Mercure Maldives Kooddoo celebrated World Cocktail Day on May 13 by launching an exclusive new menu called ‘The Art of Tea.’ This collection effortlessly combines the island’s tropical vibes with the luxury of award-winning teas from Art of Tea, a Los Angeles–based company that handcrafts some of the world’s finest organic teas and botanicals. Led by Master Tea Blender and CEO Steve Schwartz, Art of Tea has earned a reputation for blending tradition with innovation to create exceptional teas.
The menu features tea-infused cocktails made with premium spirits and locally inspired ingredients, thereby offering guests a chance to slow down and enjoy a truly sensory drinking experience.
A Fresh Take on Cocktails: Tea Meets Tradition and Innovation
Art of Tea builds its reputation on organic sourcing, sustainability, and expertly hand-blended teas that honor both ancient traditions and modern wellness trends. Thanks to direct relationships with top tea growers worldwide and a vertically integrated model, Art of Tea guarantees premium quality and sustainability at every step. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo already serves these teas throughout the day, but now, the new cocktail menu invites guests to experience tea in an exciting new form.
Steve Schwartz, founder and master blender of Art of Tea, explains:
“At Art of Tea, we believe in the transformative power of tea. Bringing our handcrafted blends into the cocktail experience at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an invitation for guests to explore tea in a new, sensory way — where tradition meets innovation in every sip.”
These tea-based cocktails add layers of complexity and depth to the drinks. They don’t just twist classic cocktails; instead, they offer natural flavor notes ranging from floral and smoky to spicy and citrusy. Moreover, tea’s subtle health benefits make these cocktails as refreshing as they are sophisticated. In addition, the thoughtful blend of house-made syrups and spirits complements the tea perfectly.
Here are the standout creations from the collection:
- Coco Bloom — White coconut tea, rum, Malibu, coconut and strawberry syrup, lemon juice
- Velvet Noir — Dark chocolate peppermint tea, vodka, triple sec, mojito syrup, lemon
- Sunrise Spiritz — Bright Eyed tea, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar syrup
- Masala Mule — Masala chai tea, Armagnac, triple sec, sugar syrup, lemon
- Mint Mirage — Pacific Mint tea, beer, blue curaçao, mojito syrup, lemon
- Grey Royale — Earl Grey tea, whisky, cucumber and mojito syrup, lemon juice
Experience Island Elegance with Every Sip
Whether you enjoy a Velvet Noir while watching the sunset, sip a Coco Bloom under palm trees, or wind down with a Grey Royale, this menu offers a fresh way to pause, savor, and discover new flavors. The Indian Ocean’s stunning backdrop only enhances the experience. In fact, Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels, and wellness retreats worldwide trust Art of Tea’s dedication to quality and storytelling, which shines through in every blend served here.
All in all, this collaboration brings something truly special to cocktail lovers looking to try something different. So, next time you visit the Maldives, this tea-infused cocktail experience is definitely worth a taste.
