It’s been too hot out recently to drink tea in it’s usual state, so what was I to do with this newly acquired Earl Grey Creme from Teavana? Infuse it into vodka and make a cool, refreshing cocktail of course! A regular at my bar works at Teavana and had brought this tea in for me and another bartender to try, she was telling us that the loose leaf teas are the best of the crop and give the best flavor. This particular one includes a nice vanilla touch to it and it’s been fun to try out in different infusions. Here I use it in a vodka and lemon drop inspired cocktail which is perfect for a summer evening.
Earl Grey Creme Infused Vodka
I used about a tablespoon of the Teavana Earl Grey Creme in about a cup and a half of vodka. I stuck it in a jar in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. Then I strained it through a tea strainer and back again through a coffee filter. You could skip the second straining but you might have some small specks of tea left. Alternatively you could also try bagged tea if straining is just not your thing. Try it with soda, tonic, or my own recipe below!
The Earl’s Lemon Drop
Refreshing with a little bite, inspired by the classic lemon drop and anything but.
1.5 oz earl grey infused vodka
0.75 oz Tuaca vanilla citrus liqueur
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz homemade simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
0.25 Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
2 d. Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters
Sugar and fresh or dried lemon for garnish.
Prep a coupe or martini glass by rubbing lemon around the rim and dipping the rim into a plate of sugar. Place all ingredients in a mixing tin with ice and shake vigorously 8-10 times. Strain into your glass and finish with a lemon slice, peel, or as I did a dehydrated lemon wheel. 
Enjoy!
