How to Make Cocktails with Infused Teas

Tea and cocktails — two beloved beverages — come together to create a world of flavorful possibilities. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or just beginning to experiment with making drinks at home, tea-infused cocktails offer a unique way to elevate your craft. Infused teas bring depth, aroma, and sophistication to your cocktails, allowing you to explore exciting combinations and pairings.

TL;DR: Infused teas can transform your cocktails, adding layers of flavor and aroma. This guide covers everything you need to know, including recipes like an Earl Grey Martini and Green Tea Mojito, and tips for experimenting with your own tea-based creations. Let’s dive into the art of tea-infused cocktails!

The Basics of Cocktails with Infused Teas

Tea infusion is the process of extracting flavors from tea leaves by steeping them in a liquid. For cocktails, this can include infusing tea into spirits like vodka or gin, making tea-based syrups, or using brewed tea as a mixer. Each method allows for a unique flavor profile, depending on the type of tea and infusion technique you choose. Infusing tea into cocktails is simple and accessible, even for beginners, but mastering it requires understanding the basics.

What is Tea Infusion?

Tea infusion involves steeping tea leaves in water, alcohol, or a combination of both to extract their flavors. Unlike brewing tea for drinking, infusions for cocktails often focus on balancing the tea’s natural flavors with other ingredients in the drink. The key is to avoid over-steeping, which can make the tea bitter, and to choose teas that complement the spirit or cocktail ingredients.

Types of Teas for Cocktails

Black Tea: Known for its bold, robust flavor, black tea pairs well with dark spirits like whiskey or rum. Popular varieties include Earl Grey, Assam, and Darjeeling.
Green Tea: With its light and grassy notes, green tea complements clear spirits like vodka or gin. Matcha and Sencha are great options.
Herbal Tea: Caffeine-free and often fruity or floral, herbal teas like chamomile, hibiscus, or rosehip work beautifully with lighter spirits or sparkling wines.
Oolong Tea: A semi-fermented tea that sits between black and green in flavor intensity, oolong tea offers complexity and depth, making it ideal for nuanced cocktails.

Tools You’ll Need

Infusion Jar or Glass Bottle: For steeping tea directly into alcohol or water. Look for a jar with a tight seal to preserve freshness.
Cocktail Shaker and Strainer: Essential for mixing the drink and removing any loose tea leaves or debris.
Fine Mesh Sieve: To ensure the infusion is smooth and free of grit.

Pro Tip: Always use high-quality loose-leaf tea or fresh tea bags for optimal flavor. Avoid flavored teas with added sugars or artificial ingredients, as these can alter the taste of your cocktail.

Benefits of Using Infused Teas in Cocktails

Infused teas aren’t just trendy—they offer real advantages that can elevate your cocktail game. From enhancing flavors to providing unique aromas, here’s why tea should be your next go-to ingredient:

Depth of Flavor: Each type of tea brings its own distinct flavor notes, whether it’s the citrusy edge of Earl Grey or the floral sweetness of chamomile.
Natural Sweetness and Aromatics: Teas often carry subtle sweetness and fragrance, reducing the need for artificial sweeteners or heavy syrups. Hibiscus tea, for instance, adds a tart, fruity note without additional sugar.
Healthier Alternatives: For those looking for “healthier” cocktail options, herbal teas and green teas bring antioxidants and a perception of wellness to the mix.
Customizable Creations: You can experiment endlessly by choosing different teas, spirits, and mixers, creating cocktails that are as unique as your personal taste.

Popular Cocktails with Infused Teas

1. Earl Grey Martini

This classic cocktail gets a sophisticated twist with the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea. Gin, with its herbal and botanical profile, pairs perfectly with the citrus and bergamot notes in the tea.

Ingredients: 250ml gin, 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, ice.
Method: Steep Earl Grey tea in the gin for 2 hours. Shake the infused gin with lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Tips for Beginners: Use high-quality gin and taste-test your infusion after an hour to ensure the tea doesn’t overpower the spirit.

2. Green Tea Mojito

A refreshing spin on the classic mojito, green tea adds a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness of the mint and sugar.

Ingredients: 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled), 50ml white rum, fresh mint leaves, 25ml lime juice, 15ml simple syrup, soda water, ice.
Method: Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in a glass. Add green tea, rum, and simple syrup. Fill with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Tips for Beginners: Avoid using overly strong green tea to keep the flavor light and refreshing.

3. Hibiscus Bourbon Sour

For a bold, tart cocktail, hibiscus tea pairs wonderfully with bourbon, balancing its warmth with fruity, floral flavors.

Ingredients: 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea, 50ml bourbon, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, ice.
Method: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice and garnish with a lemon slice or dried hibiscus flower.
Tips for Beginners: Steep hibiscus tea for 5–7 minutes to extract its vibrant color and tart flavor.

Comparing Different Tea-Infused Cocktails

Understanding the differences in tea and spirit pairings is crucial for crafting balanced cocktails:

Bold vs. Subtle Flavors

Bold Teas: Black teas and hibiscus can dominate the cocktail and are best paired with robust spirits like whiskey or dark rum.
Subtle Teas: Green and chamomile teas blend more softly, enhancing lighter spirits like gin or vodka without overpowering the drink.

Sweet vs. Savory Pairings

Sweet Pairings: Peach tea and fruity herbal teas work well in sangrias and spritzers.
Savory Pairings: Matcha or oolong teas can add complexity and a savory edge to modern cocktails.

How to Experiment with Tea-Infused Cocktails

Step-by-Step Guide

Choose Your Tea: Start with a tea you enjoy drinking. Think about how its flavor will work with the spirit.
Infuse with Care: Steep the tea in water or alcohol for a limited time. Taste frequently to avoid over-steeping.
Balance the Flavors: Add citrus, syrups, or bitters to enhance the tea’s natural profile.

Pro Tip: Experiment with tea-based syrups by simmering equal parts tea, sugar, and water. These syrups are perfect for cocktails like iced tea spritzers or classic sours.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tea Cocktails

Start Small: Experiment with small quantities to refine your recipe before making a large batch.
Control Bitterness: If a tea infusion becomes too bitter, balance it with honey, simple syrup, or a touch of cream.
Presentation Counts: A garnish of tea leaves, herbs, or edible flowers can make your cocktail look as good as it tastes.