Thirsty for a refreshing twist on iced tea? Try this delicious Red Tea recipe! With a blend of Bourbon, Triple Sec, sour mix, and a splash of iced tea, this drink is perfect for a hot summer day. Don't forget to add a slice of orange for the perfect garnish. Impress your guests with this simple yet impressive cocktail!
Red Tea Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Sour mix
- - iced Tea
- garnish Orange
Red Tea Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- knife - to prepare garnish slice
Red Tea Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill glass
- Orangecan be used for garnish
The Red Tea: A Classic Cocktail with Endless Variations
As a professional bartender, I've served countless cocktails to customers who come in with a taste for a classic drink. One of the most popular choices is the Red Tea, a refreshing and sweet drink that's perfect for summer nights or a night out with friends.
Popularity
The Red Tea has been around for decades, with its origins unknown. It's famous for being a sweet and fruity drink, but with a strong bourbon kick. The drink is often associated with the southern United States, where bourbon is a popular spirit. It's also known for its bright red color, which comes from the addition of iced tea and triple sec.
Ingredient Roles
The Red Tea is made with just a few simple ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in the cocktail. The bourbon is the star of the show, providing the drink with its signature flavor and kick. The triple sec is a sweet and citrusy liqueur that adds a fruity note to the drink. The sour mix is a combination of lemon and lime juice, providing the drink with a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients. The iced tea is the base of the drink, providing a refreshing and light flavor that complements the other ingredients.
How to Garnish
Garnishing a Red Tea is simple and can be done with just a slice of orange. After preparing the cocktail, slice a thin slice of orange and place it on the rim of the glass. This adds a pop of color to the drink and provides a subtle citrus flavor to the overall taste.
Variations
The Red Tea is a versatile cocktail that can be altered to fit any dietary or taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
For a non-alcoholic version of the Red Tea, simply omit the bourbon and triple sec. Add a splash of orange juice for a fruity flavor and top the drink off with iced tea.
Gluten-Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of the Red Tea, use a gluten-free bourbon such as Maker's Mark or Bulleit. For the triple sec, use Cointreau or Grand Marnier, both of which are gluten-free.
Vegan Version
The Red Tea is already vegan-friendly, but to make it even more so, use an organic iced tea and check the sour mix ingredients for any animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Red Tea, use a sugar-free sour mix and swap out the triple sec for a sugar-free orange liqueur such as Skinnygirl.
Low-Calorie Version
For a low-calorie version of the Red Tea, use a sugar-free sour mix and a low-calorie iced tea. Swap out the triple sec for a splash of orange bitters for a similar flavor.
Common Mistakes when Making
One of the most common mistakes when making a Red Tea is not balancing the flavors properly. The drink should have a sweet and fruity flavor, but with a kick of bourbon. Make sure to measure the ingredients properly and taste the drink before serving. Another common mistake is not using a strainer when shaking the cocktail. This can result in large pieces of fruit or seeds in the final drink, which can be unpleasant.
In conclusion, the Red Tea is a classic cocktail with an endless amount of variations to try. It's a simple drink that's perfect for any occasion, and with a few simple tweaks, it can fit any dietary or taste preference. As a bartender, I highly recommend trying out the Red Tea and experimenting with different variations to find your perfect drink.
If you are going to order Red Tea in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Red Tea can be served with different ingredients in different places.