We've got a new limited time drink on the menu and I can't take any credit for it. Our barista Emma Lincoln brought it to me perfect. House made chai, fresh strawberry puree, cold foam, a little cinnamon on top. That's the whole thing. It's pretty perfect for this stretch where New Orleans spring starts turning into summer.
The story behind it, in Emma's words, is that she grew up in Louisiana and her family used to take her strawberry and blueberry picking every season.
Chai has cardamom, ginger, clove, black pepper, and cinnamon in it. That's a lot of spice if you let it run on its own, which is why some chai drinks end up tasting like you're drinking a yankee candle. Adding the strawberry puree pulls the whole thing brighter. The fruit acidity cuts through the warmth of the spice without burying it.
Emma tops it with cold foam which gives it a great unique texture. It keeps it light enough to drink in ninety degree weather without it feeling like you ate dessert. It's also not a crazy sweet drink. The chai still tastes like chai. The strawberry is just along for the ride.
The Strawberry Chai is on the menu at three of our locations: Magazine Street, Old Metairie, and St. Roch Market. It's iced. It's seasonal. It's on the menu now through the end of July.
After July the menu rotates into late summer territory and the strawberry comes off the bar. So if it sounds good come grab one this month, next month, the month after, and then it's gone until next year.
If you've never had our house made chai on its own that's also worth a try. We make it from scratch in small batches and it's the base for a lot of our chai drinks.
Iced, limited time, three locations. Come get one before July's over.