Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake Drink Recipe

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Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake Drink is a whimsical concoction that combines the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the innovative spirit of one of the most beloved bubble tea brands. Kung Fu Tea has been a trailblazer in bringing unique and flavorful beverages to tea enthusiasts around the world, and their Strawberry Shortcake Drink is no exception.

How to make Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake Drink

Kung Fu Tea has introduced a limited-edition Strawberry Shortcake Delight drink. This beverage features a blend of fresh strawberries, sweetened with strawberry syrup and cane sugar and topped with a new matcha milk cap.

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Mixture:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Tea:

• 1 cup strongly brewed black tea, cooled to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon honey or to taste (optional)

For the Creamy Layer:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar (omit if using sweetened cream)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

• Tapioca pearls (boba), cooked according to package instructions
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.
3. Mash the strawberries lightly with a fork or blend them for a more uniform texture. Adjust the sweetness if needed.

Brew the Tea:

1. Brew your favorite black tea and let it cool. If you like your tea sweetened, you can enhance the flavor by adding honey.

Whip the Creamy Layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream (or milk) with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. If you’re using sweetened cream, skip the confectioners’ sugar.

Assemble the Drink:

1. Start by adding cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of your serving glass.
2. Pour in the strawberry mixture, followed by a layer of crushed ice.
3. Slowly add the cooled black tea over the ice.
4. Gently spoon the whipped cream mixture over the top of the drink.

Tips for Making Your Drink:

• Brewing the Tea: Make sure the tea is strong as it will be diluted with ice and cream. Allow it to cool completely to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and watering down your drink.
• Strawberry Mixture: For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding strawberry puree or syrup to the fresh strawberries.
• Tapioca Pearls: Cook the pearls until they are soft and chewy, and serve them while they’re still warm for the best texture.
• Layering: Carefully layer the drink to enjoy the full visual effect. Use the back of a spoon to pour the cream over the tea to prevent the layers from mixing too much.
• Presentation: Serve the drink with a wide straw to enjoy the tapioca pearls and a spoon to scoop up the delicious whipped cream.

What to serve with

The Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake Drink is a delightful treat all on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can enhance the entire experience.

Light Snacks:

• Fruit Platters: Slice up some fresh fruits like kiwis, pineapples, oranges, and more berries. The fresh, tart flavors of these fruits will nicely contrast the sweetness of the Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake.
• Cheese and Crackers: A platter of assorted cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, accompanied by a variety of crackers, can add a savory balance to the sweetness of your Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake.
• Mini Sandwiches: Prepare a selection of mini sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or chicken salad. They offer a savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sweetness of the Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake.

Desserts:

• Vanilla or Lemon Cupcakes: The simplicity of vanilla or the slight tang of lemon in cupcakes complements the strawberry and cream flavors without overpowering them.
• Macarons: Choose flavors like raspberry, pistachio, or vanilla. These light, almond-based confections are perfect for pairing with a drink that’s as fun and whimsical as the Strawberry Shortcake beverage.
• Angel Food Cake: This light, airy cake will harmonize with the drink’s creamy and fruity notes without being too heavy.

Salty and Crunchy:

• Pretzels: They provide a nice salty crunch which contrasts well with the creamy, sweet elements of the drink.
• Popcorn: Whether you prefer sweet caramel popcorn or classic salted, it’s an easy and enjoyable pairing.
• Roasted Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness that complements sweet beverages well.

Heartier Options:

If you’re looking to make a meal out of it:

• Salads: A fresh salad with ingredients like spinach, walnuts, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and creamy drink.
• Quiche: This can be a great savory option. Whether you opt for a classic Lorraine or a vegetarian version with spinach and feta, the creamy texture and rich flavor of quiche marry well with the Strawberry Shortcake drink.
• Sushi: Believe it or not, the delicate flavors of sushi, particularly choices like California rolls or cucumber rolls, can pair surprisingly well, offering a savory balance to the sweet, refreshing drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Kung Fu Tea’s beloved Strawberry Shortcake Drink allows for personal customization and the opportunity to substitute ingredients according to preference, availability, or dietary restrictions.

Strawberry Puree/Syrup:

Original: High-quality strawberry syrup or puree is key for that deep, fruity flavor.

Substitutes: You can use fresh strawberries blended with a bit of sugar and water to taste. For a healthier twist, opt for honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries work just as well.

Milk:

Original: Whole milk is commonly used for its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Substitutes: For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are excellent substitutes that also add a unique flavor. Lighter options include skim milk or 2% milk to reduce fat content without sacrificing too much of the creaminess.

Tea:

Original: The base of the drink is typically black tea, known for its strong flavor that can withstand the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the milk.

Substitutes: For a caffeine-free version, rooibos tea makes a great substitute. It possesses a somewhat similar flavor profile to black tea but without the caffeine. Green tea can also be used for a more floral, delicate variant.

Cake Crumbles:

Original: Cake crumbles or chunks are often added for that authentic shortcake experience.

Substitutes: Gluten-free or vegan cake crumbles can be used for those with dietary restrictions. Consider using a low-fat sponge or angel food cake for a lighter option. Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs could mimic that cakey texture and flavor if the cake isn’t on hand.

Whipped Cream:

Original: Regular whipped cream tops off this drink, adding a visually appealing and creamy finish.

Substitutes: Vegan whipped cream options are available for those avoiding dairy. For a lower-calorie option, light whipped cream or even a dollop of Greek yogurt could work, albeit with a tangier taste.

Sweetener:

Original: Sugar or simple syrup is often used to sweeten the drink further.

Substitutes: For healthier alternatives, consider using stevia, erythritol, or a splash of maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference and the sweetness of your strawberry base.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your homemade version of the Kung Fu Tea Strawberry Shortcake Drink! This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust any component to suit your taste preferences.

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