Quali-TEA Cocktails!
In the world of mixology, creativity knows no bounds. Uniting the sublime flavours of tea and spirits, craft cocktails have become an art form in their own right. In this blog post, we will dive into the realm of mixology and explore how to create a cocktail infused with tea. When it comes to classic cocktails, the Long Island Iced Tea is at the top of the list, however, it doesn't actually have any tea in it. So I had to get creative. I present the tantalising earl grey cocktail that will captivate your senses and delight your guests. Prepare yourself for a journey through exciting flavours and innovative combinations. Let's get started!
Before you embark on this cocktail adventure, let's familiarise ourselves with the essential ingredient – earl grey tea. Derived from black tea infused with the essence of bergamot oranges, earl grey tea presents a unique combination of citrusy and floral notes. Its distinctive flavours make it an ideal companion in the world of mixology.
To infuse the essence of earl grey tea into our cocktail, we began by brewing a strong cup of earl grey tea, and allowing it to steep for approximately five minutes to extract its flavours to the fullest. Next, combining equal parts of sugar and the brewed tea in a saucepan over low heat, we stirred until the sugar dissolved completely, creating a luscious tea-infused syrup. When selecting the base spirits for an earl grey cocktail, you have to consider the flavour profile you wish to achieve. For a classic twist, choose gin or vodka as your spirit of choice. These neutral spirits allow the flavours of the tea to shine through harmoniously. If you prefer a bolder and more complex taste, opt for whiskey or rum, which will add depth and character to your creation. We went with vodka so that we could enhance the flavours of the tea. Afterwards, it was time to bring everything together. In a cocktail shaker, we combined a generous portion of vodka, a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright citrusy punch, and a measured amount of tea-infused syrup. Shaking vigorously to ensure all the ingredients blended harmoniously, and thus creating a symphony of flavours. When our earl grey cocktail was balanced to our tastes, it was time to serve it in style. Straining the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes and garnished with a twist of lemon peel to accentuate the citrusy elements to complement the earl grey flavours.
Every cocktail requires a delicate balance of flavours. After shaking, we tasted our concoction to assess its overall harmony. If you want to make this cocktail at home, and it feels too strong or sweet, adjust the proportions accordingly. Add more lemon juice for a tangy twist, or a touch of additional tea-infused syrup to enhance the tea's presence.
Crafting an earl grey cocktail is an exciting journey that reveals the creative possibilities of mixology. By combining the flavours of earl grey tea with carefully chosen spirits and other ingredients, you can create a truly exquisite cocktail that will transport your taste buds to new heights. By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you can recreate this iconic drink in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're hosting a party or simply relaxing after a long day, the earl grey cocktail is the perfect choice to elevate the mood and transport you to a state of cocktail bliss. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, unleash your imagination, and embark on the delightful adventure of mixing an earl grey cocktail that will leave your friends in awe. Cheers to that!