I can't call it "Happy Hour" right now because I am not exactly happy. Rather, let's call this the Cocktail Hour, which sounds so much more sophisticated than the image of sitting in a local sports bar watching ESPN and downing two-for-one specials on tap that comes up when I think of "Happy Hour."
And sophistication is what this Jasmine Tea-ni is all about. Granted, there is nothing new or innovative about using tea in cocktails, but this will help you make these at home with your favorite jasmine tea. The recipe is from a friend of mine (thanks, W!) who made it for me at my house, so I know it's good.
The Jasmine Tea-ni
Use the very best jasmine tea you can get your hands on. We used some crazy little jasmine tea pearls, picked up from the Chado Tea Room in Los Angeles.
Brew the tea extra, super dark, basically doubling or tripling whatever the tea person tells you to do to drink it. Let the brewed tea cool.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour 3-4 ounces vodka (my friend suggest Chopin), 2 ounces of the dark tea, and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Shake very hard, for a very long time.
Strain into two martini glasses. We garnished with a jasmine pearl, which unfurled as we drank. It was pretty.
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