Employee Can Drinks Recipe

If you don’t already have cold-brewed tea, make strong black tea by steeping 4 tea bags (or 4 tsp loose leaf) in 4 cups just-off-boil water for 8 minutes. Strain and chill until cold. Measure 3 cups of cold tea.

Pour the 3 cups of cold black tea into a large mixing pitcher.

Add 3 tablespoons simple syrup to the cold tea. Stir until incorporated.

Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 4 drops of orange bitters (if using). Stir and taste; adjust sweetness or lemon by 1/2 tablespoon increments to your preference.

Add 1 cup club soda to the sweetened tea and gently stir once to combine. The soda provides effervescence — do not over-stir to preserve bubbles.

Place 1 cup of ice into a serving glass (or skip if you will can the drink). If serving immediately, pour the mixed drink over the ice.

Garnish with a thin lemon wheel or twist and a mint sprig if desired. Serve with a straw or can opener if using a resealable can.

Sanitize and Prepare

If you plan to package the drink in a can or bottle for employees to grab-and-go, ensure containers are clean and sanitized. Work quickly to maintain carbonation.

Fill and Seal

Carefully pour the mixed cold drink (omit ice) into the sanitized can or bottle leaving appropriate headspace (about 1/2 inch). Seal with the appropriate cap or seamer immediately to retain carbonation.

Chill

Chill sealed cans/bottles thoroughly (at least 2 hours) before distributing. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days for best flavor and fizz.