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Discovering Tea-Infused Cocktails in Banff

There’s a unique magic that a day spent in the mountains brings, especially when it concludes with a refreshing cocktail. At Banff’s latest hotspot, Hello Sunshine, I encounter a delightful icy-green creation known as the Matcha Colada. This creamy beverage marks the highlight of my après-adventure experience. What amplifies my delight is discovering that this cocktail is just one choice along a thoughtfully designed cocktail trail in Canada’s enchanting Banff National Park.

This trail is not your typical drinking experience; it celebrates the art of mixing cocktails with tea. In collaboration with the beloved local establishment, Jolene’s Tea House, the cocktail trail spotlights tea as its star ingredient. Nestled in a charming log cabin on Bear Street, Jolene’s Tea House has been offering a variety of small-batch teas made from organic ingredients sourced globally since its founding in 2005. According to local owner Jolene Brewster, the tea cocktail trail emerged organically, reflecting the authentic mountain culture of Banff.

A Sanctuary for Adventurers

Brewster describes teahouses as havens for hikers, offering sustenance and refuge from the elements. “The Tea Cocktail Crawl invites guests to explore the unique flavors of Banff while embracing the ambiance of this beautiful region,” she noted. Brewster also explained how local mixologists approached her with the idea of incorporating tea into their cocktail recipes, leading to the creation of a new flavor experience that resonates well with a contemporary audience.

She stressed the collaborative effort behind the cocktails, emphasizing quality ingredients and support for local businesses. “Both Park Distillery and our teahouse proudly create products right here in Banff. I have immense respect for the bartenders; they are artists, crafting unique recipes inspired by their vision,” Brewster remarked.

A Journey Through the Cocktail Trail

Thus began my exploration of the tea cocktail trail, where I sampled various inventive drinks across several downtown venues. After touring Park Distillery, I enjoyed the Mountaineer Marg — a complex mix of Park’s Vanilla Vodka, coconut tequila, triple sec, lime, and Jolene’s wild blueberry tea. This visually stunning cocktail offered a series of flavor notes that danced across my palate, although I found it a touch sweet for my taste.

Next, I ventured to Lupo, where the Sicilian 75 cocktail combined Park’s Alpine Dry Gin, Aperol, Chambord, Malfy gin, egg white, citrus, bitters, and Jolene’s Scarlet Berry Tea Syrup. This drink felt like a pleasant fusion of sunny Italian vibes and cozy mountain relaxation.

The following day, after an exhilarating hike, I found myself at Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse. There, I indulged in a Caesar salad and delightful rosemary fries—a perfect post-hike meal. I eagerly ordered their featured cocktail, the Meadow Mint, blending Park’s Alpine Dry Gin, Seedlip Garden, citrus, and Jolene’s Meadow Mint Tea. Its refreshing nature made it hard to resist, marking it as my favorite among the tea cocktails sampled.

Jolene’s Personal Favorites

When asked about her favorite cocktails, Brewster expressed her love for the Matcha Colada from Hello Sunshine. She also praised the Mountaineer Marg at Park Distillery, noting its dedication to strong mountain women. “This drink resonates with me,” she concluded.

As the tea cocktail trail continues to attract attention, one may wonder which drink will become a personal favorite. The only way to discover it is to experience the flavors for yourself along the vibrant streets of Banff.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com