Matcha Margaritas and Chai Tea Martinis: tea cocktails are all the rage

Matcha Margaritas and Chai Tea Martinis are flooding cocktail menus this summer – tea cocktails are all the rage.

It’s time for the espresso martini to move over for a more fragrant alternative. We consulted with Angela Pryce, Senior Tea Buyer at Whittard of Chelsea and she has revealed the very best combinations so you can shake up your very own tea based cocktails this summer.

For GIN lovers…Pair with Camomile Tea: The soothing, honey-like sweetness of camomile complements gin's juniper and herbal flavours. Could be infused straight into the gin.

Product: Organic Camomile Loose Infusion £8

For VODKA fans… Pair with White Tea: Vodka's clean, neutral profile allows the creamy coconut and rich cocoa nibs in the tea blend to shine, enhancing the cocktail's smooth and indulgent flavours without overpowering them

Product: Coconut Truffle Loose Tea £9

For WHISKEY afficionados… Pair with Rooibos Tea: The natural character of the Rooibos perfectly complements the sweet notes of whiskey, particularly bourbon, creating a mellow and smooth cocktail experience.

Product: Organic Rooibos Loose Tea £8

For RUM enthusiasts… Pair with Black Tea: Spiced Chai with its rich complexity of flavours, enhances the inherent spice notes so often found in rum.

Product: Spiced Chai | Black Tea | Whittard of Chelsea £9

For SAKE connoisseurs… Pair with Fruit Infusions Tea: Berry teas introduce a tartness that enhances the sweet flavours of sake, creating a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail.

Product: Berry Elixir Loose Tea Infusion £8

METHOD:

To use tea as a mixer, simply brew and chill it before adding to your cocktail.
If you're short on time, brew the tea double strength and pour it over ice for immediate use.
For infusions, add dry loose-leaf tea or a teabag directly into your chosen spirit. Let it infuse overnight to allow the flavours to fully develop.

Angela Pryce, Senior Tea Buyer at Whittard of Chelsea says, “Tea and cocktails make a perfect pairing. Tea can be incorporated in various ways, whether in mocktails or as part of an alcoholic cocktail. It can be used as a mixer or infused directly into spirits in its dry form. This fusion allows for creative and sophisticated cocktails that offer a delightful sensory experience. With a wide range of flavour profiles available, there are endless fun and exciting combinations to try this summer.”