Fall is the favorite season of many -- and for good reason. The changing leaves are beautiful, and the crispness in the air is refreshing after a long, hot summer. Fall is also the perfect time to sink into the coziness that the sticky summer lacks -- chunky sweaters, soft blankets, and warm drinks.
And what better for a warm drink than a cocktail?
Here at iN-TEA, we love incorporating tea into our happy hour. Tea in a cocktail can give a lovely sweetness, a rich depth, or even an edge of earthiness. Here are four of our best fall recipes for a tea cocktails!
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I. Gas Pedal
This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights by the fire -- the combination of sweet toffee tea, smoky bourbon, and caramel will warm you from the inside out!
Ingredients:
- 3 tsp of Caramel Toffee Oolong
- 6 oz water
- 1.5 oz shot Bourbon
- 1 tbs caramel syrup
- Whipped cream (garnish)
- Sprinkles (garnish
Directions:
1. Bring the 6 oz of water to a boil, then steep the tea leaves in the water for 4 minutes. Be sure to decant the tea right away so the leaves don't burn!
2. Combine tea, bourbon, and caramel in an Irish Coffee Mug (or any cocktail glass of your choice -- just be careful, as this is a warm cocktail!)
3. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles -- if you want to get really creative, try a caramel square as a garnish as well!
II. Double Red
This cocktail is perfect for lovers of mulled wine -- the Bordeaux Pu'erh used in this recipe has real Bordeaux grapeskins in the blend, giving it a supple earthiness that perfectly complements the red wine!
Ingredients:
- 3 tsp. Bordeaux Pu'erh
- 6 oz water
- 2 oz red wine (we use this Apothic Red)
- 1/2 tbs honey
- 1/2 fig (garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring the 6 oz of water to a boil, and then steep the tea for 5 minutes. Decant the tea when finished steeping.
2. Combine tea, red wine, and honey in an Irish Coffee Mug.
3. Slice the fig on the bottom to sit on the rim as a garnish.
For a stronger cocktail, feel free to swap the water for a full 8 oz of red wine -- heat the wine on the stove until it's just under boiling, and then steep for 5 minutes.
III. Baby It's Cold Outside
The Hojicha used in this recipe is heralded as the "Hot Chocolate" of green tea -- it's roasted, so it has a richer, darker flavor! This effortlessly smooth tea combined with a healthy shot of Kahlua makes for a sweet, chocolatey cocktail!
Ingredients:
- 4 tsp Hojicha green tea
- 6 oz water
- 1.5 oz shot Kahlua
- 1/2 tbs chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup marshmallows (garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil, then steep tea for 4 minutes, decanting immediately when done. (Fun fact: Green tea is typically supposed to steep in water cooled a few minutes from boiling, but since Hojicha is a roasted green tea, it needs boiling water instead!)
2. Combine tea, Kahlua, and chocolate syrup in an Irish Coffee Mug.
3. Top with marshmallows, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, if you wish!
IV. Winter Morning
Our Caramel Apple black tea is the quintessential fall flavor; buttery, nutty, and sweet! Combined with a smoky Bourbon, this cocktail has a warm, cozy kick!
Ingredients:
- 3 tsp Caramel Apple black tea
- 6 oz water
- 1.5 oz shot Bourbon
- 1 tbs maple syrup
- 3 whole Star Anise
Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil, and then steep the tea for 4 minutes, decanting immediately.
2. Combine the tea, Bourbon, and maple syrup in an Irish Coffee Mug.
3. Garnish with the Star Anise.
If you're wanting to add a creative twist to this cocktail, replace the Star Anises garnish with a thick slice of cooked bacon -- the salty and sweet combination is so satisfying!
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Tea cocktails are a creative treat, and these drinks will impress any crowd! If you're preparing these cocktails yourself, feel free to order our tea online to have it conveniently delivered to your house! Or, bring a group of friends into the shop for happy hour to try a variety of cocktails! (Our Friday Flip deal allows you to flip a coin for either a $0.05 cocktail or a cocktail that's $0.05 off!)
Here's to staying warm during the crisp, chill fall, and here's to yummy cocktails to share with friends! Happy sipping!