The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing, flavorful drink in hand? Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking to add a unique touch to your own festivities, tea-based mocktails and cocktails offer a sophisticated and tasty alternative to traditional holiday drinks. These creations are a fun way to infuse warmth and depth into your drinks using the soothing, aromatic flavors of tea.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to turn two beautiful teas—Evening Peach Orchard and Pear & Ginger Green Tea—into delicious, festive beverages that everyone can enjoy. Let’s dive into how you can craft a holiday mocktail that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy!
Why Tea Makes the Perfect Base for Mocktails & Cocktails
Tea is a versatile ingredient, offering complex flavors and aromas that can elevate any drink. Whether you’re steeping bold black tea or infusing delicate floral blends, tea brings both depth and freshness to the glass. During the holidays, it’s perfect for cozy, flavorful drinks that keep you feeling festive and relaxed.
Tea Mocktail: Peach-Ginger Fizz
This mocktail combines the vibrant, fruity notes of Evening Peach Orchard Tea with the warm, zesty kick of Pear & Ginger Green Tea. It's both refreshing and full of holiday cheer, ideal for toasting the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Evening Peach Orchard Tea
- 1 bag Pear & Ginger Green Tea
- 1 cup water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)
- Thin slices of pear and lemon (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Steep the Teas:
In a heatproof cup or teapot, steep the Evening Peach Orchard Tea bag in ½ cup hot water for 5 minutes. In another cup, steep the Pear & Ginger Green Tea bag in the remaining ½ cup hot water for 3 minutes. Once steeped, discard the tea bags. -
Sweeten and Chill:
While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey until dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes (or speed up the process with some ice). -
Prepare the Mocktail:
Once the tea is chilled, combine the two teas in a shaker or large mixing glass. Add the fresh lemon juice and a handful of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine everything. -
Serve:
Strain the tea mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy kick. -
Garnish & Enjoy:
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, a thin slice of pear, and a slice of lemon for a festive touch. Stir lightly and enjoy this delightful, effervescent mocktail.
Tea Cocktail Variation: Peach & Pear Ginger Toddy
For those who prefer an alcoholic version of this festive tea beverage, adding a splash of bourbon or rum can create a cozy, holiday-inspired cocktail. The smooth, spicy notes of ginger and pear complement the sweetness of the peach tea beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Evening Peach Orchard Tea
- 1 bag Pear & Ginger Green Tea
- 1 oz bourbon or spiced rum
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Hot water
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- Fresh pear slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Steep the Teas:
Just like the mocktail version, steep the Evening Peach Orchard Tea and Pear & Ginger Green Tea in hot water for about 5 minutes. -
Mix the Cocktail:
In a mug, combine the steeped tea, honey, lemon juice, and bourbon (or rum). Stir gently to mix, ensuring the honey dissolves completely. -
Serve:
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of pear. If you want an extra touch of holiday warmth, you can even float a few whole cloves in the drink for an aromatic finish. -
Sip and Enjoy:
This warm, comforting cocktail is perfect for sipping on a chilly evening around the fire. It offers the perfect balance of fruity, spicy, and herbal flavors with a gentle kick of alcohol to keep things festive.
Other Festive Tea Mocktail & Cocktail Ideas
While the Peach-Ginger Fizz and Peach & Pear Ginger Toddy are standouts, there are so many other creative ways to use tea for holiday beverages:
- Winter Spice Chai Latte Mocktail: Combine a spiced chai tea with steamed milk (or a dairy-free alternative) and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a splash of maple syrup for sweetness.
- Cranberry Green Tea Cooler: Brew a light green tea (like the Pear & Ginger Green Tea), chill it, and add fresh cranberry juice and lime for a tangy, tart mocktail.
- Rose & Hibiscus Fizz: For a more floral take, brew a hibiscus and rose tea, sweeten it with agave syrup, and top with sparkling water for a bright, celebratory drink.
Tea Mocktails & Cocktails: A Perfect Holiday Pairing
Whether you’re serving them as a festive mocktail or as a lively cocktail, tea-based drinks offer a perfect pairing for the holidays. They’re easy to make, customizable, and ideal for creating moments of celebration with loved ones. So next time you're looking for a drink that’s as warm and inviting as the season itself, reach for a beautiful tea blend like Evening Peach Orchard or Pear & Ginger Green Tea, and watch your holiday gatherings become even more special. Cheers!
