Sip on Something Different: Tea-Infused Cocktails
Do you enjoy tea and cocktails? Why not combine the two for a unique and delicious drink experience? Tea-infused cocktails are a creative way to add depth and flavor to classic cocktail recipes. In this post, we'll explore the world of tea-infused cocktails, including tips for choosing the right teas, recipes to try, and more.
Choosing the Right Teas
When it comes to tea-infused cocktails, the options are endless. Black teas, green teas, herbal teas, and even matcha can be used to add flavor and complexity to cocktails. Here are some tips for choosing the right teas:
Consider the flavor profile: Think about the flavors you want to bring out in your cocktail. For example, a smoky black tea like lapsang souchong can add depth and richness to a whiskey-based cocktail, while a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus can brighten up a gin and tonic.
Steep the tea properly: Make sure to steep your tea properly to get the full flavor. Generally, you'll want to use more tea leaves and steep for a longer time than you would for a regular cup of tea.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new teas and combinations. You never know what delicious creation you might come up with!
Recipes to Try
Ready to start experimenting with tea-infused cocktails? Here are some recipes to get you started:
Smoky Old Fashioned
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1/2 oz lapsang souchong tea syrup*
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine the whiskey, tea syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice.
Stir until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with ice.
Garnish with an orange peel.
*Lapsang Souchong Tea Syrup: Steep 1 cup of lapsang souchong tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Earl Grey Martini
2 oz gin
1/2 oz Earl Grey tea syrup*
1/2 oz lemon juice
Lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Combine the gin, tea syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lavender sprig.
*Earl Grey Tea Syrup: Steep 1 cup of Earl Grey tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Hibiscus Gin and Tonic
2 oz gin
1 oz hibiscus tea syrup*
Tonic water
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add the gin and hibiscus tea syrup.
Top with tonic water.
Stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
*Hibiscus Tea Syrup: Steep 1/4 cup of hibiscus tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Tea-Infused Margarita:
Ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
½ oz. triple sec
1 oz. strongly brewed Adagio Teas Citrus Green Tea, cooled
Salt, for rimming the glass
Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
Brew a cup of Adagio Teas Citrus Green Tea using water heated to 175°F. Let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes before removing the tea leaves and letting the tea cool.
Rim a chilled glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a plate of salt.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, triple sec, and cooled tea. Shake well to combine.
Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass over ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy your tea-infused Margarita!
With this recipe, you can enjoy the classic taste of a Margarita with a unique twist of citrus green tea. The tea adds a subtle, refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness of the simple syrup and the sourness of the lime juice. Cheers to a delicious and creative way to enjoy tea in a cocktail!
Conclusion:
Tea-infused cocktails offer a unique and creative way to enjoy tea beyond the traditional cup. From the smoky and bold flavors of black tea to the fruity and floral notes of herbal and green teas, the possibilities for experimentation are endless. Infusing tea into cocktails not only adds a new dimension of flavor, but it also provides a healthy alternative to sugary mixers and syrups. With these recipes, you can easily impress your guests or simply enjoy a refreshing and sophisticated drink on your own.