Steep L.a. Recipe

Brew the tea

Bring 4 cups filtered water to just below boiling (about 200°F / 93°C). Remove from heat and add 3 Earl Grey tea bags and the split vanilla bean (seeds scraped into water) or 1 tsp vanilla extract. Steep for 4 minutes for a balanced flavor—longer will increase bitterness. After steeping, remove tea bags and the vanilla pod. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.

Cool the brewed tea to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. If you need it faster, place the vessel in an ice bath and stir until cool.

Prepare citrus and syrup

While the tea chills, squeeze fresh lemon and orange to yield 1 oz each. Measure 1.5 tablespoons simple syrup or agave. Taste the chilled tea and, in a separate measuring cup, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.

Add the citrus-syrup mixture to the chilled tea and stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add up to 1 additional tablespoon syrup if you prefer sweeter, or up to 0.5 oz more lemon/orange if you want brighter citrus.

Assemble the Steep L.A.

Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour the citrus-infused chilled Earl Grey over the ice, leaving a little room at the top for garnish. Stir once gently to combine and chill the drink evenly.

Garnish with a thin lemon wheel on the rim, a sprig of fresh mint, and, if desired, a slice of candied ginger for a spicy-sweet accent. Serve immediately.