FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $60 ON TEA
Easy Mocktail Recipes for Holiday Parties (Part 1) - Leaves of Leisure

Easy Mocktail Recipes for Holiday Parties (Part 1)

by Allison Ullo in Blog

It is the holiday season, and that means parties! And drinks! And hangovers. 

Oh my…

If you’re tired of, well, being tired after every get-together this year, then it’s time to embrace the world of mocktails! A mocktail is a cocktail without the booze, and with a few good recipes and mixers they are every bit as tasty as their alcohol-fueled doppelgangers that leave you staggering towards the New Year with a throbbing headache and a resolution list a mile long. 

This year, tea is spicing up the mocktail shaker like never before. It’s diverse, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect way to get a healthy picker-upper from your highball glass instead of being picked up off the floor. From fresh, fragrant herbal teas to the presumptuous boldness of a dusky green, these easy mocktail recipes will bring in the cheery and throw out the bleary at all your holiday parties this year.

Malabar Fizz

This refreshing concoction is a perfect punch for any winter party that needs some transportation to less frosty shores. The Malabar Coast is on the western side of the lower tip of India, and it’s where spices like cinnamon and black pepper  grow in abundance in the humid equatorial air.

This mocktail is a clever infusion of tamarind simple syrup and our spicy-aromatic Autumn Breeze herbal tea that brings together all the exotic flavors of the Sub-Continent in an elegant champagne coupe. It’s a perfect partner for the cloves and ginger that sneak into all our favorite desserts and treats during the holidays. 

Malabar Fizz

2 oz Autumn Breeze herbal tea from Leaves of Leisure

1 oz Tamarind simple syrup (1 c water, 1 c sugar, 1 tsp Tamarind paste plus more to taste. Boil to dissolve sugar and let sit 10 minutes to infuse. Strain.)

A squeeze of lime

Seltzer water—or dare we say it, tonic water for a more authentic experience!

Twist of lime or mint leaves

Combine the tea,  simple syrup, and lime in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, and pour into a champagne coupe. Finish with the seltzer or tonic water and garnish with a twist of lime or mint leaves. 


Earl Grey Havens

This non-alcoholic take on a Negroni is sure to be a favorite at any holiday party. Bergamot oil comes from bitter oranges that grow on the southern tip of the Italian boot in Calabria and Sicily. Campari—the main mixer in a Negroni—is a wonderfully complex aperitif with a secret blend of bitter herbs, zests, and spices including wormwood to gentian root. Tea is one of the only things out there that can match (and exceed!) the breadth and nuance of these curious liquors and spirits from the Apennine, and we know this regret-free mocktail will be a talking point for your high-pallated guests. 

Earl Grey Havens

2 oz Snow Angel herbal tea from Leaves of Leisure

1 oz Earl Grey tea  (decaf or with caffeine for a boost!)

1 oz Juniper and coriander simple syrup (1 c water, 1 c sugar, 6 crushed juniper berries and 1 tsp coriander seed. Boil to dissolve sugar and let sit 10 minutes to infuse. Strain.)

A few splashes of orange bitters

Lemon peel 

Stir Snow Angel herbal tea, Earl Grey tea, juniper simple syrup, and bitters over ice. Pour into a highball glass, and garnish with lemon peel. 


 

Tags: recipes
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Hibiscus Tea Mojito Mocktail Recipe - Leaves of Leisure

Hibiscus Tea Mojito Mocktail Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a mojito to quench your thirst on a warm day—especially when it’s made with refreshing tea! Whether you’re lounging outside, hosting a small gathering, or simply craving a cool beverage, our Hibiscus Tea Mojito is the perfect blend of herbal tea, citrus, and mint to add some bliss to your day. While we made ours with no alcohol, but feel free to spike yours if you so desire! At Leaves of Leisure, our Picnic in the Park tea is the star ingredient in this twist on the classic mojito. With its vibrant hibiscus flavor and calming herbal notes, this caffeine-free tea is the perfect base for a fresh, floral cocktail. Add some limeade, honey or agave, and mint for that refreshing kick, and you’ve got yourself a rejuvenating beverage that tastes as good as it feels! Here's how to make our signature Hibiscus Tea Mojito at home. Ingredients You'll Need: 1 tea bag of Leaves of Leisure Picnic in the Park tea  1 cup of hot water 10-12 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (more or less depending on your sweetness preference) 1/4 cup of limeade (store-bought or homemade) Ice cubes Lime slices (for garnish) Optional: 1-2 ounces of white rum (for an alcoholic version) Directions: 1. Brew the Tea Start by brewing your Leaves of Leisure Picnic in the Park tea, which will be the base of your mojito. Boil 1 cup of water and steep the tea for about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger hibiscus flavor, you can let it steep a little longer. Once the tea is brewed, remove the teabag (or strain the loose tea leaves) and let it cool completely. You can even make this tea in advance and chill it in the fridge to save time later. 2. Muddle the Mint In a cocktail shaker, add 10-12 fresh mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the mint leaves. This releases their natural oils and gives the mojito that refreshing minty kick. Be careful not to tear the mint leaves too much; you just want to press them enough to release their flavor. 3. Mix in the Limeade and Tea Next, pour in ½ cup of limeade into the shaker with the mint and honey/agave. Stir well until the honey/agave is fully dissolved. Then, add your cooled Picnic in the Park tea to the mix, and shake! 4. Add Ice and Garnish Fill your serving glass with ice cubes to keep your mojito cool and refreshing. If you’d like an alcoholic version of this drink, add 1-2 ounces of white rum to the mix at this point. Otherwise, simply pour the tea mixture over the ice. For a final touch, garnish your hibiscus tea mojito with extra mint leaves and a few lime slices for that classic mojito look. These garnishes also enhance the drink’s fresh flavor with every sip. Why We Love This Recipe: Caffeine-Free & Hydrating: The Picnic in the Park tea base makes this mojito caffeine-free, making it a great option for any time of day. Health Benefits: Hibiscus is known for its antioxidant properties, while mint supports digestion. This drink isn’t just refreshing—it’s good for you, too! Customizable: Want a mocktail? Skip the rum. Prefer something stronger? Add a little extra! You can also adjust the sweetness with more or less honey/agave, depending on your taste.  

Learn more
Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler Recipe: A Refreshing and Healthy Sip for Summer - Leaves of Leisure

Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler Recipe: A Refreshing and Healthy Sip for Summer

Summer calls for drinks that are not only refreshing but also nourishing. At Leaves of Leisure tea, we believe in creating beverages that uplift both the body and the soul. Enter our Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler – a perfect balance of flavor, wellness, and vibrant color. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and packed with health-boosting ingredients, making it the ideal drink for warm days and cool evenings. Here’s how you can make this easy, delicious beverage at home: Ingredients: 1/2 cup Leaves of Leisure Road Trip Tea (brewed and chilled) 1/2 cup Lemonade (store-bought or homemade – see below for our homemade recipe) A splash of beet juice Garnish: Fresh mint leaves and blueberries/strawberries Directions: Brew the Road Trip Tea: Start by brewing a cup of Leaves of Leisure Road Trip Tea. This tea is a beautiful blend of turmeric, ginger, pineapple, dried carrots, and beets. It’s the perfect mix of earthy and fruity flavors, with a natural sweetness that complements the cooler. Once brewed, allow the tea to cool to room temperature and then chill it in the fridge. Make Your Lemonade: If you’re using store-bought lemonade, feel free to skip this step. But if you’d like to make your own, here’s a simple recipe: Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar. Mix together 1 part fresh lemon juice, 3 parts water, and sweeten to taste with sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference. You want it to be tangy enough to balance the earthy flavors of the beet juice and tea. Mix the Drink: In a glass, combine 1/2 cup of your chilled Road Trip Tea with 1/2 cup of lemonade. Stir gently to combine. Add a splash of beet juice to give the drink a vibrant color and an extra boost of nutrients. The beet juice also adds a slight earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tea and lemonade. Garnish and Serve: Top off your Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler with a few fresh mint leaves and a handful of blueberries and/or strawberries for garnish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it in a glass with a fun straw or over ice for an extra refreshing sip. Enjoy! Sip on your Beets and Berries Wellness Cooler, and feel the refreshing and revitalizing effects of this wellness-packed drink. Whether you’re lounging on the porch, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply unwinding after a long day, this cooler is sure to elevate your moment of leisure.

Learn more
The Best Herbal Teas for Inflammation - Leaves of Leisure

The Best Herbal Teas for Inflammation

Inflammation is a common issue that many people face, whether it's due to chronic conditions, injuries, or simply the wear and tear of daily life. One natural way to combat inflammation is through the consumption of herbal teas. In this blog post, we'll explore the best types of herbal teas for reducing inflammation, provide references and sources for the information, and highlight some of the top teas from Leaves of Leisure that are particularly effective. Types of Herbal Teas for Inflammation Several types of herbal teas are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Here are some of the most effective ones: Turmeric Tea: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Drinking turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Ginger Tea: Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it a great choice for those suffering from chronic pain or digestive issues. Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat inflammation, particularly in the digestive system. It also helps to relax the body and reduce stress, which can further help to alleviate inflammation. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxant properties, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with digestive issues and muscle pain. Incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to manage inflammation. Turmeric, ginger, green tea, chamomile, and peppermint are some of the best options available. Leaves of Leisure offers high-quality blends that harness the power of these herbs to help you feel your best. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. By understanding the benefits of these teas and choosing the right blends, you can take a natural step towards reducing inflammation and improving your overall well-being. References and Sources For more detailed information on the anti-inflammatory properties of these teas, you can refer to the following sources: "The Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Action Plans" by Dorothy Calimeris and Sondi Bruner "Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects" published by CRC Press Articles from the Journal of Medicinal Food and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Learn more