Tea. Some of us are very familiar with it. We rely on it as a steady source of caffeine to get us through lengthy days. Others simply like it for its soothing (and voice-reviving) qualities.
The diverse flavors, steeping processes, and cultural customs associated with tea make it an exciting area of interest for exploratory millennials. As innovators who like to have a good time, it’s no surprise we’d find a trendy way to marry our two favorite buzz-inducing beverages.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, or you think it’s a beverage exclusively consumed by Brits, old women, and yogis, these cocktail recipes will spice up your perceptions of tea and liqueur.
1. Passion Martini
Photo by Kristina Rossi
We already know hibiscus tea tastes great with citrus, but did you know that it works as an exceptionally delicious (and inconspicuous) mixer? Why not make it the leading player of your cocktail? This sweet-tart martini is the perfect potion to take you and your Bachelor-watching crew to new levels level of love, lust, and envy.
Combine 2 oz chilled Passion tea with 1 1/2 oz pomegranate vodka and a splash of Triple Sec. Passionately shake with ice, add a fruity garnish, and serve.
2. Turmeric Gin-Gin Mule
Photo by Kristina Rossi
The exciting spices in turmeric ginger chai tea add a great twist to the classic Moscow Mule. Plus, you’ll finally get to make use of those trendy copper mugs you got for Christmas.
Squeeze fresh lime into a Moscow mule (or other funky glass). Add ice. Mix-in chai concentrate (such as Rishi’s Turmeric Ginger Chai Concentrate), ginger beer, and a shot of gin. Decorate with a lime wedge and enjoy!
3. More-than-a Mimosa Punch
Photo by Kristina Rossi
Caffeinated chai tea, bubbly champagne, and notes of citrus and ginger combine to form the ultimate mimosa. A shot of coconut rum completes the drink with an unexpected hint of paradise. Start your Monday on a Muai-wowy-buzz.
Combine (1 oz each) Turmeric Ginger Chai Concentrate, orange juice, and coconut rum. Top off the glass with your favorite kind of bubbly champaign. Pour all ingredients over ice serve shaken or stirred. – Crisp and refreshing with a hint of paradise.
4. Hot[tea] Toddy
Photo by Kristina Rossi
Frigid weather and long nights in the library lead students longing for one of two remedies: (1) a hot cup of tea, or (2) shots. But why choose when you can have both? All it takes is a splash of booze to melt away your winter blues.
Steep a tea bag (black or Earl Grey) in hot water for 3 minutes. Use a cinnamon stick to stir in honey, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of brandy.
5. Spicy Snuggle
Photo by Kristina Rossi
“Netflix and chill” beware. Decadent cocoa, creamy liquor, and a touch of spice — with this spiked cup of comfort, things are sure to get cozy.
Brew spiced tea (such as Rishi’s Chocolate Chai or Chocolate-Cinnamon Pu-erh) according to packaging. Add cream and cocoa liquors to taste. Garnish with a heaping swirl of whipped cream, chocolate chips, and cinnamon powder.
6. Matcha Chata
Photo courtesy of Rishi Tea
The trendiest superfood drink just got 1000x better. Traditionally used by Buddhist monks in order to reach deeper levels of meditation, matcha tea is acclaimed for its organic, concentration-heightening qualities. With more caffeine and 10x the antioxidants as a cup of coffee, a shot of creamy liquor to a frothy cup of matcha makes for an unmatcha-ble elixir. Cheers to relaxed, zen-like productivity.
Whisk the matcha as directed on packaging. Add cream liquor (we like Rum Chata) and serve hot or shaken with ice. Bottoms up, it’s #matchatime.
7. Mystic Mint Mojito
Photo by Meredith Scroggin
Incorporating freshly brewed mint tea into the classic mojito creates an extra flavorful (and antioxidant-rich) refreshment. You’ll glow from the inside out.
Muddle mint leaves in a serving glass and add a handful of ice. Fill the glass half-way with chilled mint tea. Add equal parts white rum and lemon-lime soda, with a twist of fresh lime. Mix with a stirring stick and drink up.
8. Spiked Sweet Tea
Photo by Meredith Scroggin
Everyone loves a refreshing glass of good old southern sweet tea. Why not incorporate a little extra charm with a splash of citrus vodka?
Pour 3 oz sweet tea, 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka, and 1 oz lemonade over ice in a glass. Garnish with lemon.
9. Earl Grey Goose Martini
Photo by Kristina Rossi
Proper English tea time meets fancy French martini. This drink is the epitome of “Class in a Glass.”
Steep Earl Grey teabag in 2oz of hot water. Combine concentrated tea with a shot of vodka, honey and lemon juice. Shake or stir with ice before serving.
Let’s have a tea party.
Turmeric Gin-Gin Mule
Ingredients
Instructions
Squeeze fresh lime into into a Moscow mule (or other funky glass). Add ice. Mix in turmeric ginger chai concentrate, ginger beer, and gin. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Passion Martini
Ingredients
Instructions
Passionately shake with ice, garnish, and serve.
Spiked Sweet Tea
Ingredients
Instructions
Pour tea, vodka, and lemon juice over ice in a glass. Garnish with lemon as you sing “Sweet Home Alabama”.
Spicy Snuggle
Ingredients
Instructions
Brew tea according to packaging.
(I like Rishi’s Chocolate Chai or Chocolate-Cinnamon Pu-erh)
Add cream and cocoa liquors.
Garnish with a heaping swirl of whipped cream, chocolate chips, and cinnamon powder.
More-than-a Mimosa Punch
Ingredients
Instructions
Pour ingredients over ice, give it a stir, and enjoy! Crisp and refreshing with a hint of paradise.
Earl Grey Goose Martini
Ingredients
Instructions
Steep teabag in hot water for 4 minutes. Combine concentrated tea, vodka, honey and lemon juice. Shake or stir with ice before serving.