White Arnold Palmer from Wise Cocktails

I stumbled across this book at the library...  a guide to crafting and brewing tea-based beverages.  That is a topic I have not pondered before.  I love tea!  I love cocktails!  The combination is perfect.  This book has many simple drinks to whip up when I'm lazy but looking for something fancy.  I love the idea of blending tea with fruit and brewing in room temperature water as instructed in this recipe.  It gives a nice light interesting drink that is great alone or mixed with vodka.  Arnold Palmers are one of my favorite non-alcoholic drink and this take on a cocktail version has become one of my favorite cocktails.

White Arnold
"Wise Cocktails" by Jennie Ripps & Maria Littlefield
Makes 1 Cocktail

TEA BASE
1 teaspoon white tea leaves
1/2 teaspoon rose petals
1/2 teaspoon dried strawberries
1 pinch dried lemon peel

COCKTAIL
4 1/2 ounces brewed tea base
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1 tablespoon agave nectar

GARNISH
1 slice lemon

​1. In a cup, place 6 ounces of room temperature water.  You will only use 4 1/2 oz for the tea base in this recipe, so don't worry if there is extra left over.  Feel free to sip, save or discard!

2. In a tea linen or tea ball, combine all of the ingredients for the tea base. Brew in the room temperature water for 10 minutes, agitating from time to time.  Remove the sachet/ball.

3. In a shaker, combine 4 1/2 oz of the tea base, the vodka, and agave nectar. Dry-shake until the agave dissolves. Pour into a glass over ice. Gently swirl to chill. Garnish with the lemon slice.

Notes: White tea is complimented by clarifying and energizing lemon peel. Strawberries and rose petals add a boost of vitamin C.

*For a strawberry punch:  Add 2 fresh strawberries to the shaker and muddle. Then add the tea base, vodka, and agave, and dry-shake.  Serve over ice.

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