If you regularly scroll through Tik Tok, you may well have come across a few tea-infused cocktail recipes on your For You page. Tea-infused cocktails are particularly popular at the minute on the app — the #teacocktail tag alone currently has 1.4 million views. The great thing about this trend is that there are so many options to choose from so you’re sure to find something that suits your personal taste.
So, if you don’t want to choose between a cuppa and a cocktail, why not try crafting one of your own? In this article, the tea experts at Pukka Herbs are here to share five of their favourite tea-infused cocktail recipes. Whether you’re looking for a cool and refreshing tea-based cocktail, or a warming option for cosy nights in, you’ll find something you love here.
Chamomile hot toddy
If you’re looking for a cocktail for chilly nights, there’s nothing better than a chamomile hot toddy. Made with strong Irish whisky and hot water, this cocktail is sure to warm you up. The spirit pairs perfectly with the soothing taste of chamomile, as the gentle flavours complement the alcohol without overpowering it.
To create a cup of chamomile hot toddy, start by adding to a heat-resistant glass 25ml of whisky, one teaspoon of honey, 60ml of hot water and a dash of lemon juice. Mix these together until the honey is dissolved and then steep a bag of chamomile tea in the mixture according to the instructions on the box. Then just sit back and enjoy! If you’re looking to add a little more heat to the drink, add a few slices of fresh ginger to the cocktail.
Earl Grey martini
To make a martini with a unique twist, infuse the drink with the distinct flavour of Earl Grey tea. This iconic tea has a refreshing citrussy flavour with floral notes which work perfectly with gin. This cocktail is ideal for enjoying with afternoon tea, or simply when spending time with friends in the garden.
For a single serving, start by making a cup of Earl Grey tea using two teabags and allow it to cool. Once the tea is cold, add 100ml of it to a cocktail shaker alongside a shot of your favourite gin, three teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of Gomme syrup. Mix well and serve in a glass of your choice. You can also garnish the cocktail with a lemon wedge and add sugar to the rim of the glass if you’d like.
Mint tea mojito
Mint tea is one of the most invigorating hot drinks. But just because it’s traditionally enjoyed hot, this doesn’t mean you can’t have it cool in a refreshing cocktail. Using this tea in a mojito is the perfect way to make the cocktail even more minty and flavourful. If you’re planning on having a garden party any time soon, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect drink to serve.
All you need to create your mint tea mojito is a cup of chilled mint tea, a tablespoon of lime juice, a couple of teaspoons of sugar, six or seven mint leaves, a shot of rum and plenty of ice. Make the drink by simply muddling the mint leaves, lime juice and sugar in your favourite glass, fill it halfway with ice then pouring in your cold mint tea and rum. Stir it well and garnish with a couple of mint leaves before serving.
Ginger and bourbon
This is the perfect cocktail for tea lovers looking for a drink with a bit of spice. Both the ginger and the bourbon add a kick to the drink — and these two ingredients pack it with flavour as well. This cocktail can be enjoyed in any season but the taste works particularly well with autumnal flavours, so try whipping up a batch of these for your first dinner party of the upcoming season.
Start making the drink by filling half a heat-resistant glass with boiling water, then add a ginger tea bag. Allow this to cool completely, then add a shot of bourbon and top the drink up with ginger beer. Give the cocktail a good stir and garnish with a lemon wedge before serving.
Berry tea cocktail
If you have a sweet tooth, this berry-flavoured cocktail is the perfect choice for you. The light and refreshing cocktail are given its sweetness by honey and fresh berries. You can add the berries of your choice to this drink so you can really make it your own. The fruity flavours of this cocktail make it the perfect drink to serve with a boozy brunch or an afternoon tea.
To make your sweet berry cocktail, fill a cup halfway with boiling water, add your favourite berry-flavoured tea and leave this mixture to cool. While it’s cooling, muddle 15g of the berries of your choice with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Once the tea is cooled you can pour it into a cocktail shaker with the muddled lemon juice and berries and shake well. Then simply pour in your favourite glass, add a shot of gin and top it up with prosecco. You can garnish this with extra berries, mint leaves or even some edible flowers to make it an even more decorative drink.
“Tik Tok’s viral tea-infused cocktail trend has made many of us realise just how versatile tea can be. There are so many ways to enjoy tea in a cocktail no matter your tastes. Whether you prefer a refreshing mint tea or a warming ginger tea, you can enjoy your favourite flavour with alcohol. If you’re looking for the perfect place to test the drinks, try making a couple of the cocktails for your next event, like a dinner party or a brunch.
“If you don’t drink alcohol or you’re looking for a completely new way to enjoy your favourite tea without alcohol, you can transform these cocktails into mocktails instead. You can replace the spirits in these drinks with alcohol-free alternatives, or replace them with something completely different. For example, to get the warmth of a hot toddy without the whisky you could add a few spices to the drink, like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves.”
- Mark Benjamin, Global Digital Lead at Pukka Herbs
About Pukka Herbs:
Established in 2001 by co-founders Sebastian Pole and Tim Westwell, Pukka Herbs aim to nurture healthier, happier lives through the power of organic plants. Specialising in teas and supplements that follow the holistic principles of Ayurveda, they foster mutually benevolent relationships with farmers, sourcing partners, and herbal experts to keep sustainability a priority. As a result, Pukka Herbs provide products that support health, promote conservation, and demonstrate the true brilliance of herbs.
https://www.tiktok.com/tea/teacocktail?
https://www.foodandwine.com/tea/breakfasttea/earl-grey-tea
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