NATURAL DARJEELING ORTHODOX BLACK LEAF TEA

Thyme Tea Soda

Ingredients:

For the Soda:
Ice, as needed; 2 tbsp tea thyme syrup; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Sparkling water, cold, as needed; Sprig of fresh thyme or a lemon wedge, for garnish

For the Tea Thyme Syrup:
1 cup water; 1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar; 6 tsp Darjeeling black leaf tea; 1-2 tsp dried thyme; ½ inch cinnamon stick broken

For the syrup:

Instructions:

• Combine water with sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to boil on high heat while stirring occasionally. Boil for 30 to 60 seconds or until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.

• Add the tea leaves to steep with cinnamon, and thyme. Cover and allow it to come to room temperature.

• Strain through a mesh trainer extracting as much syrup as possible. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

For the soda:

Instructions:

• Fill a 12-ounce glass halfway with ice. Add the tea thyme syrup and lemon juice. Top the rest of the glass with sparkling soda water and stir gently to combine.

• Garnish with a sprig of thyme or lemon wedge.