I tend to enjoy the classic “Hemingway” Daiquiri in the warmer months, but the infusion of Darjeeling Tea gives this cocktail recipe a subtle flavor that extends its seasonality.
I’ve started experimenting with tea in cocktails, not only to impart flavors, but also add depth and balance.
With only 3 ingredients, this is a cocktail you can mixed together quickly or batch it ahead of time for your next party!
–FOR ONE–
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Darjeeling Tea infused White Rum (recipe below)
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1-3 Darjeeling Tea bags
- Lime wheel and cherry for garnish
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Infuse the Rum:
To infuse a whole bottle, empty into a pitcher or container that holds at least 25 oz (about 3 cups) and add 3 Darjeeling Tea bags. If you just want to infuse a small amount, add about 8 oz (1 cup) of rum to a container with 1 Darjeeling Tea bag. Steep for about 30 minutes.
At this stage the rum should be tea-color, and you should taste to see if it has reached the desired flavor. (If you’d like it more potent, taste it every 15 minutes until it reaches the desired strength).
Remove tea bags, squeezing out the rum. Cover and store any left overs.
STEP 2
Make the Cocktail:
Combine the Darjeeling Tea infused Rum, Lime Juice and Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until very cold. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
–FOR A BATCH–
(12 servings / 48 oz total)
INGREDIENTS
- 750 ml bottle of White Rum
- 12 oz Lime Juice
- 12 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 Darjeeling Tea bags
- Lime wheel and cherry for garnish
STEP 1
Infuse the Rum:
Empty full bottle into a pitcher or container that holds at least 25 oz (about 3 cups). Steep 3 Darjeeling Tea bags in rum for about 30 minutes.
At this stage the rum should be tea-color, and you should taste to see if it has reached the desired flavor. (If you’d like it more potent, taste it every 15 minutes until it reaches the desired strength).
Remove tea bags, squeezing out the rum. If you’re not using immediately, cover or pour back into original bottle for storage.
STEP 2
Make the Cocktail:
Combine the Darjeeling Tea infused Rum, Lime Juice and Simple Syrup in beverage dispenser or pitcher that holds about 1.5 liters (or 48 oz). Stir to mix well and chill until cold.
To serve straight up (the traditional way):
Add a good amount of ice to the pitcher, and stir until slightly dissolved. Using a slotted spoon, remove ice so it doesn’t dilute the cocktail any more. Add a lime wheel and cherry garnish to each glass. When ready to serve, dispense chilled cocktail into glass.
To serve over ice (This makes a slightly less potent drink since it gets a little watered down by the ice):
Fill 12 glasses with ice, add lime wheel and cherry garnish. Dispense cocktail when ready.
