Make this afternoon a relaxing one with the chilled and citrus-tinged Bergamot Iced Tea cocktail.
Well, this summer hasn’t been filled with the laziest of days, has it? I mean, every day for me is filled with some kind of activity or task, and almost everybody I know is wrangling their kids, jobs and other things that seem to fill all of our minds with some type of stress. Actually, now that I’m writing about it, I don’t think anybody I know has enjoyed a lazy summer day in, well… ever.
I think that should all change, and I mean right this very second. Stop whatever it is you’re doing and take a deep, long breath… now exhale and allow yourself to let go of all of your worldly troubles, at least for a short while. Even if it’s only for a handful of minutes. Just allow yourself some peace.
And tonight’s cocktail might just be the perfect accompaniment to such an endeavor. The Bergamot Iced Tea is a wonderful melding of Earl Grey, which features the wonderfully bitter and sour citrus notes of bergamot, along with a crisp, biting vodka that adds a satisfying sting on the finish.
A cup or two of this lovely tipple might make your relaxing moment turn into a full evening of tranquility. And what would be wrong with that?
What is the best vodka to use in a Bergamot Iced Tea cocktail?
Our recipe calls for a citrus-infused vodka, and that is a fantastic choice for this particular concoction. A bottle of Absolut Citron is always excellent, and many of the most popular brands also carry their own versions of lemon-, lime- or orange-flavored spirits. Whatever mood you may be in, or whichever flavor is your preference, that’s what will make the best version of this drink for you.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 3 quarts water and more for the syrup
- 8 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 cups citrus-flavored vodka
- 2 lemons
Instructions
- Start by making a simple syrup. Combine the sugar and an equal amount of water (1 1/3 cups) and bring to a simmer. When the mixture is clear, it is ready. Cool to room temperature.
- Next, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add tea bags. Steep for about 3 minutes. It will be pretty dark. Cool completely.
- When both the tea and simple syrup are cool, pour in enough simple syrup until the mixture is as sweet as you like it. I usually start with half and go from there.
- Pour the tea mixture into glasses filled with ice. Add a shot of citrus vodka and a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with a lemon wheel if desired.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
For this beverage, you can serve it in a number of different receptacles. Some fine barware, like a cocktail coupe or a collins glass, is excellent to drink this cocktail out of, especially the latter. Fill with ice and garnish with a fresh lemon wheel on the rim.
What is bergamot?
Bergamot, or Citrus bergamia, is an orange-sized citrus fruit. Its yellow-greenish hue is akin to a lime, and it has a floral and bitter taste. Believed to be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange, essential oils from bergamot are used to flavor Earl Grey tea.
Other cocktails similar to the Bergamot Iced Tea
While the presence of Earl Grey tea in tonight’s drink might make it seem like it’s the cocktail’s star, the citrus notes and flavors are what really make everything shine. And if you’ve ever had even a small sampling of other mixed drinks, you’ll know that the tangy zip from some lemons, limes or oranges adds so much to any given tipple.
- Corn ‘N’ Oil – Fresh lime juice and blackstrap rum combine in this Barbadian classic.
- Lone Ranger – A sparkling rosé, silver tequila and lemon juice will gallop all over your taste buds.
- Elderflower Martini – St-Germain and citrus make for a crisp and bright-tasting tipple.
- Caribeño – Freshen up with this mixture of rum, coconut water and lime juice.
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