Colorful concoctions
Turmeric is making its way into lattes at fast casuals, such as The Organic Grill and Corner Grocer in New York City and As Quoted in San Francisco, adding both its signature yellow-orange color and anti-inflammatory health benefits. “The basic ingredients are turmeric and ginger, and then you make a tea out of it. Then from that tea base, you add milk,” says Chris Dumesnil, general manager of As Quoted. The concept uses almond milk for its recipe and finishes the drink with coconut oil and coconut sugar. Starbucks, too, added a turmeric latte in the greater London area, specifically noting that the color is a marketing perk, since it makes “Instagram-able latte art.”
The lattes—also called golden milk—aren’t the only colorful, health-enhancing Asian beverages trending. Blue tea, colored by dried flower petals, is one of the newest to emerge. The blue brew boasts a higher antioxidant content than green tea and is caffeine free. “Its subtle flavor may be a new experience for the mass-market American consumer,” says Jourden. Rose tea, which is set to hit the menu at TeaMoji, also has health attributes that can serve as a selling point.