80, fixed ice, 100% sweetness) from Flying Turtle Beverage. The drink was prepared in about a minute by the vending machine’s robot barista, which handled all steps, including tea extraction, adding coconut syrup, and ice.
On tasting, the drink featured an intense jasmine tea base with pronounced green, dewy, and slightly astringent notes. Combined with the sweetness of the coconut syrup, which resembled coconut sugar, the result was a thick, cloying sweetness that lingered despite the typically light consistency of the beverage. Notably, the tea component at the base of the cup was dispensed hot, making the substantial amount of ice in the cup a welcome addition. The melting ice helped cool and dilute the drink, resulting in a more balanced flavour over time. While the drink was palatable, the intensity of both the coconut and jasmine flavours, coupled with the cloying sweetness, made it less enjoyable for those who prefer a lighter or fresher jasmine profile. It was a drink more suited to being sipped slowly than used for quenching thirst.
This Iced Coconut Jasmine Tea was purchased from the Flying Turtle Beverage machine near Dymocks on Level 2, Westfield Parramatta, 159-175 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.