Afternoon Tea with Mocktails & Punch

Tea Sangría

The red color of this beverage inspired its name, which is derived from the Spanish word for "blood". This is a fun drink originally made from red wine. You can enjoy its sophisticated flavors if you make it with tea or herbal tea.

Recipe (serves 2)

• 4 strawberries
• 6 raspberries and blueberries
• 1 orange or 1 lemon
• 1/4 stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 tea bags or 2tsp tea leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar or syrup to sweeten (optional)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups ice

Method

1. Place the cut fruit and spices in a wide-mouthed glass pitcher (handy cooler) and mash lightly with a muddler or similar. Peel the zest off citrus fruit. Berries can be crushed lightly with the flat blade of a knife.
2. Place the tea bags or tea leaves in a warmed teapot, pour on hot water and allow to brew for five minutes. After the flavor of the tea has been brought out, add granulated sugar. After the sugar is completely dissolved, add one or two pieces of ice to gently cool the tea.
3. Place 1 cup of ice in the glass pitcher with the fruit from Step 1, pour in the tea from Step 2, stir lightly with a muddler, taste with a spoon and adjust by adding syrup if not sweet enough.
4. Place the remaining ice in glasses when serving, and pour in the cocktail. Top with herbs and a slice of lemon.

Recommendation

In addition to these tea products, black tea-based fruit flavored teas are also recommended. If the color is not bright enough, add blood orange juice for a stunning appearance.

The recipe is designed to be prepared in a glass pitcher and served in glasses. If you are making it in advance, prepare it two or three hours before serving, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It makes an ideal substitute for an aperitif when served to guests in small glasses.

Tea Mojito

The Cuban cocktail Mojito, known for being a favorite of the great literary figure Earnest Hemingway, has been developed into a mocktail. Have lime slices and mint ready in a pitcher, and finish by adding soda right before serving.

Recipe (serves 2)

• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 1 lime
• 2 tsp tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups ice
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 tbsp sugar or syrup to sweeten (optional)

Method

1. Tap fresh mint leaves lightly with the back of a knife blade, and then squeeze them in your hands.
2. Add thin slices of lime to the glass pitcher with the mint leaves from Step 1.
3. Place the tea leaves in a warmed teapot, pour on hot water and allow to brew for five minutes. After the flavor of the tea has been brought out, add granulated sugar.
4. Place the rest of the ice in the glass pitcher, and pour in the tea from Step 3 along with chilled soda water.

Recommendation

This is an ideal drink for a summer's afternoon, as it helps cool your body down.

Tea Punch

The word, "punch" is derived from the Sanskrit word "panca" meaning five or five kinds. Five types of fruit should be used to make a traditional fruit punch.

Recipe serves 4

• 5 kinds of suitable fruit (orange, grape, melon, kiwi, banana etc)
• 1 tsp fresh mint
• 6 lemons, sliced
• 4 tsp tea leaves (or 4 tea bags)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups ice
• 2 tbsp sugar or syrup to sweeten (optional)

Method

1. Cut the fruit into small bite-sized pieces to let the juice flow out and make them easier to eat.
2. Steep the tea in 2 cups of boiling water for 3 to five minutes.
3. Place 1 cup of ice in the glass pitcher with the fruit from Step 1, pour in the tea from Step 2, stir lightly with a muddler, taste with a spoon and adjust by adding syrup if not sweet enough.
4. Place the cut fruit and ice into a glass bowl, and pour in the tea. Taste, and if the balance of flavors is not right, adjust with lemon juice and simple syrup.

Recommendation

It is also nice with a slice of lemon and syrup as a finishing touch.

Tea Spritzer

Recipe serves 4

• 5 tsp tea
• ½ cup boiling water
• 2 cups ice
• 2 cups soda water (chilled)
• 2 tbsp syrup to sweeten (adjust to taste)

Method

1. Brew the tea in boiling water for the amount of time indicated on package, strain and cool.
2. Add ice to Handy Cooler, pour in tea with chilled soda and syrup. Adjust sweetness as desired.

Recommendation