Citrus-Spiced Holiday Tea with Rum
Indulge in the cozy flavors of our Citrus-Spiced Holiday Tea, a delightful concoction that perfectly balances the zesty brightness of fresh oranges and lemon with the warmth of rum. This mildly 'adult' beverage is ideal for festive gatherings, evoking a sense of nostalgia while inviting friends and family to savor the moment. It's a comforting way to unwind during chilly evenings, often accompanied by sweet Christmas cookies, making it a beloved tradition for many.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oranges
3 (washed, skins rubbed with sugar cubes)
Lemon
1 (washed, skins rubbed with sugar cubes)
Oranges (juice)
4-5 (juiced)
Sugar cubes
3.5 ounces (to taste)
Tea leaves
5 tablespoons (loose tea)
Rum
3-4 tablespoons (for mixing)
Water
4 cups (boiled)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly wash the oranges and lemon. Rub the sugar cubes over their skins to infuse the sugar with the citrus oils, then place the orange sugar in a bowl.
2
Juice 4 to 5 oranges and 1 lemon and pour their juices over the sugar. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the sugar, cover the bowl, and let it rest for at least one hour to meld the flavors.
3
Boil 4 cups of water and pour it over 5 tablespoons of tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain it to remove the leaves.
4
Combine the strained tea with the orange and lemon juice mixture, and stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of rum. Gently heat the tea mixture over low heat, being careful not to let it boil to preserve the delicate flavors.
5
Once warmed, pour the tea into a teapot for serving. This tea is best enjoyed hot, paired with festive Christmas cookies.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Spiced Holiday Tea with Rum?
It is a comforting beverage that balances the zesty brightness of fresh oranges and lemon with the warmth of rum, often enjoyed during the holiday season.
What are the main ingredients for this holiday tea?
The main ingredients include oranges, lemon, sugar cubes, loose tea leaves, rum, and water.
Is this beverage alcoholic?
Yes, it is described as a mildly adult beverage because it contains 3 to 4 tablespoons of rum.
Why are sugar cubes rubbed over the citrus skins?
Rubbing sugar cubes over the skins of the oranges and lemon infuses the sugar with the aromatic citrus oils for a deeper flavor.
How many oranges are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 oranges for rubbing with sugar cubes and an additional 4 to 5 oranges for juicing.
How much lemon is used?
The recipe calls for one lemon, which is both rubbed with sugar and then juiced.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe specifies 3.5 ounces of sugar cubes, adjusted to taste.
How long should the juice and sugar mixture rest?
The mixture should rest for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What type of tea is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of loose tea leaves.
How much water is needed to brew the tea?
You will need 4 cups of boiling water.
How long should the tea steep?
The tea leaves should steep in the boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Should the tea be strained?
Yes, the tea should be strained after steeping to remove the loose leaves.
When do I add the rum?
The rum is stirred into the mixture after the strained tea has been combined with the orange and lemon juice mixture.
How much rum should I add?
The recipe recommends adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of rum.
Can I boil the tea after adding the juices and rum?
No, you should gently heat the mixture over low heat and be careful not to let it boil to preserve the delicate flavors.
What is the best way to serve this tea?
It is best served hot in a teapot.
What food pairs well with Citrus-Spiced Holiday Tea?
It is traditionally paired with festive Christmas cookies.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Beverages.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is listed as providing 1 serving, though the volume of liquid suggests it can be shared.
Is this a seasonal drink?
Yes, it is specifically described as a holiday beverage ideal for festive gatherings and chilly evenings.
What is the preparation for the oranges used for juice?
The oranges should be juiced after 4 to 5 of them have been gathered.
What is the preparation for the tea leaves?
The loose tea leaves are prepared by steeping them in boiling water.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
No, the recipe does not provide specific values for calories, fat, carbohydrates, or protein.
Why must the citrus be washed thoroughly?
They must be washed because the sugar cubes are rubbed directly onto the skins to extract oils.
What does it mean to meld the flavors?
Melding the flavors refers to letting the ingredients sit together so their individual tastes combine into a harmonious whole.
Is this tea served cold or hot?
This tea is specifically intended to be served hot.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 distinct ingredients listed for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tea, beverage, citrus, holiday, rum, festive, christmas, warm drink, and seasonal.
Can this be prepared in a teapot?
Yes, once the mixture is warmed, it should be poured into a teapot for serving.
Is this tea suitable for a holiday party?
Yes, its description states it is ideal for festive gatherings and evoking a sense of nostalgia.