There’s nothing I love more than drinking a hot drink next to the fire pit on a cold winter’s night. And I found you all a new one! I typically steer towards a classic hot whiskey or toddy, but this drink surprised me.
How did I find out about this drink?
On a whim, I met Anna, one of my best friends since childhood, for some Post-thanksgiving decompression at one of my fave places in the world, McMenamin’s Edgefield. If you haven’t been, it’s such a vibe. It once was an old work farm that turned into a vineyard that turned into a pub, restaurant, golf course, winery, multiple bars, a spa. It’s pretty great, and part of a larger whimsical chain called McMenamin’s. It’s a fun place to get lost while getting drinks and snacks with friends.
We asked the manager his recommendation for the seasonal drinks (they have many and are always so varied), and he replied with the Blueberry Tea, a hot drink with no actual blueberry in it. It did not disappoint. It was the perfect thing for a cold winter’s day.
There is no blueberry in blueberry tea unless you garnish it with blueberries. So why does it taste like blueberry?
I was surprised that it tasted like blueberry, a flavor that I hardly ever find myself craving, but it was pretty delightful. The key is in the ingredients: Amaretto, Orange Liqueur, and Earl Grey Tea.
There are also no almonds in the Amaretto, but still best to be safe.
I researched what Amaretto is because I thought it was an almond liqueur. But according to The Spruce Eats: “…most quality amarettos are flavored with apricot pits. Some recipes do use almonds and others employ a combination of the two.”
In my opinion, I felt like nuts and berries and pitted fruits go so well together because they taste somewhat similar. I know the difference between the three things, but I think it tastes like blueberry is our perception of pairing flavors. I recommend using the brand that we used because different brands have different qualities and some brands are bitter or more burnt tasting than others.
Also check out the super cute ornaments I got this year!
The super cute mushrooms are local and from Grate Company! I also love their amazing candles. The little pillow with the fox is was a handmade ornament made by a friend who’s having her first baby in January! It was a little favor from the baby shower!
Blueberry Tea
An unexpected twist on a hot toddy that taste delightfully like blueberry. Enjoy with your fave holiday cookie or scone!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz of di Amore Amaretto
- 1.5 oz Grand Marnier
- 1 tbsp of loose leaf Earl Grey
- 8-12 oz of hot water
- Garnish: a slice of lemon or frozen blueberries on a cocktail pick
Directions
- Boil your water and grab your favorite teacup.
- Place your loose leaf tea in a tea ball strainer and place it into your teacup.
- Add water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference. I do 3 minutes personally!
- Add your liqueurs and stir.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and drink when cool enough.
Tips & Tricks:
You can make it less boozy by doing only an oz of each alcohol.
Feel free to jazz it up like your regular tea with sugar and or milk, but you’ll miss out on that surprising blueberry flavor.
Whatever you do, purchase these brands of liqueur. We can’t vouch for how the other brands will taste.
What’s your favorite hot winter drink? I love a Bourbon Furnace. Sound off in the comments below!
Drinkmas Cheers, babe!
KK
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