Celebrate Summers With These Tea Infused Cocktails

Tea being the most consumed beverage in the world also happens to be the dope for many, but how about adding an extra punch to it. Ever thought about it. Internationally Tea infused cocktails are a much rage. Serving various blends of teas in several of their drinks, the Tea connoisseurs and mixoloigist are experimenting with all variety of unique flavours, combinations to create something that’s absolutely perfect on the senses.  Different from usual or the regular cocktails, tea infused cocktails give that unique flavour that makes all the difference. 

Harshada Bansal, Founder Tea Heaven says ‘With summer spells and scorching heat, cocktails are always a good way to cool down. However, laden with sugar and fizzy drinks, usual cocktails may not be the best option. In such a case, one could look for alternatives such as Tea Cocktails which combine the goodness of natural tea with the flavour of cocktails. Harshada Bansal, Founder Tea Heaven suggests opting for cocktails such as Teamosa (Champagne & Kashmiri Kahwa ), Earl Grey Cocktail ( Bourbon base), Lemongrass Green Tea Vodka Cocktail, Chai Mule (Vodka Base) & Chamomile Cocktail (Gin Base). Decadent and flavorful, these tea cocktails are easy to brew and can be sipped anytime of the day. By being a great pairing for desserts and savouries, these tea cocktails are such a delightful way to infuse the richness and taste that can make up for a good evening tea time as well!

5 Cocktail & Tea infused Cocktails for Summers by Harshada Bansal, Founder The Tea Heaven 

Teamosa: 

Ingredients:

•    Champagne

•    Kashmiri Kahwa Tea bags 

Method: 

Pour champagne on top of 2 tea bags of Kashmiri kahwa and let it brew for 5 mins. Remove tea bags and enjoy your spiced champagne. 

Earl Grey Cocktail: (A gentleman’s drink)

Ingredients:

•    Bourbon

•    Earl Grey Loose tea leaves

•    Sugar Syrup

•    Orange bitters

Method:

• Pour Bourbon on top of 2 tea bags of Earl Grey Tea in an airtight glass container and let it brew for 24 hours. 
• For cocktails, combine Infused bourbon, sugar syrup in your favorite glass. Stir and add orange bitters. Before serving, add ice. 

Lemongrass Vodka Cocktail: 

Ingredients:

•    3 ml Freshly Squeezed lime juice

•    50 ml Lemongrass green tea syrup (Brown sugar, Water, Lemongrass green tea.) 

•    Lemongrass

•    250 ml Unflavoured Vodka

Method: 

• Lemongrass infused Vodka- Pour unflavoured vodka in a pitcher and add 2 tsp. of Lemongrass green tea Loose tea leaves. 
• Let the mixture infuse as per your taste- for stronger taste-a couple of hours and for lighter infusion- 30 mins. Strain the Vodka and store in an airtight glass container. 
• Lemongrass green tea syrup- Steep 1 tsp. of loose lemongrass Green Tea or 2 tea bags of lemongrass Green tea in 200 ml of hot water for 3-5 minutes. Add an equal amount of brown sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves completely. 
• Lemongrass Vodka Cocktail- Add all the ingredients (Lemongrass infused Vodka, Lemon Juice, Lemongrass green tea syrup to a pitcher with ice and store until well-chilled. 
• Strain in coupe glasses to serve. Add fresh lemongrass on top for garnish and fresh flavor of lemongrass. 

Tip: Chill coupe glasses before serving for almost flavor

Chai Mule:

Ingredients:

•    250 ml vodka

•    50 ml Masala Chai syrup (Brown Sugar, water, Masala Chai)

•    6 ml Ginger juice

•    6 ml lemon juice

•    Grated nutmeg for garnish

• How to make Chai Syrup: Steep 1 tsp. of loose masala chai or 2 Masala chai tea bags in 200 ml of hot water for 5 minutes. Add an equal amount of brown sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves completely. 
• Chai Mule Cocktail- Combine all the ingredients-Masala Chai syrup, Ginger Juice, Lemon Juice and Vodka in a shaker with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a copper mug on top of crushed ice. 
• Garnish with grated nutmeg on top for that last kick of spice. 

Chamomile Cocktail: 

Ingredients:

•    4 tsp. Chamomile flowers

•    Gin 

•    Mint leaves 

•    1 tsp. Honey

Method: 

• Chamomile infused Gin- Add Gin with 4 tsp. pf chamomile flowers in a covered airtight glass container. 
• Let it infuse with chamomile flowers overnight. 
• Strain and add to the airtight glass container again. Make sure Gin is clear and no leftovers from chamomile to make the cocktail. 
• Chamomile Cocktail: Pour Chamomile Infused Gin on the rocks in a glass. Add mint leaves, honey and give it a stir. 
• Garnish with chamomile flowers on the top.