Cherry Smoke Dinner Hour

Smoked black tea gives tart cherry juice a darker, drier background, while orange peel adds a brighter aroma. The smoke should be noticeable without making the drink taste like an ashtray, so brew the tea at normal strength. Remove the peel once its flavor is clear, especially if it has much white pith. This is a slow-sipping dinner drink with a tart fruit note and a smoky finish. It contains caffeine, despite its alcohol-free, cocktail-like character.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Lapsang souchong smoked black tea
• 6 oz Water
• 2 oz Tart cherry juice
• 1 strip Washed orange peel, with little white pith

Make it

1. Brew the tea in the measured water, using the temperature and steeping time on its packet. Remove the tea bag.
2. Cool the tea in a heatproof container, then chill for about 30 minutes.
3. Mash any soft fruit in a separate glass. Lightly bruise herbs or ginger; add these and the listed juices or spices to the cooled tea.
4. Stir well and taste. Remove ginger or herb sprigs when their flavor suits you. Strain if you prefer a smoother drink, then serve chilled.

Benefits

Smoked tea and cherry · refreshing fluids

There’s 6 oz of water behind the smoked tea, cherry, and orange peel in this recipe: everyday hydration with a smoky brewed aroma, rather than another plain glass.

Cherry, smoked tea, and orange peel

The cherry contributes a deep, tangy cherry flavor to smoked tea and orange peel, giving you a specific flavor combination to reach for instead of a default pour.

Contains caffeine.