Specialty Drinks Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 4 cups of water to a near boil. Remove from heat and steep 4 black tea bags for 4–6 minutes, depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags and discard.

Sweeten and citrus

While the tea is still warm, stir in 4 tablespoons honey until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 cup orange slices (squeezing a few slices for extra flavor).

Chill and dilute

Pour the tea into a pitcher and add 2 cups cold water to adjust concentrate. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 30–45 minutes. Alternatively, add plenty of ice to cool immediately (ice will dilute; adjust to taste).

Serve

Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour the chilled tea evenly over ice. Garnish each glass with 2 orange slices and 2 mint leaves, if using. Serve immediately.

Make ginger syrup

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and the peeled sliced ginger (from 2 inches). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to infuse ginger. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then strain out ginger slices.

Mix base

In a pitcher combine the cooled ginger syrup (about 1 cup) with 1 cup fresh lime juice. Taste: if too sweet, add a splash more lime; if too tart, add 1–2 tablespoons water or simple syrup to balance.

Assemble

Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour about 1/4 cup of the ginger-lime base into each glass (adjust to taste), then top each with 1 cup chilled club soda. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lime wedge. Serve immediately for a fizzy, refreshing drink.

Prepare glasses

Fill two tall glasses with 1 cup ice each (about 1 cup per glass).

Combine coffee and syrup

In a measuring cup or small pitcher, combine 2 cups cold brew coffee with 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup. Taste and add up to 1 teaspoon simple syrup if you prefer sweeter.

Add milk and finish

Pour milk (1/2 cup per glass) over the ice in each glass. Slowly pour the coffee-vanilla mixture into each glass, allowing a layered look if desired. Stir before drinking or leave layered for presentation. Serve with a straw.