E-sports Recipe

Brew and cool

Brew a strong cup of black tea (use 1.5× normal tea strength) and allow it to cool to room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge. If you don't have cold-brew coffee concentrate, brew strong drip coffee and chill it.

In a 16–20 oz mixing container or pitcher, combine 1 cup cooled strong black tea, 1/2 cup cold-brew coffee concentrate, and 1/2 cup filtered water. Stir to blend.

Add 1 tablespoon electrolyte powder and stir until fully dissolved. This provides sodium, potassium and minerals to mimic sports drinks.

While the base is cool, add 2 tablespoons pure cane sugar and 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey). Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Use warm water to dissolve faster if needed, then cool back to chilled before continuing.

Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon orange zest. Stir and taste; adjust lemon to brighten or add up to 1/2 tbsp more agave for sweetness if desired.

Weigh 100 mg l-theanine (about a small pinch if using powdered supplement). Sprinkle into the mixture and stir until dissolved. L-theanine pairs with caffeine to smooth focus.

If using beta-alanine and/or creatine, add 1 teaspoon of each now. These are optional and will not drastically dissolve; stir thoroughly to disperse. Note: beta-alanine may cause a harmless tingling sensation for some people.

Add 1 cup of ice to a tall glass. Pour the prepared base over the ice, leaving room at the top for carbonation.

Top with 1/2 cup chilled sparkling water or club soda to add effervescence. Stir gently once to combine without flattening the bubbles.

Garnish with a mint sprig and a thin lemon wheel on the rim. Serve immediately to preserve carbonation and chill.

If making ahead: keep the non-carbonated base refrigerated in a sealed bottle for up to 3 days. Add sparkling water and ice just before serving.