CRAFTING FLAVORFUL COCKTAILS WITH INFUSED BREWS

Steep in Refreshment

The natural flavors and aromas of different teas can enhance and complement a variety of liquors and spirits. The right tea can enhance, complement, and bring exciting new dimensions to craft cocktails. Here are some of tea-infused cocktails recipes;

Hibiscus Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) Silver Tequila
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) hibiscus syrup (see recipe below)
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel or wedge and hibiscus flowers for garnish (optional)
  • Salt or sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)

Hibiscus Syrup:

Instructions:

  1. Make Hibiscus Syrup (can be made in advance):
  2. In a saucepan, combine the dried hibiscus flowers, water, and sugar.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. c. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
  4. Strain out the hibiscus flowers and store the syrup in a container. It can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
  5. Rim the Glass (optional): If you'd like to rim your glass with salt or sugar, run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it. b. Dip the moistened rim into a plate with salt or sugar to coat it.
  6. Mix the Margarita: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. b. Add the tequila, Triple Sec (or Cointreau), freshly squeezed lime juice, and hibiscus syrup to the shaker. c. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
  7. Strain and Serve:
  8. Strain the margarita into the prepared glass filled with ice.
  9. Garnish with a lime wheel, wedge, or a hibiscus flower if desired.
  10. Enjoy:Sip and enjoy your refreshing Hibiscus Margarita! Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less hibiscus syrup.

This vibrant and tangy Hibiscus Margarita is perfect for a hot day or as a festive drink for any occasion. The hibiscus syrup adds a unique and floral twist to the classic margarita, making it a delightful and visually appealing cocktail. Cheers!

 

Chamomile Collins Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Chamomile Syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • Soda Water
  • Ice Cubes
  • Lemon Wheel and Chamomile Flowers for garnish

Chamomile Syrup:

Instructions:

Chamomile Syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and steep the chamomile tea bags in the hot water for about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely.
  4. Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a clean container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Chamomile Collins:

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, chamomile syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail mixture into the ice-filled highball glass.
  5. Top off the glass with soda water, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
  6. Gently stir the cocktail with a long bar spoon to mix the ingredients.
  7. Garnish your Chamomile Collins with a lemon wheel and a few chamomile flowers for a touch of elegance.
  8. Serve with a straw or a stirring stick, and enjoy your refreshing Chamomile Collins!

The Chamomile Collins is a perfect blend of the soothing, floral notes of chamomile with the bright and zesty flavors of gin and lemon, making it a delightful and unique cocktail for any occasion.

 

Green Tea Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 2 green tea bags
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) white rum
  • Ice cubes
  • Club soda or sparkling water
  • Lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Start by brewing the green tea. Place the green tea bags in a heatproof container, and pour the boiling water over them. Let the tea steep for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves and lime wedges together. Muddling releases the essential oils from the mint and lime, adding flavor to your mojito.
  3. Add the granulated sugar to the glass. The amount of sugar you use can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more sugar.
  4. Pour the white rum into the glass with the mint, lime, and sugar mixture.
  5. Fill the glass with ice cubes. The ice will help to chill the drink and dilute it slightly.
  6. Now, pour the cooled green tea into the glass. Leave a little room at the top for the club soda.
  7. Top off the glass with club soda or sparkling water. You can adjust the amount of club soda to achieve your desired level of fizziness.
  8. Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine the flavors.
  9. Garnish your Green Tea Mojito with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
  10. Serve your Green Tea Mojito immediately and enjoy!

This Green Tea Mojito is a delightful twist on the classic mojito, incorporating the unique flavor of green tea for a refreshing and slightly caffeinated cocktail. It's perfect for warm days or as a relaxing evening drink. Cheers!

 

Lemongrass Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Lemongrass Syrup
  • 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 Egg White (optional)
  • Club Soda (Soda Water)
  • Ice
  • Lemongrass leaves for garnish
  • Lemon twist or slice for garnish

For the Lemongrass Syrup:

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Lemongrass Syrup:
  2. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the chopped lemongrass leaves to the saucepan and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will infuse the syrup with lemongrass flavor.
  4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool. Strain the syrup to remove the lemongrass pieces.
  5. Prepare the Cocktail:
  6. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, Lemongrass Syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white (if using). The egg white adds a frothy texture to the cocktail but is optional. Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
  7. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds. This will chill the cocktail and create a frothy texture.
  8. Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice.
  9. Top off the glass with club soda (soda water) to your desired level. Gently stir to combine.
  10. Garnish:
  11. Garnish your Lemongrass Gin Fizz with a lemongrass stalk for a beautiful and aromatic touch.
  12. Add a lemon twist or slice to the rim of the glass.
  13. Serve and Enjoy!

Sip your Lemongrass Gin Fizz and savor the refreshing blend of gin, lemongrass, and lemon juice, with the delightful fizz from the soda water. It's a perfect cocktail for a hot day or a relaxing evening. Cheers!

 

Butterfly Pea Gin Tonic

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion (see below)
  • 3-4 oz Tonic Water
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • Ice
  • Lemon or Lime Wedge, for garnish
  • Fresh Mint Leaves, for garnish (optional)

For the Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion:

Instructions:

  1. Make the Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion:
  • Place the dried Butterfly Pea Flowers in a heatproof container.
  • Pour hot water over the flowers and let them steep for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Strain the liquid to remove the flowers, leaving you with a vibrant blue infusion. Allow it to cool before using.
  1. Prepare the Cocktail:
  • Fill a highball or glass of your choice with ice cubes.
  • Pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice.
  1. Add the Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion:
  • Slowly pour 1 ounce of the cooled Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the gin. This creates a beautiful gradient effect as the blue infusion mixes with the clear gin.
  1. Squeeze Fresh Lime Juice:
  • Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lime (about 1/2 ounce) into the glass. You can adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste.
  1. Top with Tonic Water:
  • Gently pour 3-4 ounces of tonic water into the glass. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference for sweetness and strength.
  1. Give it a Gentle Stir:
  • Use a long cocktail stirring stick to gently mix the layers of the cocktail. You'll see the colors blend as you stir.
  1. Garnish:
  • Drop a lemon or lime wedge into the glass for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
  • Optionally, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
  1. Serve and Enjoy:
  • Serve your Butterfly Pea Gin and Tonic immediately while it's fresh and vibrant. As you sip, you'll notice the colors change and the flavors meld for a delightful and visually stunning cocktail experience.

Enjoy your Butterfly Pea Gin and Tonic! It's not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

 

 

Holy Basil Vodka Sour

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Holy Basil-infused Vodka
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 oz egg white (optional, for frothiness)
  • Dried Holy Basil leaves for garnish
  • Ice

For Holy Basil-Infused Vodka:

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Holy Basil-Infused Vodka (24-48 hours in advance):
    • Wash and pat dry the Holy Basil leaves.
    • Place the Holy Basil leaves in a clean glass container or bottle.
    • Pour the vodka over the leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
    • Seal the container and let it infuse in a cool, dark place for 24-48 hours. The longer you infuse, the stronger the basil flavor. Strain the vodka before using.
  2. Prepare the Glass:
    • Chill a coupe or rocks glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice while you prepare the cocktail.
  3. Prepare the Cocktail:
    • In a cocktail shaker, add the Holy Basil-infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
    • Fill the shaker with ice.
  4. Shake:
    • Shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will create a frothy texture, especially if you're using egg white.
  5. Strain:
    • Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass, using a Hawthorne strainer or fine-mesh strainer to catch any ice or herbs.
  6. Garnish:
    • Garnish your Holy Basil Vodka Sour with a fresh Holy Basil leaf or a lemon twist.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the cocktail immediately. Sip and enjoy the refreshing, herbal, and slightly tangy flavors of the Holy Basil Vodka Sour.

Feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your taste. You can make it a bit sweeter if you prefer a sweeter cocktail. Enjoy responsibly!

 

Ginger Lemongrass Mule

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Brew the Tea:
  1. Make the Ginger Lemongrass Mule:
  • In a copper mug or highball glass, add a handful of ice cubes.
  • Pour in the vodka and fresh lime juice.
  • Remove the tea bags from the brewed tea and pour the tea over the vodka and lime juice.
  • Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  • Top off with ginger beer, leaving about half an inch of space at the top of the glass.
  1. Garnish:
  • Garnish your Ginger Lemongrass Mule with a lemongrass stalk for a fragrant and visual touch.
  • Add a lime wheel for extra flair.
  1. Serve:
  • Give your cocktail a gentle stir to combine all the flavors.
  • Serve with a straw or a stirring stick.

Enjoy your Ginger Lemongrass Mule made with ginger and lemongrass tea bags! It's a delightful and aromatic twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with the soothing warmth of ginger and the refreshing notes of lemongrass. Please remember to drink responsibly.

 

Green Tea Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye works well)
  • 1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed green tea, cooled
  • 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel or twist for garnish
  • Mint sprig for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brew Green Tea: Start by brewing a cup of green tea and allowing it to cool to room temperature. You can use a green tea bag or loose leaf green tea. Once it's cooled, you can add it to your cocktail shaker.
  2. Prepare Glass: Choose a rocks glass or a tumbler, and fill it with ice to chill the glass while you make the cocktail.
  3. Shake the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, cooled green tea, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  4. Shake Vigorously: Put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This chills the ingredients and creates a nice froth on top.
  5. Strain into Glass: Discard the ice from the rocks glass and strain the cocktail over fresh ice.
  6. Garnish: Garnish your Green Tea Whiskey Sour with a lemon wheel or twist, and, if you like, a sprig of fresh mint.
  7. Serve: Your Green Tea Whiskey Sour is ready to enjoy! Sip and savor the unique blend of whiskey, green tea, and citrus flavors.

Feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness. You can also experiment with different types of green tea for subtle flavor variations. Enjoy responsibly!

 

Chamomile Paloma

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz Chamomile Syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • Club Soda
  • Ice
  • Chamomile flowers and grapefruit slices for garnish (optional)

Chamomile Syrup:

Instructions:

Chamomile Syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chamomile tea bags.
  3. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes, or according to the instructions on the tea bags.
  4. Remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves.
  5. Allow the chamomile syrup to cool completely before using it in your cocktail.

Chamomile Paloma:

  1. Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, chamomile syrup, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake well to chill the mixture.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice.
  5. Top off the glass with club soda to your desired level of effervescence.
  6. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
  7. Garnish with a chamomile flower or a slice of grapefruit, if desired.
  8. Serve and enjoy your Chamomile Paloma!

This cocktail combines the earthy and floral notes of chamomile with the bright and citrusy flavors of grapefruit and lime, making it a delightful and unique twist on the classic Paloma. Remember to enjoy responsibly!

 

Hibiscus Rum Punch

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of hibiscus tea (brewed and cooled)
  • 1 oz of dark rum
  • 1 oz of light rum
  • 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 cup of simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (e.g., triple sec)
  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1 cup of orange juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slices and lime wheels for garnish
  • Hibiscus flowers (dried or fresh) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Start by brewing the hibiscus tea. You can do this by steeping hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Once it's steeped to your desired strength, remove the tea bags or strain the flowers and let the tea cool to room temperature. You can also make it in advance and chill it in the refrigerator.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the hibiscus tea, dark rum, light rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the pineapple juice and orange juice to the pitcher and give it another good stir. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  4. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the Hibiscus Rum Punch over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
  5. Garnish each glass with a slice of orange and a lime wheel. You can also add a hibiscus flower for a tropical touch.
  6. Give the punch one final gentle stir before serving.
  7. Enjoy your Hibiscus Rum Punch responsibly!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste. This tropical and vibrant cocktail is perfect for a warm day or a beachside gathering.

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