Tea isn’t just for sipping on a quiet afternoon—it can also add a delightful twist to your favorite cocktails. Infusing alcohol with tea is a fun and easy way to create unique and flavorful drinks that will impress your guests. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of infusing alcohol with tea and share a delicious recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of your favorite alcohol (vodka, rum, or bourbon work well)
- 4-6 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea (black, green, or herbal)
- Optional: sweeteners like honey or simple syrup, fresh herbs, citrus peels, or spices for added flavor
Instructions:
- Choose your tea: Select a high-quality loose-leaf tea that complements the alcohol you’re using. For example, a smoky black tea pairs well with bourbon, while a floral green tea complements vodka.
- Infuse the alcohol: In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the alcohol and tea. Use approximately 1-1.5 teaspoons of tea per 1 cup of alcohol. Close the lid and let the mixture steep in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours, shaking the jar gently once or twice during steeping.
- Strain the mixture: After the desired steeping time, strain the alcohol through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the tea leaves. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, you can steep the alcohol for a longer period.
- Optional: Add sweeteners or other flavorings to taste. Stir in honey, simple syrup, or other sweeteners until dissolved. You can also add fresh herbs, citrus peels, or spices for an extra layer of flavor.
- Enjoy: Your infused alcohol is now ready to be used in cocktails! Serve over ice or mix with your favorite mixers to create a delicious and unique drink.
Recipe: Tipsy Earl Grey Martini
- 2 oz Earl Grey-infused gin
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the Earl Grey-infused gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Enjoy your Tipsy Earl Grey Martini!
Conclusion: Infusing alcohol with tea is a simple and creative way to elevate your cocktail game. Whether you prefer the boldness of black tea, the freshness of green tea, or the soothing qualities of herbal tea, there’s a tea-infused cocktail for everyone. Experiment with different teas and flavors to create your own signature drinks that will leave your guests impressed. Cheers!