SOCIAL MEDIA
Why did the US embassy in London make a statement about a cup of tea?
The diplomatic base in London commented upon a new tea-brewing controversy with a very tongue-in-cheek retort.
The usually formal and austere world of diplomatic relations took an unexpected twist as the US Embassy in London has stirred up a storm in a teacup – quite literally.
A new book, Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, by Bryn Mawr College professor Michelle Francl, discusses American attitudes to the famous British past-time; tea drinking.
“I grew up in the midwest, which is deep coffee-drinking country, but tea has always been my preferred drink and I have invested a lot of time into studying it,” Francl penned, according to The Guardian. “You get some awful cups of tea in the US. People here often use lukewarm water straight from a tap. It’s horrific.”
Francl suggested some additions for the perfect tea:
- Adding a pinch of salt
- Use teabag for short amount of time but lots of dunking
- A squeeze of lemon
News of this supposedly “perfect brew” sailed across to the other side of the pond swiftly and the London embassy had to act in support of its most trusted ally. And act it did.
Garnering nearly 4 million views in 5 hours is no mean feat for a pretty dull account, and it’s no wonder.
“Tea is the elixir of camaraderie, a sacred bond that unites our nations. We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our Special Relationship,” the embassy posted.
“Therefore we want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be.”
“The US Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way — by microwaving it,” they joked.
A funny response, but the author of this article would contend that microwaving a cup of tea in front of a Briton would cause their head to spontaneously combust. Make sure to check your surroundings before attempting such a brew.