Makaibari Tea Estate is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Darjeeling district, India, where most connoisseurs agree that some of the world’s best teas are made, earning Darjeeling the moniker, “The Champagne of Teas.” Photo: Collected
From mint julip sweet tea to matcha frappe to oolong orange whisky punch on ice, tea has been and is increasingly forming the base ingredient for many a thirst-quencher. Once the sole purview of the mixologist at a bar, Luxmi Tea Company Private Ltd. (also known as Luxmi Tea Estates) based in Kolkata, India, has done the hard work for the consumer, developing tea-based concentrates to be mixed with soda, wine, or even something harder. The mixes can even be enjoyed on ice. The new product line, which will be released in the company’s signature Makaibari outlets in India later this month, is called Zero Proof. Mirroring Luxmi Estates’ aspirations for the renowned Makaibari Tea label, Luxmi hopes to provide Zero Proof all over the world – but will start with its outlets in India.
Zero Proof is comprised of tea from Luxmi’s most esteemed tea estate, Makaibari, located in the Darjeeling district at the foothills of the Himalayas, combined with various natural herbs and healthy enhancers such as ginger, turmeric, and Tulsi leaf. So far, three varieties have been designed: “Spice Harmony,” which contains Makaibari oolong tea, ginger, and turmeric; “Citrine Oasis,” made from Makaibari green tea and orange extracts; and “Oolong Symphony,” consisting of Makaibari oolong tea, lemon, ginger, and mint. Other than their unique designer formulations, what distinguishes the new product line from other drinks or mixers is the fact that the ingredients are both fresh and 100% organic. No chemicals are used in the cultivation of the Zero Proof constituents.
Sushavan Sinha, Luxmi’s Head of Innovations and Products (right), and his colleague (left) carefully strain the extraction using a micro-sieve. Photo: Collected
Spice Harmony seems to stand as the healthiest of the concentrates, containing cancer-fighting curcumin compounds embedded in the pieces of whole turmeric used in the extraction process. It also boasts a healthy dose of the amino acid L-theanine, known not only to calm the nerves but also to increase mental acuity.
Citrine Oasis is likely to be the most familiar blend to the average consumer, containing the citrus extracts that are present in many beverages.
It is Oolong Symphony, though, that is really the hardcore tea-drinker’s beverage, with the bold taste of Makaibari oolong tea coming through to dominate the flavor profile, but polished with the other ingredients. Totally unsweetened, it is like drinking a cold brew of oolong tea with a hint of lemon, ginger, and mint to add some character to it. Mixing with soda water adds effervescence to the experience – something to which the multitudes who consume sparkling beverages can relate– but without the harmful chemicals and unhealthy sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, generally contained in such drinks.
The essential ingredient in these beverages, however, is the base, which is high-altitude Himalayan tea sourced by Makaibari Tea Estate.
“For generations, tea has been much more than just a beverage in India—it’s a tradition, a daily habit, a source of comfort, and a cherished ritual. Today, as more people seek healthier alternatives, the demand for refined, non-alcoholic beverages is on the rise,” says Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director, Luxmi Tea. “Makaibari Zero Proof perfectly aligns with this shift, offering an alcohol-free tea that embodies both depth and sophistication.”
Chatterjee makes a cogent observation in recognizing that Zero proof is like tasting some of the most outstanding organic products that India has to offer – all in the same glass: “Crafted from the finest leaves of Makaibari, spanning from the pristine Himalayas of Darjeeling to Assam's rich tea estates and Kerala’s spice-filled fields, it [Zero Proof] encapsulates the diverse essence of India in every sip. It stands as the ideal indulgence for those who seek wellness, tradition, and complexity without compromise, made with pure, concentrated herbs and no added sugar, preservatives, or tea dust. Makaibari Zero Proof embodies the time-honoured art of tea brewing. As Indians reevaluate their beverage choices, Makaibari Zero Proof is poised to lead the way, offering a healthier yet equally indulgent experience,” says Chatterjee. See details.
Source: Online/GFMM
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