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Virgin Sazerac Mocktail

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Servings 1 servings

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Bar Spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring Jigger

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz Strong Black Tea cooled, preferably Earl Grey or English Breakfast
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract alcohol-free or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 oz Natural Apple Juice Concentrate diluted to half strength
  • 1/2 tsp Homemade Simple Syrup made with natural honey or maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters alcohol-free version preferred
  • 1/4 tsp Anise Extract alcohol-free, or fennel seed tea
  • 1 strip Fresh Lemon Peel for expressing oils
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme optional, for herbal complexity

Instructions
 

  • Brew a strong cup of black tea using 2 tea bags in 6 oz hot water. Steep for 5 minutes, remove bags, and let cool completely. This can be done ahead of time and stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prepare homemade simple syrup by combining equal parts water and natural honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat gently until dissolved, then cool completely.
  • Rinse an old fashioned glass with a small amount of anise extract, swirling to coat the sides. Pour out excess - this creates the signature anise aroma without overwhelming the drink.
  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cooled tea, vanilla extract, diluted apple juice concentrate, simple syrup, and bitters. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
  • Fine strain the mixture into the prepared glass over one large ice cube or several smaller ones.
  • Express the oils from the lemon peel by holding it over the drink and giving it a firm twist. Drop the peel into the glass and garnish with fresh thyme sprig if desired.

Notes

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS:
Replace apple juice concentrate with white grape juice concentrate for a lighter flavor, or use strong chamomile tea instead of black tea for a more floral profile. Anise extract can be substituted with a pinch of ground fennel seeds steeped in the tea.
SERVING TIPS:
Serve immediately over ice for best flavor. The drink is best enjoyed within 15 minutes of preparation to maintain optimal temperature and carbonation if using sparkling water as a topper.
STORAGE:
Tea base can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in refrigerator. Simple syrup keeps for up to 1 month refrigerated in an airtight container.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If the drink tastes too strong, add a splash of sparkling water. If too weak, increase the tea concentration or add an extra dash of bitters. For those sensitive to anise flavor, start with just a few drops of extract and adjust to taste.

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