Tea Tincture
This unique historical preparation creates a potent tea concentrate by infusing premium green or black tea leaves in rum rather than water. The solar-infusion method extracts deep, complex flavors over several days, resulting in a robust tincture that instantly transforms hot water or milk into a rich, aromatic beverage. It serves as both a convenient way to make tea and a warming, spirited twist on the classic morning cup.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Loose leaf tea (Green or Black) (Quantity estimated for a standard jar infusion.)
- 1 1/2 cups Rum (Quantity estimated to cover the tea leaves completely.)
- 1 cup Water (For serving. Can substitute with milk.)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (To taste.)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (Optional, for serving.)
Instructions
- 1Place the dry green or black tea leaves loosely into a wide-mouthed glass bottle or jar. Pour enough rum over the leaves to completely cover and submerge them. Seal the bottle tightly.
- 2Place the sealed bottle in direct sunlight for 5 to 7 days. Shake the bottle frequently throughout this period to ensure even extraction.
- 3After the steeping period is complete, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cloth to remove the tea leaves. Transfer the clear tincture into a clean bottle for storage.
- 4To serve, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of the prepared tea tincture, a splash of milk, and sugar to taste. Alternatively, for a richer drink, boil 1 cup (approx. 250ml) of pure milk instead of water and add the tincture and sugar as directed.