Coming from the idea of elevating a traditional tea-based cocktail, making it more premium and sophisticated while removing the alcohol, the Raging Velvet is strong, rich, fresh, tangy, and complex.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz black tea syrup (recipe below)
- 1 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 oz yuzu juice
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Splash of ginger beer
- Grapefruit twist, for garnish
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the black tea syrup, grapefruit juice, yuzu juice, and orange bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined and chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Top with a splash of ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
The grapefruit juice and yuzu juice add a tart citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the black tea syrup and balances the bitterness of the orange bitters. The ginger beer adds a spicy and effervescent touch that lifts the flavors and enhances the mouthfeel. The grapefruit twist adds a burst of flavor and aroma, making this drink truly premium and enjoyable. If you wanted to modify this recipe, try adding a dash of honey or agave syrup to enhance the sweetness or adding some fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil, to provide more complexity and freshness.