The Smoky Hand-Off

Smoked black tea gives this spritz an aroma you notice before the lemon arrives. It’s a different kind of complexity from fruit or spice, with a dry tea finish behind the bubbles. Brew the tea carefully and let it cool before mixing. Too strong a brew can make smoke and bitterness the entire experience. Lemon should brighten the drink while leaving that distinctive tea character in place.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Smoked black tea
• 4 oz Hot water
• 2 oz Sparkling water
• 1/2 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Add any fruit, herbs, spices, or syrup to a glass and gently press to release flavor.
2. Brew the tea according to its packet, remove the bag, and let it cool.
3. Add the still liquids and ice. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the sparkling ingredient slowly and stir once. Serve immediately.

Benefits

Lemon · a little vitamin C

The 1/2 oz of lemon juice adds some vitamin C for absorbing iron from plant foods, with smoked tea rounding out the flavor.

Smoked tea · more than a sweet mixer

With lemon in the glass, the measured smoked tea contributes a smoky brewed aroma as an accent to the fizz.