Drinks are a point of British pride. From tea to cider to beer, the Brits hold their drinks dear to their hearts. I, of course, came to Britain a resolute water-drinker, but I promised myself I’d give British drinks a try.
(What everyone think of when they think of British tea. In reality, only tourists go for high tea. Sorry to ruin the fantasy!)
The Tea:
Well, the tea I tried once when I was little in America is not the same as
tea in Britain. I feel very cliche in saying this, but the tea here tastes somehow sweet, strong, pure and “earthy”. Early last week, I went to the famous tea store, Whittard’s, for a sampling of real British tea, and was convinced to buy myself blueberry tea. It’s poignant and a bit bitter, but it had me interested enough to embolden me to try other types of tea.
And then I discovered peppermint tea. I bought a box at the grocery store (very cheaply! it was only a pound), and I’m up to three cups a day. To me, peppermint tea is like a mix of Christmas, fireplaces and warm fuzzy sweaters in a hot mug. I’ve expanded to lavender tea for nighttime now, too, which reminds me of nighttime walks through fields with fireflies.
The Pub:
My successful ventures with tea encouraged me to try different British drinks at the pub with my friends. I turn 21 in October, so I haven’t had the chance (or motivation) to try American alcohols. The drunkards on the train in Boston are repugnant enough to turn anyone off the idea of alcohol. But pubs and drunks are such an ingrained part of British culture, I swore I’d “give it a go”. The first time I went to a real British pub, I had a strawberry and lime cider – a beer/soda/fruity mix, hardly alcoholic, and so tasty that I can’t understand how cider isn’t more popular in the States!
The margarita was a big no. I had two sips. End of story. The same went for Pimms. Gross.
It was my first weekend here that I encountered a cocktail that was phenomenal. It was sweet, slightly tangy with a splash of soda, and you couldn’t even taste the alcohol. Furthermore, the “Elderflower Presse” was less than 3 pounds! A drink in London for less than the equivalent of $5 is unheard of. I’d ordered my new favourite drink at my favourite pub (The Drayton Arms) three times until I thought to ask what was in it.
(The Drayton Arms, built in 1891)
Sam was the one a few days ago who asked me what type of alcohol was in Edlerflower Presse, and I googled it. It turns out, an Elderflower Presse is essentially fruit juice and soda. Whoops. I’d just assumed it was a cocktail because it was listed in the cocktail section of the drink menu. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit that I’ve been going out to pubs with friends, talking with locals and doing other things people do at pubs, and ordering fruit juice the whole time. At least it’s British fruit?
I’ll stick with my tea, Elderflower Presse, and the occasional cider. It still counts as trying local drinks, right?
Adventures in the UK! 