Whether you drink it iced or hot, caffeinated or caffeine-free, tea is great at any time of day. But when you’re in the mood for a little something special, nothing hits the spot like a tea-based cocktail. For tea aficionados and novices alike, these cocktails put a unique twist on traditional mixed drinks and are sure to brighten up your evenings.
Lavender Mint Spiked Lemonade
This iced herbal infusion is the perfect accompaniment to the tartness of spiked lemonade. To prepare, brew up a pot or pitcher of Lavender Mint herbal tea. Blend with your favorite lemonade, and then add a shot of vodka. Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy a sweet, refreshing cocktail perfect for summertime.
Blueberry Pomegranate Prosecco
In the mood for a sweet iced tea topped with sparkling prosecco? This cocktail will do the trick. The sweetness and acidity of the blueberry, pomegranate, and hibiscus pair perfectly with the sparkling wine to create a light, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for parties and entertaining. To make the drink, first prepare a pot or pitcher of Blueberry Pomegranate iced tea. Either pour the iced tea into a glass full of ice, or serve from a punch bowl. Top the glass with prosecco and enjoy!
Spiked Chai
Chai, which in India just means “tea,” provides the spicy-sweet base for this delicious cocktail. Great on a snowy afternoon, this spiked chai is the perfect blend of spices, tea, and alcohol to warm you from the inside out. To make the drink, brew a cup of Masala Chai or Rooibos Chai according to package directions. Add milk and honey to taste, and then add one shot of spiced rum and mix well. For a decadent touch, top with whipped cream and ground cinnamon.
Iced Maple Matcha
This unique twist on a matcha latte blends rich and grassy matcha with maple, milk, and a touch of spirits for an iced cocktail that’s cool and sweet with a nuanced flavor profile. To make this cocktail, prepare a paste using warm milk and two tablespoons of culinary grade matcha, whisking until uniform. Add a splash of chilled milk to create a thinner matcha mixture. Fill a glass with ice and milk halfway. Add the matcha mixture and one shot of vodka. Add a dash of maple syrup and vanilla extract to taste, stir well, and enjoy!
Star of India Hot Toddy
Nothing beats a piping hot toddy on a cold winter’s night, and a hot toddy blended with a hot cup of tea is even better! For this cocktail, we use Star of India black tea, but any strong black tea will do the trick. Tea provides an added depth of flavor to the traditional hot toddy ingredients, making this an extra warming, satisfying cocktail. First, prepare a large mug of black tea according to package directions. Add the juice of half a lemon and two shots of bourbon and mix well. Add honey to taste and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Peach Rooibos Spritzer
This fruit forward summery cocktail is sure to start the evening off on the right foot. Packed with antioxidants and without any caffeine, rooibos is a lovely addition to any cocktail. To prepare, brew up a pot or pitcher of Peach Rooibos iced tea. Fill a glass with ice, and fill halfway with tea. Add sparkling water and a shot of vodka and mix well. Sip and enjoy!
