Modern Twists on Afternoon Tea: A Few of My Own Recipes for a Refreshing Experience

Afternoon tea is a beloved tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a delightful way to spend an afternoon savoring a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of sweet treats, all accompanied by a steaming pot of tea. While the classic afternoon tea remains timeless, it’s always fun to experiment and add a modern twist to this cherished ritual. In this blog, I’ll share some innovative and original creative recipes that put a contemporary spin on your traditional afternoon tea. From savory tea-infused cocktails to fusion-inspired treats, I’ve got you covered for a refreshing afternoon tea experience.

Savory Tea-Infused Cocktails:

1. Earl Grey Martini:
   • Ingredients:
     • 2 oz gin or vodka
     • 1 oz Earl Grey tea, cooled.
     • 5 oz simple syrup
     • 5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
   • Instructions:
     1. Brew a cup of Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature.
     2. Combine the gin or vodka, tea, simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice in a shaker.
     3. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
     4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a lavender sprig.

2. Matcha Mojito:
   • Ingredients:
     • 2 oz white rum
     • 1 tsp matcha powder
     • 1 oz fresh lime juice
     • 5 oz simple syrup
     • Fresh mint leaves
     • Soda water
   • Instructions:
     1. Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass.
     2. Add ice, rum, and matcha powder, then stir until well combined.
     3. Top up with soda water.
     4. Garnish with a mint sprig and a dusting of matcha powder.

Accompanying Champagne Cocktails:

3. Hibiscus Rosé Fizz:
   • Ingredients:
     • 1 oz hibiscus syrup (made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water)
     • 4 oz chilled rosé wine
     • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
     • Fresh raspberries for garnish
   • Instructions:
     1. Fill a champagne flute with the hibiscus syrup.
     2. Slowly pour the rosé wine and elderflower liqueur over the back of a spoon to create layers.
     3. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

4. Citrus Sparkler:
   • Ingredients:
     • 1 oz citrus-infused vodka
     • 5 oz triple sec
     • 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
     • Lemon twist for garnish
   • Instructions:
     1. In a champagne flute, combine the citrus-infused vodka and triple sec.
     2. Top up with chilled champagne.
     3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Fusion-Inspired Treats:

5. Sushi-Inspired Finger Sandwiches:
   • Ingredients:
     • Nori (seaweed) sheets
     • Sliced smoked salmon or tofu for a vegetarian option
     • Sliced cucumber
     • Sticky rice seasoned with rice vinegar.
     • Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving
   • Instructions:
     1. Lay out a sheet of nori.
     2. Spread a thin layer of seasoned sticky rice on top.
     3. Add a slice of smoked salmon or tofu and some cucumber.
     4. Roll it up like sushi and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
     5. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi.

6. Chai Spice Macarons:
   • Ingredients:
     • Chai spice-flavored macarons filled with chai-infused buttercream.
     • Edible gold dust for garnish (optional)
   • Instructions:
     1. Make chai spice macarons using your favorite recipe, adding chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the batter.
     2. Fill them with a chai-infused buttercream.
     3. If desired, dust the tops with edible gold for an elegant touch.

These modern twists on afternoon tea recipes will elevate your traditional tea experience. Whether you’re enjoying a tea-infused cocktail, a champagne cocktail, or fusion-inspired treats, these innovative creations will add a fresh and delightful dimension to your teatime. So, gather your friends or family, brew a pot of your favorite tea, and indulge in a contemporary take on this tradition. After all, afternoon tea is all about savoring the moment and sipping on the beauty of the present with a touch of modern flair.

Let me know how you like them!