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.
Second Helping of Slashfood - June 19
Competitive-Eating Contest to Pit Humans Against Elephants
The Backyard Boom - The Hungry Bride
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-13-2007 @ 10:03AM
Kathryn said...
This sounds great. I've never heard of "tea pearls," but they sound like not only something to make this cocktail gorgeous but something fun for everyday use.
Also, I ran across this article on MSN this morning and thought it might be interesting for one of you guys to check out, but couldn't find any sort of contact information. Here's hoping these cocktails are as good as they look! =)
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4951483&page=1
Reply
7-14-2007 @ 4:52AM
Damage said...
Somehow, the idea of tea and vodka doesn't sound all that good... For that matter, any martini that strays from the classic gin/vodak + vermouth + ice.
Jasmine Pearls is the stuff of the tea gods, the only real way to enjoy a nice cup of jasmine tea (basically jasmine tea leaf in shrivled pearl form). Your local Chinatown tea shop should have some.
Reply