The Earl of "Tini"

We drink Earl Grey tea in winter to shake off the cold, but what about in summer?  Earl Grey is a blend of black teas flavored with dried Bergamot orange rind which creates its distinctive flavor.  Today we share with you a summery Martini recipe that utilizes Earl Grey.  It calls for making simple syrup infused with the tea imparting a unique richness to the cocktail from the tannins in the leaves as well as the aromas of Bergamot.  We add to that a respectable London Dry Gin and a bit of fresh lemon juice in what we call The Earl of “Tini”.     

The Earl of “Tini”

In a shaker glass filled with ice add:

• 1 ½ Ounces of London Dry Gin
• ½ Ounce Earl Grey Simple Syrup*
• 1/2 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Shake till your arms hurt, then shake a bit more.  Strain into a chilled martini saucer.  Garnish with a twist of orange rind.

*Earl Grey Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan add:

• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Cup Granulated White Sugar

Bring to a boil stirring to dissolve sugar, remove from heat then add:

• 4 Teabags of Earl Grey

Steep for 10 minutes then remove and discard teabags.  Allow Earl Grey simple syrup to cool then put up in a sterile glass bottle.  Keeps refrigerated for 7-10 days.