Surfside - Spiked Tea Recipe

Brew strong tea

Bring hot water to just off a boil. Add the loose-leaf tea or tea bags to a heatproof container and pour the hot water over them. Steep for 4–6 minutes for a robust, full-bodied brew. Remove tea leaves/bags and allow the tea to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).

Cool the tea

Transfer the brewed tea to a heatproof container and let it cool to warm/room temperature (about 15–20 minutes) or place in the fridge for 10 minutes if you prefer it colder. Aim for about 1.75 to 2 cups of finished strong tea after slight dilution/straining.

Mix tea with sweetener and citrus

In a shaker or large mixing glass, add 2 cups of the cooled strong tea, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice. Stir gently to combine so the sweetener dissolves fully.

Add spirits and chill

Add 2 oz light rum, 1 oz peach schnapps and 1/2 oz orange liqueur to the tea mixture. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup) and shake vigorously for 8–12 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Adjust strength

Taste the spiked tea. If it feels too strong or too intense in flavor, add up to 1/2 cup cold water or cooled iced tea to dilute to your preference, stirring gently to combine.

Fill a tall glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken spiked tea into the glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim, a slice of fresh peach if available, and a sprig of mint for aroma. Serve immediately with a straw or stirring stick.

Notes: To prepare for a party, scale up the tea base, simple syrup and spirits in the same ratio and keep chilled in a pitcher; add ice and fresh garnishes when serving to avoid dilution.