Summer is the season for refreshing drinks, garden parties, and bold flavours—but why stick to the same tired mixers when premium tea can transform your cocktail game? At JP's Originals, we've created teas that don't just taste exceptional on their own; they make extraordinary base ingredients for summer cocktails that feel both sophisticated and genuinely delicious.
Earl Grey Martini
The Classic Reinvented
Earl Grey's floral bergamot notes are made for a martini. The tea's complexity adds depth that standard spirits alone can't deliver.
Recipe:
- 50ml gin (or vodka)
- 25ml dry vermouth
- 1 cold JP’s Originals Earl Grey pyramid (steeped for 2 minutes, cooled)
- Splash of the brewed tea (roughly 15ml)
- Twist of lemon peel
Brew your Earl Grey, let it cool completely, then strain. Combine spirits, vermouth, and chilled tea, stir over ice, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and float a thin slice of candied citrus.
The bergamot creates a sophisticated aromatics layer that makes this martini feel elevated—and the tea's natural antioxidants are a subtle nod to wellness (not that we're keeping score).
Rooibos & Rum Punch
Fruity, Warming, Utterly Refreshing
Rooibos brings natural sweetness and a warm, earthy character that pairs beautifully with dark rum. This is your go-to for group gatherings—batch it ahead and serve over ice.
Recipe (serves 4):
- 4 JP’s Originals Real Rooibos pyramids
- 400ml hot water
- 200ml dark rum
- 100ml fresh lime juice
- 50ml honey or agave syrup
- Fresh mint and lime wheels for garnish
- Ice
Steep the Rooibos for 4 minutes, then cool completely. Mix with rum, lime juice, and honey. Serve over ice in tall glasses with mint and a lime wheel. The Rooibos's naturally caffeine-free profile means your guests can enjoy these into the evening without the jitters.
Matcha Supreme Fizz
Green, Energetic, Vibrant
Matcha Supreme brings vibrant colour and a clean, earthy finish. This cocktail is perfect for Sunday brunches or early evening aperitifs.
Recipe:
- 1 tsp JP’s Originals Matcha Supreme powder
- 50ml vodka or sake
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 20ml honey syrup
- Top with prosecco or sparkling water
- Ice
Whisk the matcha powder with a little warm water until smooth (or use cooled brewed tea). Shake with vodka, lemon juice, honey, and ice, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with prosecco. The matcha's natural brightness cuts through the alcohol beautifully, and the colour is stunning.
Pro tip: Make a matcha honey syrup ahead—it keeps for two weeks and makes batch-making these a breeze.
English Breakfast Old Fashioned
Bold, Warming, Unexpected
Yes, really. English Breakfast's malty depth and subtle spice notes work brilliantly in an Old Fashioned. This one challenges perceptions and delivers genuine flavour.
Recipe:
- 50ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp sugar)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Small splash of brewed JP’s Originals English Breakfast tea (cooled), roughly 10ml
- Orange peel and ice
Muddle the sugar and bitters in a rocks glass, add ice, then pour in the whiskey and a small amount of cooled English Breakfast tea. Stir well and express the oils from an orange peel over the top. The tea's malty undertones complement the whiskey perfectly, adding layers without overpowering it.
Sleep Deep Night Cap (Non-Alcoholic)
Because Not Every Summer Evening Needs Alcohol
Sleep Deep's blend of calming botanicals is perfect on its own, but warm milk and a touch of honey create the ultimate wind-down drink—and it's genuinely luxurious.
Recipe:
- 1 JP’s Originals Sleep Deep pyramid
- 250ml warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ tsp honey
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Optional: splash of bourbon or cognac for the boozy version
Steep the Sleep Deep tea for 3-4 minutes in warm milk. Stir in honey and a pinch of cinnamon. If you're adding spirits, a small splash of bourbon or cognac adds warmth without compromising the tea's calming properties.
This Summer, Try Something Different
Whether you're reaching for an Earl Grey Martini at sunset, mixing Rooibos punch for a garden gathering, or winding down with a Sleep Deep nightcap, JP's Originals teas bring something genuine to the glass.
No shortcuts. No compromise. Just exceptional tea, thoughtfully brewed.
Cheers to summer.