The official launch of Oprah Winfrey's chai tea line brings the beverage to Starbucks and Teavana Tea locations, Tuesday.
According to a press release on Starbucks' website, Winfrey, along with the two partnering retailers, collaborated on the endeavor on March 19.
"I looove tea," Winfrey said in a statement at the time. "My daily tea ritual is a vital part of my morning. Savory and spicy chai, with its deep flavor, has long been a favorite of mine.
Winfrey said she was thrilled to involve herself in one of Starbucks initiatives.
"When [CEO] Howard Schultz offered to have me come into the Starbucks tasting room and create my very own tea blend, I thought that sounded like such a unique opportunity and fun to the tenth power," Winfrey said in the statement. "To share one of my favorite things with the rest of the world and support youth education at the same time is truly the perfect blend."
Starbucks customers can buy the drink as a latte, while sister company Teavana Teas has a loose-leaf version available in their stores.
One Starbucks employee said working with Oprah Winfrey was completely worthwhile.
"I was going to school for finance and working in a Teavana store in the mall as a part time job," Jason Adams said in the statement. "I fell in love with the product and the company. About three years ago, I got the opportunity to become Teavana's first designated tea buyer. Working with Oprah was a fantastic experience. It was inspiring because she was so hands-on throughout the whole process."
Adam said many customers like how chai tea tastes.
"Chai is one of the most popular and universally-liked flavor profiles. The spices in the Oprah Chai are balanced out perfectly and it tastes great hot, iced or in a latte, so there are a lot of ways to enjoy it," he said in the statement. "Teavana Oprah Chai is one of the easier teas to make. It's one rounded teaspoon per eight-ounce cup. Add boiling water; let it steep for three minutes," Adam said in the statement.
Customers can also warm up and consume the tea in many settings.
"There are a variety of ways to brew tea, just as there is so much variety in the tea itself and in ways to enjoy it," Adams said in the statement. "Tea can be refreshing or soothing. You can drink it by yourself or with a group. It's exciting to hear from so many new tea drinkers. They're trying something I love."
Winfrey, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and Teavana's main teaologist also worked together on the project.
The beverage has strong flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom seeds and cloves.
"With the introduction of Teavana Oprah Chai, we are going to elevate the tea experience in the same way we did for coffee." Schutlz said in a statement.
