tea

Thai Iced Lime Tea (Cha Manao)

Credit: Pailin Chongchitnant, Hot Thai Kitchen

Ingredients

2 tbsp Thai tea leaves
1 cup boiling water
1 tbsp sugar or 3/4 oz 2:1 clear syrup
juice from 1/2 a lime
ice


Directions

Brew tea for 5 minutes. Strain, ideally with a French press and then through a pour-over coffee filter to catch the tea dust. Let the tea cool, then mix with lime and sweetener and pour over ice.


Notes

This is a revelation! I love classic Thai iced tea with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, but it’s rich. I was hesitant I’d appreciate this lime version with no creamy element but it’s so bright and refreshing! I tried it with sugar so I could gauge how sweet I wanted it, but next time I’d use syrup as it blends easier.

 
 

London Fog

Ingredients

Hot

1 cup water
1 bag Earl Grey tea
1/2 oz 2:1 simple syrup
1/4 tsp Penzeys Vanilla Extract (either single-strength or Mexican)

Iced

1 cup water
1 bag Irish Breakfast tea
1/2 oz 2:1 simple syrup
1 oz Vanilla Nupod Creamer

Directions

Hot

Brew tea. Add the simple syrup to the tea. Add the vanilla to the milk separately, warm, froth, and add to the tea.

Iced

Brew tea. Add the simple syrup to the tea. Pour over ice. Top with creamer.

Notes

My son loves the iced version, and I love the hot one. So easy to make!

 
 

Turmeric Tea

Credit: Lisa Bryan, Downshiftology

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
few grinds black pepper
1 tsp honey


Directions

Add water, lemon juice, turmeric, and black pepper to a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey.


Notes

So, after indulging in all the things on New Year’s Eve, I woke up feeling nauseated. I made this and immediately felt better! Next time I’d try adding the lemon at the end, so it doesn’t simmer so long. Also it’s important to strain this. So comforting and a beautiful color.

 
 

Iced Green Tea Latte

Credit: Namiko Hirasawa Chen, Just One Cookbook

Ingredients

2 tsp matcha (green tea powder)
1 oz hot water
8 oz milk
1/2 oz 2:1 clear syrup
ice


Directions

Sift the matcha into a small bowl, add the hot water, and blend with a small frother. Add the clear syrup. Pour that mixture into a large glass filled with ice. Froth cold milk in a separate container, and add it to the glass.


Notes

Refreshing and vibrant! I’ve always wanted to make this drink at home, and Nami’s recipe is foolproof! I used unsweetened soy milk, so I added 1 oz syrup. It’s a reminder of why it’s important to have a syrup that just adds sweetness but no flavor, so nothing competes with the matcha.

 
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Thai Tea Concentrate

Ingredients

4 tea bags Wang Derm Thai Iced Tea Flavored Black Tea
16 oz boiling water


Directions

Steep the tea bags in boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain, let cool, and store in the fridge.


Notes

For traditional Thai iced tea sweetened with condensed milk of some kind, the tea has to be quite strong. This tea should be deep amber in color, rather than lighter orange.

 
 

Black Tea Port Milk Punch

Credit: Dan Souza

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
2 cups brewed black tea
2/3 cup Batavia Arrack
2/3 cup ruby port
1/3 cup plus 4 teaspoons (3 ounces) sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice

Directions

1. Place milk in a large glass bowl; set aside. In a separate container, whisk tea, Batavia Arrack, port, sugar, and lemon juice until sugar dissolves.

2. Pour tea mixture into milk. Gently stir curds with small spoon. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

3. Filter twice through a nut milk bag, then a coffee filter.


Notes

So…I’m not sure I like this one…it’s got a dominant wine flavor to me. I’d like to try making it with different ingredients. On the bright side, Cocktail Chemistry’s techniques worked great to get it clear!

 
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