Introduction:The tea and baijiu fusion drink "Drunken Steps to the Path"

In 2020, Cha Ba Dao partnered with renowned baijiu brand Luzhou Laojiao to launch the limited-edition drink "Drunken Steps to the Path". By boldly infusing baijiu into milk tea, it created a unique flavor reminiscent of liquor-filled chocolate, quickly winning over a large number of drinkers and adventurous consumers. The drink not only became a hot topic for the brand that year but also left a deep impression on many customers, becoming an unforgettable "white moonlight".

Five years later, amid widespread calls from netizens, Cha Ba Dao finally brought this classic collab back to the menu. However, the response to the new version of "Drunken Steps to the Path" has been clearly divided. Customers who enjoy boozy flavors have praised it, noting a certain balance between the aroma of baijiu and the sweetness of the milk tea. But for those unaccustomed to alcohol or who prefer milder tastes, the new version’s alcohol is too prominent, even carrying noticeable spiciness and a sharp sensation that fails to blend well with the creaminess, often resulting in a tipsy and uncomfortable drinking experience.

Some users sensitive to alcohol shared that just a few sips caused facial flushing and dizziness, jokingly suggesting the drink should be renamed "Drunken Steps to the Head". These responses highlight the significant variation in flavor acceptance for the new version and have led to numerous speculations about its adjustments.

As for long-time customers who had originally tried the first version of "Drunken Steps to the Path", many were quick to sample the new release, only to express widespread disappointment.Most loyal fans noted that the new version’s baijiu and milk tea aromas did not harmonize as seamlessly as they remembered. Instead, they presented a disjointed taste — neither distinctly boozy nor milky — losing the stunning overall cohesion that had wowed them in the past.Some consumers bluntly stated: "The taste is completely different, not at all like the original", "The baijiu is way too harsh, very different from before", "It lacks the smoothness and layered feel it used to have", showing a clear gap between the new version and the cherished "white moonlight" in their memories.

This gap has led many to suspect whether the brand has subtly adjusted the recipe, resulting in such a dramatic shift in flavor. However, some netizens offer a different perspective, arguing that taste memories are often influenced by time and psychological expectations, plus changes in raw material sourcing and production processes in recent years.Minor adjustments in ingredient quality, extraction methods, or base formulations could all impact the final flavor presentation.Therefore, the difference between the new and old versions may not necessarily stem from obvious formula changes, but rather from variations in ingredients or shifts in individual taste preferences.

Regardless of the truth, the return of "Drunken Steps to the Path" has undoubtedly reignited market discussions around the revival of classic drinks, and reminds brands that achieving a balance between preserving the original spirit and meeting modern market demands is no small challenge when recreating classics.

(Image captured from official Weibo)

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.