Cocktails and Mocktails

The silly season has happened upon us and if you're anything like me, the alcohol intake has skyrocketed.  Being a responsible host I like to offer my friends something non-alcoholic and tea based mocktails are just the answer.  This week's featured teas drink well on their own but also make something a little special served cold. Mojito Green Tea isn't as strong as it's alcoholic namesake but still adheres to the principle flavours of mint and brown sugar (in the form of caramel drops).   Mojito Green Tea Cocktail/Mocktail 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons Mojito green tea 4 cups boiling water 2 cups sake 4 stalks lemongrass for garnish Combine Mojito tea and mint with boiling water, let steep for 5 minutes, strain and add brown sugar stirring until dissolved.  Refrigerate until chilled.  Divide among four large iced filled glasses.  Add 1/2 cup sake to each glass and garnish with a stalk of lemongrass.  Mocktail version:  omit the sake. 1001 Nights Flavoured Black Tea evokes warm summer nights amidst desert sands (struggling to get the image of camels out of my mind here).  1001 Nights blends both black and green tea with a pot pourri of petals.  It is a delicate tea, hinting at rose and jasmine flavours.   1001 Nights Mocktail 4 heaped teaspoons 1001 Nights 4 cups boiling water 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon rosewater Red food colouring Rose petals for garnish Combine 1001 Nights tea and mint with boiling water, let steep for 5 minutes, strain and honey, stirring until dissolved.  Refrigerate until chilled. Add rosewater then serve in large iced filled glasses.  Add a tiny dash of red food colouring for pretty pink effect and sprinkle with rose petals to serve. Coconut and Melon Fruit Tea has been a winner since the day we introduced this stunning new style of fruit tea.  Rather than relying on a base of rosehip and hibiscus this tea features large chunks of coconuts, dried melon and apple pieces.  It bews a pale colour but there's no shortness of flavour.   Coconut and Melon Iced Tea Cocktail/Mocktail 4 tablespoons Coconut and Melon fruit tea 2 cups boiling water 2 tablespoons sugar or to taste 2 cups coconut water or coconut juice Melon cubes to garnish Combine boiling water with Coconut and Melon fruit tea, allow to stand for at least an half an hour to extract full flavour, strain. Dissolve sugar in a little boiling water, add to tea along with coconut juice.   In tall glasses add shaved or cubed ice, finely chopped melon cubes and the sweetened Coconut and Melon tea.  Cocktail version:  add a splash of Midori