This is the Lychee Velvet ($9.30, 100% sugar, no ice, +$1.00 for honey pearls) from Tea Republic, featuring an almond kernel Ceylon black tea base flavoured with lychee syrup.

The beverage had a semi-translucent reddish-brown hue with a sweet, fruity black tea aroma.

When consumed chilled, the roasted depth of the almond kernel black tea base emerged immediately, accompanied by a surprisingly bold sweetness compared with other full-sugar drinks from Tea Republic. This heightened sweetness created a rounded, velvety mouthfeel, amplifying the fruity and floral lychee notes while masking almost all bitterness or astringency. At the same time, it also produced a syrupier finish rather than the brighter, refreshing quality that might have been achieved with a lighter tea base. The honey pearls were, as always, tender and chewy, serving as an ideal companion to the fruity tea.

Overall, this was enjoyable for its smooth, velvety profile, but not one we would repurchase over other fruity tea options on the menu.

This Lychee Velvet was purchased from Tea Republic in Sydney, Australia in September 2025.