Adapted from Cooking Light
It might officially be autumn now, but here at Tea Magazine headquarters, the weather is still balmy – there’s still an undeniable urge to sit out on the porch and sip a lovely beverage while we enjoy the last few warm days we’ll see for awhile! And what better way to usher summer out and say hello to fall than with a super-Southern sipper?
The original recipe called for lime juice, but we think that orange matches better with the heady bergamot of Earl Grey tea. A touch of sparkling apple cider adds depth and richness, and a tantalizing hint of autumnal goodness in every drop.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 teaspoons of Earl Grey tea
- 1 cup fresh mint
- 1 1/4 cups bourbon
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup chilled sparkling wine
- 3/4 cup sparkling apple cider
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Preparation
- Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high 3 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add Earl Grey tea and mint to sugar syrup; steep 20 minutes. Strain; discard tea leaves and mint.
- Stir in bourbon and orange juice; chill.
- Pour bourbon-tea mixture into a pitcher; stir in sparkling wine and apple cider.
- Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired; serve immediately.
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