T & Tonic

Here’s a cocktail that isn’t, but could be. The T & TONIC* is a delicious non-alcohol option that incorporates enough citrus flavors measured against chilled black tea that when topped with tonic water makes for a special drink. Smooth, well-balanced with a slight bitter edge from the tonic water’s quinine, this has the qualities of a regular cocktail, less the buzz, burn or hangover from alcohol.

Requirements: black tea (Earl Grey preferred), orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup (or demerara syrup), orange peel for garnish

• 1.5 oz. black tea (brewed & chilled in advance)
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. simple syrup (or demerara syrup)
• 3-4 oz. tonic water
• 2 dashes orange bitters (optional, minimal alcohol)

Brew strong black tea (3 teabags in 8 oz. water) for five minutes and refrigerate or allow to cool. Add all ingredients except tonic water to an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain over an ice-filled Collins or highball glass. Top off with tonic water and garnish with an orange peel. Add straw.

Comments: The T & Tonic is an enjoyable, dressed-up, special way to serve yourself or others who are temporarily or permanently on break from alcohol. Since anyone can make a regular iced tea, what separates this is the orange juice, tonic water and my preference, orange bitters. Using Earl Grey tea adds the flavorful oil of bergamot. Seltzer or club soda may substitute for tonic water, but will align the flavor more with an orangy iced tea. Save and refrigerate remaining chilled tea for next usage.

Similar Non-Alcohol “Mocktails”:

Mock-hattan — https://keetscocktails.com/mock-hattan-2/

* ^TM Keet’s Cocktails