Boba, also known as bubble tea, is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The beverage typically consists of brewed tea mixed with milk and the novel addition of tapioca pearls (the bubbles).

The tapioca pearls add flavor, a chewy texture, and an eye-catching visual appeal that has helped boba gain popularity through social media.

The term “boba” can refer to the pearls themselves or the whole drink in general.

Boba was introduced to the U.S. market in the 1990s, and over the past 30 years has established a loyal fan base for those who have been in the know. Over the past few years, boba has seen more mainstream traction, with steady growth in popularity across the country. Interest from several national chains has contributed to boba’s rise in popularity.

Dunkin Donuts debuted a boba offering in 2021, branding the pearls as “Popping Bubbles.” Sonic Drive-In added “Bursting Bubbles” to their menu the same year. Peet’s Coffee Shops introduced a beverage add-in similar to boba in 2022 called “Jelly” – the main difference being the “Jelly” add-ins were cubed-shaped, rather than spherical bubbles.

In all three cases, the boba offerings were added to the menu as an “add to any cold drink” feature. The connection to cold drinks is also a main contributing factor for the increase in boba popularity.

As those within the coffee, café, and specialty beverage industries are aware, the cold drink market has exploded in recent years. As of last year, 75% of Starbucks beverage sales were from cold drinks.

It is evident that consumers are choosing cold drinks, and demanding a higher degree of customization for their beverages.

Boba offers a strategic opportunity to synergize with the cold drink trend. For café operations and their distributors, adding a boba offering is a great way to easily add value to any cold drink offering, and command premium pricing on the menu.

Boba is not strictly limited to tea and coffee drinks either. It’s also becoming a popular add-in for energy drinks, flavored lemonades, sodas, and more.

Passion Fruit Boba is one of several flavors available from Third Street

Houston’s is your source for popping boba that is easy to add to any cold drink menu. We recently brought on Third Street Chai as a vendor partner – their line-up of boba products offers multiple flavors and are ready-to-use. Third Street boba does not require any special equipment, preparation, or training – instantly increase the value of cold drinks without any hassle.

Visit our Third Street page to learn more about how boba can add value for you and your customers.

Not a Houston’s customer? Inquire about becoming one today.

Read more about beverage industry trends on the Houston’s Blog.

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Masala chai, typically shortened to “chai” in the US, is a fragrant spicy tea beverage, traditionally made by brewing black tea infused with a mixture of aromatic herbs in milk and water.

The drink originated in India an estimated 5,000 years ago, and a variety of spices have been used in various combinations throughout the centuries. Cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, peppercorns, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, honey, and vanilla are elements common to an authentic chai experience.

In the US, chai first gained popularity in 1994, appearing on café and coffee house menus. With overall steady growth through the past three decades, chai consumption spikes between October and January each year – with customers opting for hot chai beverages during the fall and early winter months.

Chai has also become a favorite offering among café industry distributors and operators. With innovations in shelf-stable packaging, as well as easy-to-store concentrates and powders that yield an authentic cup, chai looks to be a regular menu feature for the foreseeable future.

With the hot chai latte being one of the most popular preparations, the comfort of a warm mug of spiced tea has appeal for fall and winter seasonal menus. Many of the traditional spices used in chai are familiar to American consumers through classic winter holiday recipes and seasonal pies, cookies, and other comforting treats: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, honey, vanilla, etc.

Creative baristas may also customize chai lattes with a variety of flavored syrups, sauces, and garnishes for a premium experience.

Another advantage chai offers is its versatility. In addition to a traditional warm preparation, or creative custom chai latte, chai is a popular choice to be served over ice, as well.

In addition to its seasonal tie and versatility, chai may also serve as an alternative to coffee for consumers looking to regulate caffeine consumption. Black tea contains less caffeine per serving compared to a cup of joe.

Statistics show that chai beverages have a high growth rate among vegan consumers, as well, with the healthful perception and plant-based ingredients of black tea, spices, and a dairy alternative, such as oat or almond milk.

Chai may also offer something just outside the ordinary for many. The idea of “culinary tourism” has gained popularity the past few years. With a global pandemic disrupting the travel industry, individuals shifted focus toward seeking micro-adventures within the home or through to-go orders from a neighborhood cafe, even though physical travel was limited. Chai proved to be a way to experience a mini “vacation in a mug” to another culture in an easily accessible manner.

It is certain that chai has broad appeal and versatility. And while consumption peaks during fall and winter, the iced beverage trend ensures that chai will remain a favorite among customers, operators, and distributors in all seasons, for a long time.

Perhaps it will be a menu mainstay for another 5,000 years.

Houston’s carries chai offerings ranging from powders, concentrates, and sachets to steep from trusted vendors like David Rio, Maya Tea, Smith Teamaker, Numi, Kerry Foodservice, Mocafe, Cappuccine, Two Leaves and a Bud, and others.

Read more about industry trends on the Houston’s Blog.

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The name Kerry is well known within the beverage and foodservice industries as an innovator, delivering a wide variety of operator-friendly offerings, while maintaining a high quality experience for the end customer.

Originating as a dairy operation in southwestern Ireland in 1972, Kerry has grown over the past 50 years to serve a global market. Kerry Foodservice U.S. operations encompasses a slate of well-known café-focused specialty beverage brands such as DaVinci Gourmet, Big Train, Oregon Chai, and Island Oasis, which are present throughout cafés and specialty coffee shops nationwide.

DaVinci Gourmet

The DaVinci Gourmet brand originated in Seattle, WA, a city often cited as the epicenter of the U.S. craft coffee movement. DaVinci is perhaps best known for its line of flavored syrups – from barista staples such as vanilla and hazelnut, to unique offerings like cheesecake and cookie dough syrups, for something just outside the ordinary.

The DaVinci family also features sauces, like caramel and chocolate, for decadent flavor and eye-popping visual presentation.

A wide range of smoothie and frappé mixes also fall under the DaVinci Gourmet name. And in alignment with the Kerry spirit of innovation, the emerging category of fruit refreshers is also represented, with Mango Dragonfruit and Watermelon Lime among the flavor offerings.

Big Train

Big Train comprises a line of frozen beverage mixes with a focus on ease of use – the “blend and pour” convenience is a favorite feature among busy café and coffee shop operators.

Iced and blended coffee beverages have surged in recent years, with some nationwide chains reporting over 50% of sales are now from cold beverages. Frappés are big business, and Big Train offers an extremely wide variety to cater to any taste. As a partner to the specialty coffee industry, Houston’s carries over 50 Big Train blends, including mochas, lattes, blended espresso, frozen hot chocolate, horchata, protein drinks, and chai.

Oregon Chai

Chai is another coffee shop category that has been trending in recent years. Under the Kerry family of brands, Oregon Chai features a roster of chai concentrates and powders which offer a great taste experience for the end customer, and, importantly, easy preparation and storage for the operator.

A number of different flavors are offered, including vanilla, extra spicy, salted caramel, and sugar free.

Island Oasis

Kerry’s Island Oasis brand may be strongly associated with the bar industry, with margarita and pina colada mixes as featured offerings. However, there is certainly room in the café industry for Island Oasis shelf-stable fruit purees, especially as summer approaches with rising demand for smoothies, craft lemonades, and other fruit-based drinks.

The hallmarks of Island Oasis include the use of only premium natural ingredients, and no high-fructose corn syrup.

Enduring Partnership

It is evident that Kerry aims to be an all-encompassing partner to the beverage industry, with a focus on operator-friendly features such as ease-of-use, shelf-stable packaging, and a wide range of brands and varieties.

By valuing innovation, Kerry sets a foundation of seeking to align with industry trends and the evolving needs of operators moving into the future.

Read about our other vendor partners on the Houston’s Blog.

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The word “numi” means “citrus” in Arabic. Founders Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani named their company Numi after a steeped dried desert lime drink they grew up enjoying throughout their childhood.

As brother and sister, Ahmed and Reem had a vision to share their family’s love of tea and its health and cultural connections with the world. Since 1999, their vision has resulted in a diverse selection of teas and herbal infusions to fit the taste and palate of any customer.

Among their offerings, some well-known and popular varieties can be found: Refreshing Moroccan Mint, Lemon Chamomile, Aged Earl Grey, and Gunpowder Green Tea. Customers who may be looking for their morning cup, an afternoon pick-me-up, or evening relaxation can find something familiar and delightful.

Numi also offers a slate of unique blends for customers who may want something just outside the ordinary. Chai, as an example, has been a surging product category for café operators; Numi Golden Chai features a blend of traditional Assam black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a symphony of spice. Milk and honey may be added for even greater depth of flavor and premium offering.

Customers looking for a bright and aromatic floral experience may find it in Numi White Rose Tea, which features organic white tea and tender spring-picked rosebuds. A velvety and uplifting blend, it can be enjoyed hot – or iced for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

Another trend that has gained popularity in recent years is a consumer focus on functional beverages. Numi has a number of teas made with wellness and immunity-aligned ingredients with potential health benefits, such as turmeric, ginger, rooibos, echinacea, and others. Three Roots Turmeric Tea combines turmeric, ginger, and licorice root into an earthy caffeine-free blend for peace of mind any time of the day. Numi Organic Throat Soother, Immune Boost, and De-Stress Tea are a few other varieties that put focus on function.

Of course, the list of Numi tea blends wouldn’t be complete without a connection to the original desert lime drink that inspired Ahmed and Reem in the first place. Numi’s signature Dry Desert Lime Tea is distinctive, tart, and described as an “oasis of health” – tradition and function all in one.

With a lineup to fit any taste, it’s evident that Ahmed and Reem have a strong focus on creating quality products that align with customer demand and current trends. View Houston’s portfolio to find these offerings by Numi and more.

Read more about the wide world of hot tea on the Houston’s Blog.

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It was in March 2018 when Sudan, the last male northern white rhinoceros, passed away. The creature that had been guarded 24 hours a day via watchtower, drone, and armed guard likely would have otherwise been a victim of poaching like the other members of its species. Instead, Sudan eventually succumbed to old age, and so sealed the fate of the wild northern white rhino, leaving behind his daughter and granddaughter as the last remaining of their kind.

The conservation and repopulation of animals such as these is a key part of David Rio’s mission. By incorporating endangered animals such as tigers and elephants into the labeling of its products, David Rio sees its role as one that reminds customers of our responsibilities to the environment. In addition to simply spreading the word, this company has partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, and Cat Tales Zoological Park to do its part in ensuring the well-being of the world’s most at-risk creatures is properly funded. But David Rio isn’t stopping with those partnerships…

It’s no secret that the world’s rhino populations are under threat due to poachers, regional conflicts, and loss of habitat. Fortunately, as a result of conservation efforts, the northern white rhino’s nearest relative, the southern white rhino, has successfully recovered its numbers (nearly 20,000) from the brink of endangerment. Still, there are other species of rhino that remain desperately in danger and require intervention before they disappear entirely.

In 2011, one of the four sub-species of black rhino was declared extinct. Today, only 5,000 black rhinos remain, placing them in a category known by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) as “Critically Endangered.” In an effort to spare the black rhino from the fate of the northern white rhino, a few have decided to join the cause to restore this species’ population.

For a limited time, David Rio will be offering a new product focused on the preservation of this species: Black Rhino Cocoa Chai. This blend offers chai spices, black tea, cocoa, and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Together, the flavors form a beverage that meets David Rio’s high quality standards, but its goal extends beyond simply making a premium chai.

David Rio has partnered with Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the prior residence of Sudan, as well as the biggest and most respected Black Rhino conservancy in the world. By adopting Baraka, the conservancy’s blind black rhino, David Rio has proven that it is dedicated to this cause. Much like Thor (the Bengal tiger that David Rio adopted in 1999) before him, Baraka is an ambassador for his species and has been inspiration for David Rio’s newest product. All of this is in an effort to raise awareness about black  rhinos, but it also about providing a way to safeguard this species for years to come.

David Rio has now launched its Feel the Charge campaign that allows anyone to donate directly to Ol Pejeta in support of its black rhino initiative. With a goal of $10,000, David Rio has a long way to go, but it’s not expecting to hit that number solely from outside sources. David Rio is planning to match the first $5,000 in donations. Besides helping an animal population in dire need, by donating you can enter to win a canister of Black Rhino Cocoa Chai. Find out how to enter by visiting David Rio’s website.

Houston’s is proud to also be offering David Rio’s Black Rhino Cocoa Chai while its supplies last. Like all of David Rio’s flavors, it is unique and certain to please the palate, but more importantly it is in support of an excellent cause. We always strive to provide the best products for our customers, but we love it when that mission is accompanied with an even broader reward.

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Amanda H., Rebecca P., Christina G., and Jennifer V. with the David Rio crew at Chai Bar by David Rio

San Francisco-based David Rio was founded in 1996 by David Scott Lowe and Rio Miura and has grown to become a market leader in premium chai products around the world. With a strong following in Asia, Europe and Mexico David Rio has partnered with Houston’s to increase brand awareness and availability here in the United States. Over the past three years, David Rio has grown to become a valued Houston’s partner.

Members of our Management Team recently visited David Rio to introduce President Jennifer Vigil and Purchasing Manager Amanda Hackathorn to the David Rio team and to learn more about the David Rio product line at “Chai Bar by David Rio.” The specialty cafe focuses on premium chai drinks and other treats. “Chai Lab” is located in the back corner of the cafe, and offers customers a chance to try new products or taste recipes that are in development, and give immediate feedback.

Our team got to taste key products from David Rio’s Endangered Species Line®, including Tiger Spice, Elephant Vanilla, Orca Spice, and their new White Shark. Through their commitment to animal welfare, David Rio supports the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Greater Farrallones Associations SPCA, the local humane society, and Cat Tales Zoological Park in Mead, WA. It was through Cat Tales that David Rio adopted and funded the support for a Bengal Tiger, named Thor, in 1997. He became the inspiration behind the Endangered Species Line® and the face of David Rio Tiger Spice Chai. With Thor’s passing in 2014, David Rio decided to adopt and support his brother, Atlas.

With Chai Lab’s primary purpose being to gather feedback on new and developing recipe, the team was introduced to a multitude of spicy versus sweet chai offerings.

David Rio’s dairy-free, vegan “Power Chai” is made with Japanese Matcha and black tea, and combines bold tastes and traditional flavors with the antioxidants of the matcha. Both the Cub Chai Original and Cub Chai Super Concentrates offer more spicy alternatives via the true Masala-method of chai preparation.

The newest David Rio product, Turmeric Golden Latte is a soothing blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and spices. It can be prepared on its own, or in combination with Tiger Spice for a great sweet and spicy balance.

We appreciate David Rio’s commitment to their customers, their employees, and both the local and global communities. We take pride in working with vendors, like David Rio, who keep their carbon footprint in mind, and give back to support the world around them.

If you are ever in San Francisco, we encourage you to stop by Chai Bar for a chai and tasty snack!

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DR. SMOOTHIE – Frappes & ADDins

Leafy Greens ADDins

As summer quickly approaches and temperatures begin to rise, frappes and smoothies are becoming more popular with customers. Dr. Smoothie has introduced four new frappe flavors to the Cafe Essentials line: Chocolate Mint Chip, Horchata, Java Chip, and Kona Mocha. Touting less sugar and truer flavors, these four new “gourmet specialty frappe” flavors offer added dimension to any menu, and are sure to please your customers with their authentic taste.

With healthy veggie trends continuing to grow, Dr. Smoothie has also introduced an easy way to get your “5 [servings] a day” with their new beverage blend-ins; Dr. Smoothie ADDins are available in Leafy Green and Veggie blends, as well as the per-existing customer-favorite, Yogurt Lover’s Plus concentrate blend. Add a single scoop of these nutrient-packed supplements to any smoothie concentrate for that daily dose of fruits and veggies that your customers are looking for.

TORANI® – Chai Concentrates

Torani Tradition Chai (left) vs. current category leader (right). Credit: C. Graiff

Keeping up with current trends, Torani® has introduced Chai concentrates to their product line-up, available now in both Traditional and Spicy flavor profiles. Made with all-natural spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves and allspice, these concentrates provide an ideal upgrade from traditional mainstream chai concentrates and offer a “well-rounded and balanced combination of sweetness, tea, and spice.” Chai has year-round appeal as it can be served hot, over ice, blended, and even “dirty” with an espresso shot. Compare Torani® Chai to your current brand and you’ll be sure to taste and see the difference!

MONIN®- Hawaiian Island & Cookie Butter Syrups

Monin® released two new innovative flavors this spring made with pure cane sugar and natural flavors: Hawaiian Island and Cookie Butter. Blending the fresh tropical fruit flavors of passion fruit, guava, and orange, Monin® Hawaiian Island syrup is an on-trend flavor that provides an “authentic, multidimensional flavor for crafting memorable specialty beverages.” Perfect for specialty coffees, milkshakes, and cocktails Monin® Cookie Butter syrup provides an indulgent coupling of spices and speculoos cookie flavoring. This versatile syrup is ideal for hot or frozen coffee beverages or specialty cocoas, milkshakes and cocktails. Both syrups are Kosher, Halal, Vegan, GMO free, dairy free, and gluten free and are now available through Houston’s!

DAVID RIO – Cub Chai Super Concentrate

Jodet, of David Rio, discussing product with a show attendee at SCAA 2016. Credit: C. Graiff

Described as the “audacious extensions of the original Cub Chai line”, David Rio recently released their Cub Chai Super Concentrate. The new 5:1 concentrate utilizes the same high-quality organic spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and ginger) combined with organic Indian black tea for a super tasty, all natural, and vegan chai beverage. Already being served at the organization’s Chai Bar in San Francisco, Cub Chai Super Concentrate can be served hot or cold and “offers your customers a creamy, less sweet, and distinctively spicy chai latte that will have them raving.” Continuing their commitment to supporting animal welfare, David Rio has designed the packaging so that both the bottle and full shrink label are 100% recyclable. Contact us today to request a sample of this “chai perfection.”

SCAA 2016: You may have seen it…

As a redistributor in the foodservice industry, we at Houston’s like to utilize our time at industry shows not only catching up with vendors and customers alike, but also perusing the show as attendees – to see what’s new, what’s trending, and what the “next best thing” might be. At SCAA in Atlanta this past month we had the opportunity to taste new products launched by various vendors.

Add A Scoop (C. Graiff)

Crafted for those with an active lifestyle, Add a Scoop by Smoothie Essentials provides an alternative source of dailynutrients. Eighteen tasteless blends including Antioxidant, Probiotics, Energy, Protein and even a Matcha premix provide a wide variety of options that won’t affect the flavor of your smoothies, frappes, and oatmeals. All Add a Scoop supplements are tasteless as well non-GMO, gluten-free, and certified Kosher, Halal and Vegan.

Powdered frappe, gelato and specialty beverage manufacturer Frozen Bean debuted their latest project, Cocktail Lab, at SCAA. “At Cocktail Lab, we source the finest, all-natural ingredients from around the world to create rimmers that pair beautifully with your favorite beverages.” From coffees to teas, beers to cocktails, and even frappes – Cocktail Lab now allows your customers to experience their favorite beverages in new and exciting ways.

Not to miss out on the dairy-free trend, Frozen Bean also debuted a dairy-free version of their Belgian Hot Chocolate mix that substitutes coconut milk as the dairy alternative. The light coconut notes accent the sweet chocolate flavor without detracting from the creamy quality.

Industry leader in the non-dairy beverages segment, Pacific Foods, continues to promote their new Barista Series line of dairy-alternatives. Created to withstand the high heat involved with foaming, the Barista Series delivers a consistent and smooth micro-foam while complimenting the flavor of your coffee or espresso making the line “perfect for latte art.”

Making their U.S. debut, France-based Chocolaterie Monbana® (Monbana®) created a stir with their indulgent beverages in the gourmet powdered frappe and powdered chocolate segments. Started in 1934, Mobana® is now on its third generation of family owners, all of whom have had a deep passion for premium-quality chocolate. Their continued success has been attributed to respect for European traditions, the use of high-quality ingredients, and continuous innovation.

International Barista, Geoffroy Maubon, discussing Monbana with an SCAA Show attendee (C. Graiff)

Mobana® offers a wide range of extremely versatile products and flavors, providing for the needs of all establishment types in every season. From lucious frappe, to indulgent drinking chocolates and delightful dark chocolate accompaniments, Monbana® has a product to please any demographic. “This isn’t you mother’s Swiss Miss,” one attendee stated after tasting the decadent Trésor Hot Chocolate served up by famed International Barista Geoffroy Maubon. Maubon has been crucial in the development of Monbana®’s product line, developing unique recipes (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that highlight the versatility of these premium products, showing that frappe mixes and hot chocolates are not just for coffee shops anymore.

If you didn’t attend SCAA, or didn’t get a chance to stop by the Monbana® booth, we heavily suggest you stop by their booth (#819) at Coffee Fest in Dallas, Texas. With the help of Brandenburger-FBG, Monbana® products will be available for U.S. distributors to purchase in late-May or early-June. For more information, contact Brandenburger-FBG.

SCAA 2016 provided attendees the opportunity to experience a wide variety of new products and flavors like those discussed above. Did you attend SCAA 2016 in Atlanta? Which vendors or products were of interest to you?

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Cub Chai Super Concentrate is all-natural and vegan, offering a creamy, less sweet and distinctly spicy chai latte. Some customers have raved, “The Cub Chai with spicy ginger and black pepper was just chai perfection.”

Call your sales representative to order some today and try out these recipes.

Hot Chai Courtesy of David Rio

Hot Chai

1.5 oz (45 ml) Cub Chai Super Concentrate

7.5 oz (225 ml) milk or milk substitute

Steam chai with milk or milk substitute.  Server hot.

Chaiffagoto Courtesy of David Rio

Dry Chaiffagoto

1 shot Espresso

1/2 oz. (15 ml) Cub Chai Super Concentrate 

Vanilla ice cream

Make shot of espresso. Add Cub Chai Super Concentrate and mix well. Pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The post Dive Into the New Distinctly Spicy Chai from David Rio appeared first on Houston's Blog.

David Rio Pumpkin Chai Latte. Photo Courtesy of David Rio

David Rio Pumpkin Chai Latte

1 scoop/3T Red Panda Pumpkin Chai™

8 oz milk

Whipped cream and cinnamon

Add chai to milk and steam together in an espresso machine.  Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon.

David Rio’s new, seasonal Red Panda Pumpkin Chai™ is a rich and creamy mixture of black tea, exotic spices, and sweet pumpkin.  Available for a limited time in 4lb bags or 14 oz retail canisters, this delicious chai makes it easier than ever to make a pumpkin chai latte!

Torani Pumpkin Spice Latte. Photo courtesy of Torani

Torani Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 Tbsp (1 oz) Torani Pumpkin Pie Sauce

1 Cup (8 oz) Milk

2 Shots Espresso

Whipped Cream for Garnish

Heat milk and Torani Pumpkin Pie Sauce in a pan.  Stir with whisk to create foam.  Add espresso to a tall glass and pour milk mixture on top.  Spoon a layer of foamed milk over beverage and top with whipped cream.

Torani’s tasty take on the popular pumpkin spice latte is sure to be a hit! Check out all of Torani’s pumpkin items including Pumpkin Pie Sauce (available in 64 oz and 16.5 oz), Pumpkin Pie Syrup (regular, PET, and sugar free), and Pumpkin Spice Syrup (regular).

Monin Creamy Pumpkin Pie Martini. Photo courtesy of Monin

Monin Creamy Pumpkin Pie Martini

½ oz coffee liqueur

½ oz Irish cream liqueur

1 oz Vodka

¾ oz Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup

Ice

¼ oz half & half

Combine ingredients in a shaker in the order listed and shake vigorously.  Strain into a chilled glass.  Garnish with whipped cream and graham cracker crust.

Monin’s pumpkin syrups are perfect for festive cocktails like this creamy pumpkin pie martini.  Monin Pumpkin Pie Syrup and Pumpkin Spice Syrup are available in glass and PET bottles.

Happy pumpkin spice season!

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David Rio is located in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of David Rio

What do you get when you cross phenomenal tea products and a fierce concern for the treatment of tigers and elephants in the wild?  You get award-winning, premium chai and tea company David Rio, of course!  Based in San Francisco, David Rio has a solid mission:  “to be the global premium chai and tea brand by exceeding customers’ expectations, providing exceptional taste with quality ingredients, and offering innovative products…”

For a refreshing summertime indulgence, try the newest line by David Rio: Tea Frost frappe mix.  The frappe mix is made from high quality tea leaves sourced from around the world and uses a non-dairy creamer, opening up enjoyment of the chilled, frothy beverage to those consumers with dairy restrictions.  With the same dedication to flavor as to their chai line, David Rio Tea Frost frappes are a delectable beverage choice for those hot summer days. Choose from Japanese Matcha, Chocolate Assam, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Spiced Chai.  This new product was a huge success at the 27^th annual SCAA Expo, taking home awards for the Best New Product and the People’s Choice in the Specialty Prepared Tea or Chai Beverage or Beverage Mix category!

David Rio Chai Tea uses high quality teas and spices from around the world. Photo courtesy of David Rio

David Rio Chai teas are blended to combine “Eastern traditions with Western style,” using only the highest quality teas and spices from around the world.  The spices are freshly ground and are added to the canisters just before they are sealed, ensuring the freshest and most intense flavor.  The spice flavors and fragrance begin to fully bloom as soon as they come in to contact with the hot milk or water that you add to the mix.  One of the best qualities of David Rio Chai is their proprietary GMO-free, non-dairy creamer that is free of chemicals and fillers.  Every David Rio chai product is certified CRC Kosher.

Help to raise awareness of threats to the tiger population. Photo courtesy of David Rio

In addition to making superb chai teas and Tea Frost, David Rio is proud of their efforts to “stand with tigers” through their donations to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.  Every time Tiger Spice Chai® is sold a portion of the sale is donated to the IFAW in order to help educate the public about tigers and the threats they face from poachers and trade, as well as supporting orphaned tigers and helping to get them safely re-acclimated into the wild.  In 1999 David Rio adopted a rescued Bengal tiger named Thor and supported him until his death in 2014.  When Thor passed away from a heart condition, David Rio adopted his brother Atlas, and they continue to support him through their partnership with Cat Tales Zoological Park in Washington.

David Rio also supports the IFAW in their work on the Amboseli Elephant Project.  This program is dedicated to preserving the elephant habitat in Amboseli National Park near the southern border of Kenya, and will also help more than 11,000 members of the community by helping to provide clean water, schools, and a health clinic.

Committed to producing first-rate tea products as well as animal welfare, David Rio tea has it all.  Just one taste of their delectable Tea Frost or Chai product and you will find yourself wanting to indulge again and again, all while helping out their many causes.  David Rio is just that good!

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