At the Bar: Getting Creative with Iced Tea

We’re getting creative with iced tea – it’s time to shake things up with this warm weather staple. Whether it’s green, black, herbal, or the go-to Lipton, iced tea is a refreshing alternative to iced coffees. Not only is it great for non-alcoholic beverages, tea can also provide a great canvas for fun, summer iced-tea cocktails. Of course, we’re all familiar with the Long Island Iced Tea — that booze-packed party starter popular on college campuses and dive bars. But tea-based cocktails have come a long way, and they’re a great addition to any event, from backyard BBQs to dinner parties, even weddings. Tea cocktails are also quick, easy, and great for batching.

There are some amazing teas on the market; from rich, smoky pu-erh to bright, tart hibiscus, there’s a tea to fit your palette. David’s Tea is one of our favorites at Blue Plate for fun blends, and Rare Tea Cellar is our go-to for unique and distinct flavors.

Below is an easy-to-make tea-based cocktail to consider for your next event.

Gold & Magic
2 oz Magic Dragon tea (David’s Tea)
1 oz Don Q aged rum
.5 oz lemon juice
Muddled blackberries

Muddle 4-5 fresh blackberries. Add remainder of ingredients, shake with ice and strain into Collins glass. Add ice. Garnish with lemon slice and fresh blackberries. For easy batching for larger groups, make a blackberry syrup.