This is the Plum Green Tea ($6.90, +$1.00 for large, +$0.80 for green tea jelly, no ice, 10% sweetness) from Chun Yang. The beverage was a semi-opaque, deep golden-brown hue with a whole plum at the base.
The dominant flavour profile was characterized by a pronounced sourness, although it did not reach an excessively salivating level. Notably, it retained the distinct smokiness that is a hallmark of Chinese suan mei tang, setting it apart from the sweeter and crisper Japanese or Korean iterations of this drink. The overall taste was vibrant and fruity, with the green tea’s astringency enhancing the plum’s tartness, while the roasted notes in the green tea base and the jelly helped temper the plum’s sourness. Overall, this beverage proved to be exceptionally refreshing and thirst-quenching, making it an ideal choice for seeking relief from the summer heat. It struck a fine balance, avoiding excessive acidity or overwhelming sweetness.
This Plum Green Tea was purchased from Chun Yang in Sydney, Australia in September 2023.