MARCO Polo Shenzhen launched its signature earl grape iced tea at the hotel’s Margarita Bar and poolside.

    More than 80 guests from core media, key accounts and in-house attended the launching and experienced the signature drink. This signature earl grape iced tea is available at its Cafe Marco and Connect (Lobby Lounge) as a new summer concoction for guests. Meanwhile, every Marco Polo and Niccolo hotel will have this unique refreshment available. Guests may experience the refreshing beverage in all hotel dining experiences and through in-room dining.

    The modern take on a traditional recipe was first unveiled at the annual Chief Business Managers Conference, where general managers from Marco Polo and Niccolo hotels assembled to discuss new and innovative ways to drive more business to their respective properties.

    This year, the hotels competed in an iced tea making competition to determine who could make the most unique and refreshing iced tea concoction. Earl grey tea was selected for its citrus flavor as it matches with grape.

    It also re-enforces the link between the East and West — like Marco Polo himself — as earl grey had been used by the British since the early 19th century to imitate the more expensive types of Chinese tea that were difficult to get back then. To ensure the iced tea with the best black tea flavor, the hotel brewed the tea one night early with eight-hour brew time, and kept it in the refrigerator.

    The amount of care and detail that goes into creating each earl grape iced tea drink can only be surpassed by its taste. Cold earl grey tea provides the base of the beverage and is poured over seedless green grapes and elderflower-infused ice cubes. It’s good for the health and suits the dietary needs of people nowadays. The grapes are slightly pressed so the combination of flavors can meld together, completing the thirst-quenching drink hailed by many as the perfect summer refreshment.

    Every earl grape iced tea is presented with a freshly baked lokum or Turkish delight. The sugar-based confection is the perfect accompaniment to the earl grape iced tea, as it helps to accentuate the various flavors in the beverage.(SD News)