Plum Oolong Late Lunch

Ripe plum gives oolong a gentle tartness and a darker fruit note, while lemon adds a cleaner, sharper finish. The tea's toasted flavor helps the drink feel more structured than simple plum water. Mash the fruit before straining so its juice reaches the brew. The plum skin can add a little dryness, which suits this style of drink. Serve it cold in a small glass for a measured, fruit-and-tea pour with no syrup required. It contains caffeine.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Oolong tea
• 6 oz Water
• 1 fruit Ripe plum, pitted
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

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

Lemon · a little vitamin C

Lemon brings some vitamin C to the mix—a nutrient involved in collagen formation for healthy skin, alongside a fragrant, layered tea flavor from oolong.

Plum · a flavor worth noticing

Using plum beside oolong and lemon gives the glass a sweet-tart plum flavor, creating its own flavor without needing carbonation or an alcoholic pour.

Contains caffeine.