Add a twist to your hosting this summer and serve cocktails from your favourite tea set for the most stylish of soirees. Discover our favourite teapot cocktail recipe and how you can serve one at your next afternoon tea.
Where did afternoon tea originate?
Afternoon tea is an adored British tradition of enjoying a meal of sandwiches, scones, and cakes - all washed down with copious amounts of tea. The tradition dates back to 1840 when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of becoming hungry around 4 p.m. To satisfy her hunger, the Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake be served to her during the afternoon. This soon became a regular occasion inviting friends to join her. From here, the tradition of afternoon tea began.
Traditionally, a variety of teas are served during afternoon tea, from Earl Grey and English Breakfast to peppermint and camomile. On a warm summer’s day iced tea makes for a refreshing alternative.
Although we’re huge fans of tea here at Spode, we’re also partial to adding a twist to tradition and breaking the rules. So for your next afternoon tea at home, why not fill your teapot with a delicious cocktail instead of tea? A stylish alternative for those, like us, who like to rebel against the ordinary.
Can you serve wine at afternoon tea?
Sparkling wine is a perfect choice for pairing with your afternoon tea. Apart from the fun of popping the cork and the instant feeling of celebration it brings, fizzy wines often provide a good balance of flavours, and the bubbles are refreshing.
Most restaurants and hotels serving afternoon tea will now often have the choice of adding prosecco or champagne to your menu choice, so why not follow suit when hosting at home?
What are teapot cocktails?
Teapot cocktails are simply cocktails mixed and served in a teapot and poured into your favourite teacups, just as you would with freshly brewed tea. The options for teapot cocktails are endless, the only rule is to use a stylish teapot to ensure the perfect pour!
What do you need for tea with a twist?
Tea with a twist can take on lots of different forms. If you’re hosting a full afternoon tea with friends, then along with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and sweet pastries, you will need the appropriate serveware. This includes a cake stand, teapot, sugar pot, cream jug, teacups, and enough cake plates to go around all your guests. We’d also recommend having cake spoons and cake forks available. If you’re serving cream tea, then a tea for two set, along with tea plates and cake forks, will do the trick.
To add a twist to either of these occasions, simply switch out your tea leaves for your favourite cocktail recipe. We like to stay on theme and have a tea-based cocktail that works perfectly served over ice.
How to make a teapot cocktail
Ingredients:
200ml London Dry Gin or non-alcoholic gin alternative
1 ½ lemon squeezed, plus extra slices for serving
250ml cooled earl grey tea (brew in a teapot for 5 minutes)
50ml sugar syrup – available to buy from the supermarket or make own using method below
6-7 dried Lavender flower petals
Ice cubes
Method:
1. Add lots of ice cubes to your teapot
2. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker loaded with ice. If making your own sugar syrup, dissolve 2 parts sugar to 1 part boiling water in a pan. Lower the heat, cover and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat, leave to cool completely and thicken. Use as needed.
3. Shake mix vigorously and pour into the teapot.
To serve:
Place two ice cubes and a slice of lemon in a teacup. Pour the gin cocktail into the cup from the teapot and enjoy!
Inspired? Shop our favourite Spode tea sets and enjoy your favourite cocktail in style this summer.