Tuesday, February 2, 2010. For the third time, the British Chamber of Commerce and the renowned English tea brand Twinings celebrated their traditional afternoon tea. The British Chamber of Commerce members’ wives, businesswomen and ladies related to the firm Álvarez & Sánchez, C por A., distributor of this brand of tea in the country participated in this event.
Named the “Third Annual High Tea Afternoon” the event is part of the British Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to promote the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a country with a long and historical tradition and culture which has modernized as time has passed by but hasn’t forgotten its roots.
The meeting took place in the Álvarez Herrera family residence, where, as is the case every year, the hostess Mrs. Jacqueline Herrera de Álvarez provided her home and its beautiful porcelain and silver pieces which encompass a family tradition to add to the splendour of this traditional afternoon tea.
Mr. José Antonio and Mr. Jorge Álvarez of the firm Álvarez & Sánchez, Roberto Herrera President and Elsa Turull de Alma Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce addressed the guests and expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Herrera de Álvarez given that without her invaluable contribution it would be impossible to reach such splendour in this traditional afternoon.
Those present at the activity had the opportunity to taste teas selected for the occasion by Twinings of London, who offered a selection of red teas such as Pu-Erh and green teas, so popular in our market.
The occasion is used to introduce a drink based on tea and this day the one with the most impact was the innovative creation of TEA MARTINI, made from White Tea and Vodka which provided an innovative and entertaining touch to the activity, becoming the most accepted tasting amongst the guests.
The Twinings Teas are made in England since 1706 and they have more than 200 tea varieties which are distributed in over 100 countries all over the world.
A staging based on a traditional and modern concept was made for the presentation and pairing of the infusions where classic pieces were mixed with crystal touches in strong and well made colours performed by Mrs. Cecilia Carballo.
“WHITE WINTER TEA TABLE” a modern staging of classical pieces were combined with modern crystal pieces providing a touch of elegance and good taste. The flowers were simple arrangements with few loose ornaments based on hydrangeas and irises.
Twinigs Infusions: White Tea, Digestif Tea, White Tea Martinis with Coconut, Jasmine Green Tea, Green Tea Martini, Green Tea and Mint
Salty Food:
- Tea Sandwiches Cucumber & Mint
- Tea Sandwiches Goat Cheese & Asparagus
- Shots of White Beam Cream
- Mushrooms filled with truffle rice with shrimp
Sweet Food:
- Biscotti/Lady Fingers covered in white chocolate
- Lemon Curd with Sconces
- Assorted Meringues, simple, filled, etc.
- Cookie
Recipe: White Tea Martini with Coconut
- 1/4 cup vodka NEMIROFF
- 1/4 cup White Tea TWININGS cold (remember to use a tea bag for each cup + 1 additional for the coffee maker)
- Splash of Vermouth
- Ice
- Grated Coconut
- Sugar
Mix the vodka and tea in the cocktail shaker with ice. Mix the grated coconut and a little bit of sugar for the lip of the cup in a flat bread plate. Wet the lip of the cup a little bit with lemon and pass it through the sugar and coconut mixture.
“RUSSIAN TEA TABLE” inspired in the red nights and the baroque of the cold Baltic country where the red wine and the most elaborate silver ornaments prevailed. The floral arrangements were simply made but with an elegant touch of red roses.
Twinings Infusions: Earl Grey Vodka Martinis, Black Tea, Red Fruits (with raspberry flavours), Pu-Her Red Tea, Blackcurrant Tea, Black with a taste of Strawberry and Mango.
Salty Food:
- Tea Sandwiches of Smoked Salmon, Fennel and Mustard, black bread.
- Goat Cheese Tarts and Beetroot
- Pasties filled with Lamb
- Cold salad cod, individually served or in Tea Sandwiches
Sweet Food:
- Ginger Cookies
- Dundee Cake
- Mini Crème Brulee
RECIPE: Earl Grey Martini
- 1/4 cup vodka NEMIROFF
- 1/4 cup cold Earl Grey TWININGS tea
- Splash of Vermouth
- Ice
- Egg White
- Sugar
Mix the vodka, tea and vermouth in a cocktail shaker with ice. Wisk the egg white until it looks like snow with a little bit of sugar. Mix all the above and serve it in a Martini cup.
