As a bartender, I've seen my fair share of unique and creative drink recipes. From fruity concoctions to spicy blends, the possibilities seem endless.
However, one ingredient that often gets overlooked in the cocktail world is black tea.
Black tea is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add depth and complexity to a drink. Its bold flavor profile can complement a variety of spirits, from whiskey to gin.
Plus, black tea is rich in antioxidants, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cocktail mixers.
Despite its potential, black tea cocktails are still relatively unknown in the mainstream bar scene.
That's why I've decided to share some of the best black tea cocktail recipes I've come across in my time behind the bar.
These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting with their drink choices.
Whether you're a tea lover or just looking for a unique twist on a classic cocktail, these black tea recipes are sure to impress. So, let's explore the world of black tea cocktails and discover what makes them so special.
1. Boozy Black Tea and Gin Cocktail
The Boozy Black Tea and Gin Cocktail is a perfect summer drink that combines the sweetness of blackberry and sage with the smoothness of gin and vermouth. This cocktail is inspired by the Tipsy Tea Party and is perfect for enjoying at home or virtually with friends and family.
The recipe calls for sweetened ice tea and Lo-Fi vermouth, which gives the drink a slightly fragrant and refreshing taste. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves tea and gin.
2. Spiked Iced Tea Cocktail
The Spiked Iced Tea Cocktail is a refreshing and delicious summer drink that combines the classic taste of black tea with the bold flavors of rum, lemon, and brown sugar. The use of real brewed tea adds a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with powdered mixes or commercial products.
The dark brown sugar complements the rum perfectly, and the addition of lemon adds a bright and tangy note to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining, as it can be made in a large batch and served over ice. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer day, the Spiked Iced Tea Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Coconut Thai MarTEAni
The Coconut Thai MarTEAni is a unique and delicious cocktail that takes inspiration from the popular Thai ice tea. The cocktail features a sweetened coconut milk made with coconut palm sugar and a can of coconut milk. The tea portion of the cocktail is made with black tea bags, water, sugar, star anise, and vanilla bean.
The cocktail is finished off with a combination of regular Bacardi rum and Malibu coconut rum. The result is a refreshing and flavorful drink with a subtle coconut kick. If you're looking for a twist on traditional black tea cocktails, the Coconut Thai MarTEAni is definitely worth a try.
4. Lapsang Souchong Old Fashioned
The Lapsang Souchong Old Fashioned is a unique and bold take on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. This recipe incorporates the distinct smokiness of Lapsang Souchong black tea, which is made by withering the tea leaves over pine or cypress wood fires, giving the drink a rich and complex flavor.
The tea's intense aroma and flavor make for a perfect pairing with bourbon or whiskey, creating a drink that is both bold and sophisticated. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of tea-infused cocktails and is sure to impress even the most discerning of cocktail enthusiasts.
5. Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
The Earl Grey Tea Cocktail is a refreshing and energizing drink made with gin, lavender, lemon, and of course, Earl Grey tea.
The bergamot oil gives the tea a light, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the gin and other ingredients in the cocktail. It's a perfect drink to enjoy during a tea party or as an early evening cocktail to give you a boost of energy.
6. Infused Black Tea + Sweet Honey Whiskey Cocktail
The Infused Black Tea + Sweet Honey Whiskey Cocktail is a perfect summer drink that is refreshing, easy to make, and infused with the flavors of peach and cherry. The cocktail is perfect for sipping by the lake or ocean, and can be made alcohol-free or with Jack Daniels® Tennessee Honey Whiskey.
The combination of black tea, honey whiskey, and fruit flavors makes for a unique and delicious drink that is sure to impress. If you're looking for a summer cocktail that is both easy to make and delicious, the Infused Black Tea + Sweet Honey Whiskey Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
7. Spiked Ice Tea Vodka Cocktail
The Spiked Ice Tea Vodka Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for warm weather. It combines the classic taste of black tea with the kick of vodka, making it a great option for those who want a boozy drink without the added sugars found in many cocktails.
The addition of honey, lemon, and mint gives the drink a natural sweetness and a refreshing finish. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a quick and easy drink to enjoy at home without the need for any special tools or skills. It's a must-try for anyone who loves iced tea and wants to take it to the next level.
8. Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail
The Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail is a refreshing summer drink with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. It's made with lemon juice, sugar, brewed tea, and bourbon, and flavored with ginger and lemon juice. The cocktail is perfect for porch-sitting and enjoying the soundtrack of cicadas.
It can be made in batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for summer parties. The Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and delicious summer drink.
9. English Rose Cocktail
The English Rose Cocktail is a unique and warming winter tea cocktail that combines rose-infused vodka, pink peppercorn simple syrup, and black tea. The cocktail is perfect for those looking for a cozy and spicy drink with a hint of floral notes.
The recipe calls for dried rosebuds and pink peppercorns, which give the cocktail a unique and delicious taste. The English Rose Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a new and exciting black tea cocktail recipe to enjoy during the winter months.
10. Ginger Orange Tea
Looking for a unique and refreshing Black Tea Cocktail recipe? Look no further than the Ginger Orange Tea. This cocktail combines the bold flavor of black tea with the sweetness of oranges and the heat of ginger to create a complex and delicious drink.
The addition of lemongrass adds a relaxing fragrance to the mix. This cocktail is perfect for those looking for something different from the usual fruity or citrusy cocktails. Give it a try and discover a new favorite drink.
11. Sparkling Iced Lemon Tea
If you are looking for a refreshing and unique twist on a classic iced tea, look no further than the Sparkling Iced Lemon Tea. This cocktail combines the tangy and tart flavors of lemon with the caffeine kick of black tea, all topped off with the satisfying fizz of sparkling water. The recipe is simple and uses fresh ingredients, making it a healthier and additive-free option.
Plus, using a Soda Stream machine to add the carbonation not only adds to the taste but also helps reduce plastic bottle usage and waste. Whether you are sipping on this cocktail on a warm day or using it to ward off the winter blues, the Sparkling Iced Lemon Tea is sure to become a new favorite.
12. Sparkling Strawberry Tea Cocktail
The Sparkling Strawberry Tea Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm day. Made with black iced tea, sweet summer strawberries, and gin, this cocktail is topped with sparkling water for a light and effervescent finish. The homemade strawberry simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the drink, making it a great option for those who prefer their cocktails on the lighter side.
This cocktail is just one example of the many tea cocktails that are becoming increasingly popular in the cocktail world. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful drink to impress your guests, the Sparkling Strawberry Tea Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
13. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic cocktail perfect for cold winter nights. Made with black tea, liquor, spices, and lemon peel, it's a natural remedy for easing mild cold symptoms. The combination of the calming effects of L-theanine and the stimulating effects of caffeine makes this cocktail a perfect drink for a focused calm.
It's not only a delicious drink but also has health benefits, such as being a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-viral properties. The Hot Toddy is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a cozy and delicious drink with health benefits.
14. Peach Bourbon Smash
The Peach Bourbon Smash is a refreshing summer whiskey cocktail made with Maker’s Mark® bourbon, fresh peach-infused black tea, homemade ginger lime syrup, and mint leaves.
It is lightly sweet, fruity, and bold, and topped with sparkling water, fresh mint, and a peach slice. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining and a must-try for anyone who loves a good whiskey cocktail.
15. Source One Vodka Ranch Tea
If you're looking for a refreshing and smooth cocktail, the Source One Vodka Ranch Tea is definitely worth trying. Made with Bently Heritage Source One Vodka, fresh black tea, honey syrup, lemon juice, and basil leaves, this cocktail is perfect for those who love a good tea-based drink.
The use of single-estate vodka and honey syrup adds a unique touch to the cocktail, making it stand out from other tea-based cocktails. Plus, the fact that the vodka is distilled from grains grown on Bently's Ranch in Minden, Nevada, adds a local and sustainable aspect to the drink. Overall, the Source One Vodka Ranch Tea is a must-try for those who love a refreshing and unique cocktail.
16. Strawberry Black Pepper Gin and Tonic
The Strawberry Black Pepper Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and unique cocktail that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the herbaceous notes of gin. The addition of black peppercorns adds a sharp and spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds and makes them dance.
What makes this cocktail even more special is the use of Empress 1908 Gin, which not only provides a beautiful indigo color but also a unique flavor thanks to its blend of botanicals, including black tea. This cocktail is perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season and shaking up your weekend with something fun and vibrant. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Strawberry Black Pepper Gin and Tonic is definitely worth a taste.
17. Smoke and Bramble Cocktail
The Smoke and Bramble Cocktail is a perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors that make it a great choice for a moody fall cocktail. The cocktail features mezcal, spiced black tea, dark rum, and blackberry liqueur, which combine to create a complex and delicious flavor profile.
The addition of a small amount of dry ice adds a fun Halloween-y effect to the drink. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to try this fall, the Smoke and Bramble Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
18. Austrian Jagertee
The Austrian Jagertee is a hot and boozy black tea cocktail that is perfect for winter evenings. This cocktail has a rich history and is believed to have been enjoyed by hunters before heading out into the cold and windy wild. The recipe includes dark rum, red wine, local fruit schnapps, and oranges, which give it a unique and delicious flavor.
The Jagertee is a well-kept Tyrolean and Bavarian recipe, and none of the locals there will like to share the recipe. This cocktail is perfect for après-ski or for warming up on a chilly evening. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful black tea cocktail, the Austrian Jagertee is definitely worth a try.
