Minkai Mixed Tea — A Fragrant Highland Tisane
This is not a true tea in the Camellia sinensis sense. It is a beautifully composed tisane: a fragrant blend of dried fruits, edible flowers, and dried herbs that captures the floral, fruity character of the Bhutanese highlands. It is made by the MinKai brand, a small dehydrator that works with highland farmers across Bhutan to turn fresh local produce into shelf-stable ingredients.
The dry blend is colourful and inviting: ruby hibiscus petals, golden chrysanthemum, slices of dried apple and lemon peel, sprigs of mountain mint, and pieces of dried rosehip. Brewed, it produces a glowing ruby-amber liquor with a heady, fruit-forward aroma and a sweet-tart flavour that finishes with a clean herbal note. Served hot, it is soothing and floral. Served chilled with ice, it is one of the great pleasures of a Bhutanese summer afternoon.
How to enjoy this highland tisane in Bangkok:
- The Traditional Bhutanese Way: Boil three cups of water with a generous spoonful of the blend and half a sprig of fresh mint. Separately dissolve sugar with the other half of the mint in a small jar. Combine, refrigerate, and serve chilled over ice.
- The Hot Way: Steep two teaspoons in a cup of boiling water for 5–7 minutes, sweeten to taste, and enjoy as a warming winter drinker.
- The Cocktail Way: Use the chilled concentrate as a base for a sparkling summer punch: pour over ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a slice of lime.
- Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit, light cakes, or any spicy Bhutanese dish where a cooling drink is welcome.
100% Natural Product of Bhutan. The MinKai approach preserves nearly all of the vitamins and minerals of the fresh fruit, making this tisane as close to a fresh-picked highland harvest as a dried product can be.
Net Weight: 100g
