The combination of tea and alcoholic drinks seems to have captivated the taste buds of consumers worldwide. For centuries, people have infused tea in cultures around the world.
Those within the hospitality industry say that many of their customers are looking for something different from conventional alcoholic drinks, and the infusion of tea offers them a distinctly refreshing alternative.
The trend is growing among those looking for something to satisfy their taste buds in even more unique ways. Among these alcoholic teas, berry-flavored ones seem to make up the most significant increase in sales currently.
While mixing this time-honored and culturally significant drink with alcohol isn’t new, drinks such as Long Island ice teas and other sweet alcohol-infused teas have become a staple at restaurants, drinking establishments, and social gatherings.
The complex tastes and benefits of tea-infused drinks intrigue consumers with a moderate amount of alcohol. Many find that the combination provides a better state of being than alcohol alone.
The consumption of alcohol is an individual choice. With more and more people becoming health conscious, they are looking for tasty alternatives to cocktails that are overloaded with sugar and calories. Alcoholic teas fit the bill and may even provide health benefits despite the alcohol.
Tea is rich in antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation we encounter every day.
Drinking tea is often credited with improved mental focus, as well as improved digestion and relaxation. When bartenders, mixologists, and beverage producers add tea to alcoholic drinks, they can provide a sense of well-being along with the indulgence of alcohol.
While many alcohol teas stick with standard tea, many companies are experimenting with other herbal teas and flavors. The thousands of different tea types give both mixologists and consumers an endless array of flavors to choose from.
Whether they’re in the mood for something warm, spicy, and comforting, or cool and floral, or anything in between, the versatility that tea can add makes it a great way to try new tastes. Many who try tea-infused drinks especially like that they customize their drinking experience.
As with non-alcoholic teas, only the best, high-quality tea leaves or herbs should be used. This is to not only ensure the best taste but also for their aromatic properties, which can further enhance the concoction.
The desired tea, as well as any desired herbs and spices, are infused. When the infusion period is complete, all the residual tea leaves and herbs, technically called the marc, are strained off.
They then add the brewed liquid to distilled spirits such as rum, gin, or, more commonly, vodka. Depending on the recipe, the merc may be left in the alcohol for a time to draw off flavors that aren’t soluble in water before filtering.
The result is a marriage between spirits and the subtle flavors and properties of the tea. You can enjoy alcoholic teas on their own, over ice, or further added to enhance other cocktails.
With alcoholic teas, tea is the predominant flavor over any alcohol used. Tea liquors may contain tea along with other flavorful herbs and spices, but they take a back seat to the dominant flavor of the alcohol itself.
The alcohol by volume levels or ABV between alcoholic teas and tea liqueurs are also slightly different. Depending on the duration of the infusion and the type of spirit used, alcoholic tea drinks can vary between 20% ABV and 40% ABV.
Interestingly, tea liqueurs have a slightly lower alcohol content, which can range from 15% ABV to 30% ABV, and have a higher sugar content due to sugar, agave syrup, or honey being added to the infusion process, creating a mouth sensation that is more syrupy.
Alcoholic teas can have added sugars or not, depending on the recipe, but tend to be lighter and closer in consistency to that of tea.
Conclusion
While most people wouldn’t associate alcohol consumption with good health, it’s no question that alcohol-based tea beverages are on the rise. Consumers can choose the herbs and flavors that are to most to their liking through their choice of drink.
When you’re able to combine the relaxing and healthful properties of tea with a night of responsible drinking, it has all the makings of an enjoyable experience. Who knows, you may stumble upon a flavor they really like and seek to enjoy it without the alcohol!
Disclaimer:
The statements and information made on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or replace professional medical advice or treatment.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have a medical condition, consult your physician or healthcare professional before using any product, supplement, or tea. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements herein.
Resources:
Editor, W. T. N. “Alcohol-Based Tea Market Size to Reach US$30.1 Billion by 2030, per New Report.” World Tea News, 17 May 2023, www.worldteanews.com/issues-trends/alcohol-based-tea-market-size-reach-us301-billion-2030-new-report. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023.
Frane, Alex. “There’s Tea in a Bunch of New Spirits. What’s That All About?” Liquor.com, 18 Jan. 2018, www.liquor.com/articles/alcoholic-tea/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023.
Research, Zion Market. “Alcoholic Tea Market Size, Share, Industry Growth Report, 2030.” Zion Market Research, www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/alcoholic-tea-market.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Austin
A blogger, healthy lifestyle enthusiast with slight “addiction” of planning and organizing. Whether it’s about weight loss, body detoxing or herbal and healing teas.
All this addiction evidences can be found as informative articles here: at sirjasonwinters.com website.
