Tractor Beverages Recipe

Bring 4 cups water to a near boil in a kettle or saucepan. Remove from heat and steep 4 tea bags in the hot water for 5 minutes for a strong brew. After steeping, remove tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (about 30–45 minutes).

Make syrup

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

Add the fresh mint leaves and lemon zest to the simmering syrup. Let the syrup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to extract the mint and citrus oils, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lime juice. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then strain out the mint leaves and zest through a fine mesh sieve. Transfer the citrus-mint syrup to a jar and chill (can be made a day ahead).

If using fresh strawberries, hull and mash or puree them until smooth (about 1 cup). If using packaged puree, measure 1 cup. Combine the strawberry puree, 1 cup apple juice, and 2 tablespoons ginger syrup in a pitcher and stir until uniform.

Taste the fruity mix and adjust balance: add an extra tablespoon of ginger syrup for more spice, or a teaspoon of sugar if more sweetness is desired.

To assemble the Tractor Beverage (per 1 generous serving), fill a tall glass with 1 cup ice. Add 1/2 cup chilled black tea, 1/4 cup fruity tractor mix, and 2 tablespoons citrus-mint syrup. Top with 1/2 cup chilled club soda and gently stir once to combine.

If making a pitcher (serves 4): in a large pitcher combine 2 cups chilled black tea, 1 cup fruity tractor mix, and 1/2 cup citrus-mint syrup. Stir to combine, then gently fold in 2 cups chilled club soda just before serving. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the mixture over. Stir lightly.

Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel. If desired, add 1 tablespoon vodka or bourbon to each serving for a boozy version and stir gently.

Serve immediately while chilled and fizzy.