In the battle of Chai Royale, one cup of liquid yummy stands above the rest...
The challengers: Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Beaners.
I was on a quest to find the best cup of Chai Tea in the Great Lakes state. My first thought was that Starbucks would walk away with the mucho yummy medal, but like a good Rocky movie, the underdog rose to the top.
Starbucks Chai came off flat. It was watery and didn't have enough spices. I've tried their chai tea several times and in several different locations and it never gets any better. But at least this chain gets an 'A' for consistency.
Caribou Coffee Chai comes in second place. Its chai tea is smooth and full of flavor. Plus, this unique Michigan chain has the most comfy atmosphere including a fireplace in the middle of the room. It's hard to beat a place where you feel like you're snugly in a log cabin in New Hampshire. Caribou get the best atmosphere award by a long shot.
Drum rolls please--and the winner of the Chai Battle Royale goes to...Beaners. Their chai tea is dreamy! It's like your sipping on something Heaven-sent, my tongue felt so delighted it wanted to do backflips. I ordered mine with soy milk and the fresh aroma of chai spices made my nose feel like it could fly or do something fantastic.
Who needs coffee when you can chai it?
*Hat tip to my brother for taking me to Beaners and treating me a Caribou.
