Iced Earl Grey Tea Cocktail

Since the weather is finally warming up, it's time for another iced tea cocktail! Lately I've been thinking about refreshing cocktails that have cucumber, basil, and gin. I find this combination incredibly delicious and cooling. I decided to also add earl grey tea, as the bergamot gives it a citrusy zing.

Fresh flavor of basil is a whiff of summertime. It's easy to find in the market and also easy to grow in any type of garden or on a windowsill. I grow large amounts of basil every year on our small Brooklyn patio, and it grows quickly and vigorously. For the cucumbers I like using the small persian ones, but any old cuke will do. Just be sure to remove the seeds before using it in the cocktail. I added a bit of fresh lemon juice as well, to increase the citrus quotient.

Tea Happiness' Iced Earl Grey Basil Cooler
Makes 1 cocktail

Earl Grey Simple Syrup (instructions below:1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea)

1 oz. Gin
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup cold earl grey tea
About a 2 inch piece of fresh cucumber, seeded and cut into cubes
A few small basil leaves

First, make the simple syrup: bring 1 cup of water to a boil, turn off the heat and add the 3 tbsp of earl grey tea. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes and strain. Bring brewed tea back to a medium heat and add in the sugar. Stir until completely dissolved. Allow mixture to cool, and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Can be stored for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Now, brew a small pot of earl grey tea as you usually would- you can use hot tea that you've cooled in the fridge, or cold brew, your choice.

In a medium-sized glass, muddle the cucumber and basil together until it becomes aromatic. To the glass add 1/4 cup of the brewed earl grey tea, gin, and lemon juice (to taste). Finally add about 1.5 tablespoons of earl grey simple syrup to taste. Start with about a tablespoon, and then add more as needed. Top up the glass with ice. I like to garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of basil.

This cocktail is perfect for lazy summer days. It's refreshing and cooling thanks to the cucumber and basil. I find the lemon to be thirst-quenching as well. It would work nicely as a late afternoon sip, or pre-dinner cocktail.

To imbibe in a fizzy earl grey drink, check out my early grey champagne cocktail. Tea cocktails are super versatile, and you can play around with types of tea, herbs, fruit, whatever you're feeling up for. If you'd like to consider other herbs you can grow at home, check out my post for herbs you can grow for tisanes. Cheers!