Merlyo Beverages might sound like a new name to many, but this Singaporean canned tea brand has quietly infiltrated the highly selective office pantries of tech giants like Meta and Microsoft. While it gained traction for its refreshing taste in the corporate world, it turns out these teas serve a dual purpose just in time for the holiday season. They make for an unexpectedly solid base for fuss-free Christmas cocktails and mocktails that is not overly sweet.
The brand is the brainchild of Chester Koh, a former army regular who poured between $50,000 and $60,000 of his personal savings into the venture.
The inspiration struck following a health scare involving his father, leading Koh to re-evaluate his priorities. He wanted to create something that encouraged people to take small, joyful pauses throughout their day. This philosophy of balance is a sharp pivot from his six-year military career, yet the discipline required to navigate the logistics of entrepreneurship clearly remains.
Health consciousness is central to the formulation. Every flavour in the lineup is rated Nutri-Grade B, ensuring they are light and not overly sweet.
The current range includes Kumquat Jasmine Green Tea, Cucumber Mint Tea, and Lemon Tea.
These profiles were crafted to suit the local palate, which explains how a small one-man operation managed to meet the rigorous procurement standards of global companies.
For those looking to host festive gatherings without the hassle of complicated syrups or preparation, these teas offer a uniquely Singaporean twist on holiday drinking.
The Kumquat Jasmine Green Tea is said to pair well with Prosecco and a slice of lime for a quick festive spritz.
Alternatively, mixing the Lemon Tea with gin and crushed ice is said to create a “Singapore Christmas Highball” that feels fresher than traditional dark liquor mixes.
Non-drinkers are not left out either. The Cucumber Mint Tea combined with tonic water makes for a clean Mint Cooler, while simply adding soda water and citrus slices to any of the flavours results in a lazy but impressive party punch.
You do not need a corporate procurement account to stock up, either. Merlyo is available directly to consumers via Shopee and their official website. A carton of 12 cans typically goes for around $11.60 on Shopee.
