How to Make Tea-infused Simple Syrups
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Add New Dimension to Your Cocktails and Fizzy Beverages
We've all been there, company arrives in 10 minutes and you have no time to make that special cocktail you were hoping to have ready for your guests, beautifully displayed in Pinterest-worthy style. If only you had something special on hand for a last-minute solution... How about a beautiful tea-infused simple syrup to elevate any standard cocktail? They keep up to 2 weeks in the fridge, so they're ready when you need them. Plus, they're super simple (ha!) to make with just three ingredients.
Although most infused simple syrup recipes call for adding your herbs to the syrup, we suggest making some (really strong) tea first and then making the syrup to avoid green and black tea syrups from being bitter. If you're in a hurry (quick! company comes in an hour!) use double the amount of tea with your hot or boiling water.
Not a cocktail drinker? Tea-infused simple syrups also make great bases for unique home-made sodas - just add fizzy water!
Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes - Total time: 35 minutes
Makes 1 1/3 cups
To Make 1 1/3 cups (about 310 ml) You will need:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 tsp (2 scoops) tea (6 tsp if making green or black teas using hot water)
- 1 jar with 1 1/3 cup or more capacity
- Sauce pan
- Measuring cup
- Scoop or measuring spoon
- Spoon for stirring
- Heat-safe jar(s) or bottle(s) to hold the syrup (used gin bottles are awesome for this. Jam jars work well too)
- Ice cube tray (if freezing)
- Funnel if using a bottle
Directions:
- For herbal teas: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 3 tsp tea. Steep 30 minutes or more.
- Cold infusion method for green and black teas: Pour 1 cup cold water over 3 tsp tea. Refrigerate 4 hours or more.
- Quick method for green and black teas: Heat water to tea making temperature (80-85 C for green teas, boiling for black teas). Pour heated water over 6 tsp tea. Steep for the normal time (2 to 4 minutes for green tea, 3 to 5 minutes for black).
- Strain tea into the saucepan.
- Stir in sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool.
- Place the funnel (if using) into the bottle neck or jar.
- Slowly pour in the tea syrup.
- If storing in the fridge, label your bottle or jar with the type of syrup (believe me, you'll forget!).
- Add to your favourite drinks for a fun or sophisticated tea essence and added sweetness.
Tips:
- Pick the right tea: Use stronger teas for cocktails so that the tea will sing through over the alcohol. Lighter teas are great for pairing with fizzy water.
- Taste along the way: Different teas require different infusion times. Give a little taste starting at the 3 minute mark for black and green teas - the tea should be very strong but not bitter.
Tea-infused simple syrups are a beautiful and easy way to use your favourite teas for cocktail hour.
Cheers to delicious sips and sweet moments of calm! 🥂
