17 Tea Cocktails for Cozy Nights In
Look, I get it. You’re scrolling through another endless list of fancy drinks that require seventeen ingredients you don’t have and a bartending degree you’ll never get. But here’s the thing about tea cocktails—they’re actually doable. Like, legitimately easy enough to make on a Tuesday night when you just want something warm, boozy, and interesting without turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab.
Tea cocktails hit differently than your standard mixed drinks. They’ve got this cozy sophistication that makes you feel like you’re doing something special, even if you’re just lounging in sweatpants. Plus, and this is the kicker, tea brings genuine health benefits to the party—antioxidants, polyphenols, all that good stuff that makes you feel slightly less guilty about the alcohol situation.
I’ve been messing around with tea cocktails for a while now, and I’ve landed on seventeen that actually deliver. No pretentious garnishes that require a trip to three specialty stores. No “just muddle these fresh kumquats” nonsense. Just solid, warming drinks that make staying in feel like a choice, not a compromise.
Why Tea Actually Belongs in Your Cocktails
Before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about why this works. Tea isn’t just a filler ingredient—it genuinely transforms cocktails in ways that surprised me when I first started experimenting.
First off, there’s the flavor complexity. Different teas contain varying levels of antioxidants and compounds that create layers of taste you can’t get from standard mixers. Black tea brings this malty, slightly bitter depth. Green tea adds a grassy, clean finish. Herbal teas? They’re basically a flavor playground.
Then there’s the practical side. Tea-based cocktails tend to be less sugar-heavy than typical mixed drinks. You’re getting actual flavor from the tea itself rather than drowning everything in simple syrup. I use this electric kettle to get my water to the perfect temperature—different teas need different heat levels, and honestly, it makes a difference.
The caffeine factor is interesting too. Most of these cocktails have some caffeine kick from the tea, which means they’re perfect for those evenings when you want to relax but not completely crash. Though FYI, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, maybe stick to the herbal tea versions or enjoy these earlier in the evening.
Speaking of creative coffee combinations, you might also enjoy these delicious coffee cocktails that blend caffeine and spirits in equally interesting ways.
The Essential Tools You Actually Need
You don’t need a fully stocked bar to make great tea cocktails. Here’s what I actually use:
- A good tea infuser or strainer – I’m obsessed with this fine-mesh tea strainer because it catches all the little bits that would otherwise float in your drink
- A cocktail shaker – Any basic shaker works, but this Boston shaker set has held up through countless drinks
- A measuring jigger – Eyeballing works until it doesn’t
- A muddler – For smashing herbs and releasing oils
- Quality glasses – I use these coupe glasses for most tea cocktails because they look elegant without being fussy
That’s honestly it. Everything else is optional. Though I will say, having these large ice cube molds upgraded my cocktail game significantly. Bigger ice melts slower, which means your drink doesn’t get watery halfway through.
Variable Temperature Electric Kettle
This is hands-down the most useful tool in my tea cocktail arsenal. Different teas need different temperatures—green tea at 175°F, black tea at 212°F, white tea somewhere in between. This kettle takes the guesswork out completely.
- 6 preset temperature settings for every tea type
- Keep-warm function holds temp for 30 minutes
- Fast boiling—ready in under 5 minutes
- Sleek design that doesn’t scream “kitchen appliance”
Why I love it: No more bitter green tea or weak black tea. Just perfect brews every single time. Worth every penny if you’re serious about tea cocktails.
Check Current Price17 Tea Cocktails Worth Making Tonight
1. Classic Earl Grey Martini
This is where most people start with tea cocktails, and for good reason. Earl Grey’s bergamot flavor plays incredibly well with gin or vodka. Steep two Earl Grey bags in two ounces of hot water for five minutes, let it cool completely, then shake with two ounces of gin, half an ounce of simple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice.
The result? Sophisticated without being stuffy. It’s what I make when I want to feel like I have my life together. Get Full Recipe
2. Chai Hot Toddy
Hot toddies are already perfect cold-weather drinks, but adding chai tea takes them to another level. The warming spices in chai—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves—complement whiskey in this almost magical way.
Brew a strong cup of chai, add two ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey, a tablespoon of honey, and a squeeze of lemon. That’s it. I make this constantly from October through March, and I’m not even slightly sorry about it. Get Full Recipe
“I tried the chai hot toddy recipe last winter when I had a cold, and honestly, I’m not sure if it cured me or I just stopped caring about being sick. Either way, it’s become my go-to winter drink.” – Michelle K., Seattle
3. Green Tea Mojito
Mojitos are refreshing, but they can be aggressively sweet. Swapping the soda water for chilled green tea cuts the sweetness while adding a subtle earthy note that makes the mint pop even more.
Muddle mint leaves with lime and a touch of agave syrup, add white rum, top with cold-brewed green tea, and pile on the ice. I prep batches of cold-brewed green tea in this glass pitcher and keep it in the fridge all summer. Get Full Recipe
4. Chamomile Gin Fizz
Chamomile brings this gentle, floral sweetness that’s perfect for gin. Plus, chamomile has natural calming properties, so this is basically a cocktail that helps you relax. At least that’s what I tell myself.
Shake gin with chamomile tea syrup (honey simple syrup infused with chamomile), lemon juice, and an egg white if you’re feeling fancy. Top with soda water. The egg white gives it this beautiful foam that makes it look way more complicated than it actually is. Get Full Recipe
5. Oolong Old Fashioned
Old Fashioneds are already perfect—why mess with them? Because oolong tea adds this toasty, slightly nutty complexity that makes whiskey taste even better, that’s why. Research shows that oolong tea contains unique compounds that fall between green and black tea in terms of oxidation.
Make an oolong simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and strongly brewed oolong tea. Use that instead of regular simple syrup in your Old Fashioned. Muddle it with bitters, add bourbon or rye, serve over one large ice cube. It’s subtle but noticeable, and honestly, I might prefer it to the original. Get Full Recipe
If you’re into exploring unique flavor combinations in drinks, these warming coffee drinks offer similar cozy vibes with different caffeine profiles.
Professional Cocktail Shaker Set
I went through three cheap shakers before investing in this one. The difference is ridiculous. Tea cocktails need proper shaking to integrate the flavors, and this Boston-style set makes it effortless.
- Weighted shaker tins that seal perfectly every time
- Built-in strainer catches all tea leaves and ice chips
- Professional 18oz and 28oz sizes for single or batch cocktails
- Dishwasher safe and won’t dent or leak
Real talk: You don’t need fancy bar tools for most things, but a good shaker is non-negotiable. This one’s lasted me two years of heavy use without a single leak.
Check Current Price6. Jasmine Tea Margarita
I know what you’re thinking. Tea and tequila? Trust me on this one. Jasmine tea’s floral notes cut through tequila’s intensity in the best way possible. It’s like the drink equivalent of finding out two people you never expected to get along are actually best friends.
Cold-brew jasmine tea overnight, then use it in place of water in your margarita mix. Two ounces tequila, one ounce lime juice, half an ounce agave syrup, topped with the jasmine tea. Rim the glass with salt if you’re traditional, or try a lime-sugar combo if you’re not. Get Full Recipe
7. Rooibos Rum Punch
Rooibos is naturally sweet with this vanilla-ish, honey-like thing happening. It’s also caffeine-free, which makes it perfect for evening cocktails when you actually want to sleep later. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants without any of the bitterness that sometimes comes with green or black tea.
Steep rooibos tea strong, let it cool, then mix with dark rum, pineapple juice, a splash of lime, and a dash of aromatic bitters. The pineapple plays beautifully with rooibos’s natural sweetness. I batch this for parties using this large drink dispenser and people lose their minds over it. Get Full Recipe
8. Matcha White Russian
This is admittedly a little weird, but hear me out. The earthiness of matcha works surprisingly well with the coffee liqueur in a White Russian. Plus, you get that gorgeous green color that makes the drink feel special.
Whisk a teaspoon of matcha powder with an ounce of hot water until smooth, let it cool, then mix with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Serve over ice. The matcha needs to be completely smooth—I use this electric milk frother which works perfectly for mixing matcha without clumps. Get Full Recipe
For more quick and creative drink ideas, check out these simple three-ingredient coffee drinks that prove you don’t need complexity to make something delicious.
9. Hibiscus Margarita
Hibiscus tea is tart, slightly cranberry-like, and turns this amazing deep red color when you brew it. It makes margaritas that look like they came from a fancy cocktail bar but taste way better than most fancy cocktail bars manage.
Brew hibiscus tea strong and let it cool. Combine with tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. The tea’s natural tartness means you need less lime than usual, and it pairs perfectly with tequila’s agave notes. This is my summer patio drink, full stop. Get Full Recipe
10. English Breakfast with Bourbon
Sometimes the best combinations are the obvious ones nobody bothers to try. English Breakfast tea and bourbon? Basically made for each other. The tea’s malty robustness stands up to bourbon’s intensity without getting lost.
Brew strong English Breakfast tea, add two ounces of bourbon, honey to taste, and a cinnamon stick. Serve hot. This is what I drink when I want the hot toddy vibe but with more backbone. The cinnamon stick isn’t just garnish—let it steep in there for a minute. Get Full Recipe
11. Peach White Tea Sangria
White tea is delicate and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for sangria. It doesn’t compete with the fruit like a stronger tea would.
Cold-brew white tea overnight. Mix with white wine, peach schnapps, sliced peaches, and fresh mint. Let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours—overnight is better. The flavors meld together into something that tastes way more sophisticated than the effort involved. I keep this glass sangria pitcher specifically for this recipe. Get Full Recipe
“Made the peach white tea sangria for a girls’ night and it was gone in twenty minutes. Had to make a second batch. Even my friend who ‘doesn’t like sangria’ went back for thirds.” – Jessica R., Austin
12. Lapsang Souchong Whiskey Sour
Lapsang Souchong is this intensely smoky Chinese black tea that tastes like a campfire in the best way. It’s an acquired taste on its own, but in a whiskey sour? Absolute magic. The smokiness amplifies the whiskey while the lemon juice balances everything out.
Make a Lapsang Souchong simple syrup, then use it in a standard whiskey sour: whiskey, lemon juice, syrup, egg white if you want the foam. The smokiness comes through as a subtle background note rather than overwhelming everything. Get Full Recipe
Speaking of breakfast-inspired drinks, these breakfast coffee pairings might give you ideas for morning and brunch cocktails too.
13. Mint Tea Moscow Mule
Moscow Mules are already refreshing, but adding fresh mint tea instead of plain ginger beer creates this layered minty situation that’s legitimately addictive. The mint from the tea is gentler and more complex than just muddling fresh mint.
Brew mint tea strong and chill it completely. Mix vodka with lime juice, add your mint tea concentrate, and top with ginger beer. Serve in the traditional copper mug if you have one—they really do keep the drink colder. I found these copper mugs for way cheaper than you’d expect and they’re perfect. Get Full Recipe
14. Spiced Rum and Chai Cream
This is basically adult chocolate milk, except it’s chai tea and rum. It’s creamy, spicy, slightly sweet, and dangerous because it goes down way too easily.
Brew chai tea with milk instead of water, let it cool, then blend with spiced rum, a touch of honey, and ice. The milk in the tea makes it naturally creamy without needing to add cream. It’s rich enough to be a dessert drink but not so heavy that you can’t have a second one. Get Full Recipe
15. Genmaicha Sake Cocktail
Genmaicha is Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice, and it has this toasty, nutty flavor that’s incredibly comforting. Mixed with sake, it creates something that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Cold-brew genmaicha, mix with sake, a splash of yuzu juice (or lemon if you can’t find yuzu), and simple syrup. Serve chilled or slightly warm. This is my favorite drink for when I want something different but not too out there. Get Full Recipe
For more internationally inspired beverages that bring interesting flavors to simple recipes, explore these beginner-friendly coffee drinks from various traditions.
16. Darjeeling and Dry Vermouth
Darjeeling has this floral, almost muscatel grape-like quality that pairs beautifully with dry vermouth. It’s light, aromatic, and honestly perfect for people who want a cocktail but don’t want something heavy.
Brew Darjeeling tea strong, chill it, then mix equal parts tea and dry vermouth with a splash of gin. Add a lemon twist. It’s delicate but interesting, and lower in alcohol than most cocktails, which makes it perfect for weeknight sipping. Get Full Recipe
17. Thai Tea and Coconut Rum
Thai tea is that bright orange, sweet, creamy tea you get at Thai restaurants. Making it at home is surprisingly easy, and mixing it with coconut rum creates this tropical, vacation-feeling drink that makes staying home feel like a choice.
Brew Thai tea according to package directions (it’s usually that loose orange tea), let it cool, mix with coconut rum and a splash of condensed milk. Shake with ice and strain. It’s sweet, creamy, and reminds me of beach vacations I can’t currently afford. Get Full Recipe
Premium Loose Leaf Tea Sampler Set
This sampler changed how I approach tea cocktails. Instead of buying full containers of tea you might not like, this gives you variety packs of the essential types—Earl Grey, chamomile, oolong, jasmine, chai, and more.
- 12 different premium tea varieties in cocktail-ready portions
- Includes tasting notes and brewing temperature guides
- Resealable pouches keep tea fresh for months
- Perfect for experimenting without commitment
My experience: I discovered my love for Lapsang Souchong cocktails through this sampler. Would’ve never bought a full tin otherwise. Now it’s a staple in my bar.
Check Current PriceThe Science Behind Tea and Alcohol
Okay, quick detour into the nerdy stuff because it’s actually interesting. When you mix tea with alcohol, you’re not just combining flavors—there’s some chemistry happening that makes these drinks more than the sum of their parts.
Tea contains powerful polyphenols and antioxidants that have documented health benefits. Obviously, adding alcohol complicates the health equation, but some research suggests that tea’s compounds might actually help mitigate some of alcohol’s less pleasant effects.
The tannins in tea can affect how you perceive alcohol’s burn. Black tea especially has tannins that create this slight drying sensation in your mouth, which can make spirits taste smoother. It’s why whiskey and black tea get along so well—the tannins in both work together rather than competing.
Then there’s the caffeine situation. Most tea cocktails contain some caffeine, which creates this interesting alert-but-relaxed feeling. You get the social lubricant effect of alcohol without the immediate sleepiness. Just be aware of your limits—caffeinated alcohol can make it harder to gauge how drunk you actually are.
Tips for Better Tea Cocktails
After making approximately one million tea cocktails (okay, maybe several dozen), I’ve learned some things that actually matter:
Temperature matters more than you think. Different teas need different water temperatures. Green tea gets bitter if you use boiling water. Black tea needs that full boil. White tea wants something in between. I use this variable-temperature kettle and it genuinely makes a difference.
Steep time is crucial. Over-steeping makes tea bitter and astringent. Under-steeping means your cocktail will taste weak. Set a timer. I’m serious. The difference between a four-minute steep and a six-minute steep can make or break the drink.
Quality tea actually matters. You don’t need fancy loose-leaf imported-from-a-monastery tea, but you also shouldn’t use that box of tea bags that’s been in your pantry since 2019. Fresh, decent-quality tea makes noticeably better cocktails. I buy mine from this online tea shop and the difference is real.
Cold-brewing is your friend. For summer cocktails especially, cold-brewed tea has this smooth, mellow flavor without any of the bitterness you sometimes get from hot-brewed tea. Just put tea in cold water and stick it in the fridge overnight. Zero effort, maximum results.
Dilution is not the enemy. Some cocktail purists freak out about ice melting, but tea cocktails actually benefit from a bit of dilution. The water opens up the flavors and makes everything more balanced. Don’t stress about it.
Pairing Tea Cocktails with Food
Tea cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re legitimately good with food. The tea adds complexity that works with meals in ways that standard cocktails sometimes don’t.
The Earl Grey Martini pairs beautifully with seafood. Something about the bergamot enhances lighter proteins without overwhelming them. I’ve served this with salmon and gotten actual compliments.
Chai-based cocktails go perfectly with spicy food. The warming spices in chai complement curry, Thai food, or anything with heat. The cream in some chai drinks also helps cool down spice in your mouth.
Green tea cocktails work well with sushi or other Japanese food, obviously, but they’re also great with salads and lighter fare. The grassy, clean flavor doesn’t compete with delicate ingredients.
The Lapsang Souchong Whiskey Sour is incredible with barbecue or smoked meats. Smoke plus smoke equals flavor magic apparently. Who knew?
For more pairing inspiration, these coffee and breakfast pairings use similar principles of matching beverage intensity with food richness.
Making Tea Cocktails for a Crowd
Here’s the thing about tea cocktails—they batch really well, which makes them perfect for entertaining. Most of the work happens before guests arrive, and you’re not stuck playing bartender all night.
For parties, I usually make two or three large-format tea cocktails and set them up in drink dispensers. The Rooibos Rum Punch and Peach White Tea Sangria are my go-tos because they’re crowd-pleasers and they actually get better as they sit.
Brew your tea bases the night before and store them in the fridge. The morning of the party, mix everything except ice and carbonated ingredients. Keep it chilled. Right before guests arrive, add ice and any bubbly components.
Set up a garnish station with lemon wheels, fresh herbs, and cinnamon sticks. Let people customize their drinks. It looks impressive but requires zero effort from you during the actual party. I use these small serving bowls for garnishes and they’re perfect.
IMO, tea cocktails are actually better for entertaining than standard mixed drinks because they feel special without being fussy. Nobody expects tea cocktails, which makes them memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tea cocktails without alcohol?
Absolutely. Just omit the spirits and increase the tea concentration slightly. Add sparkling water or ginger beer for complexity. Most of these recipes work beautifully as mocktails—the tea provides enough flavor that you won’t miss the alcohol. The Hibiscus Margarita and Chai Hot Toddy are particularly good alcohol-free.
How long does brewed tea last for cocktails?
Brewed tea stays fresh in the fridge for about five to seven days. After that, it starts losing flavor and can develop off tastes. I recommend brewing in smaller batches rather than making a huge amount. Cold-brewed tea tends to last a day or two longer than hot-brewed tea. Always store it in an airtight container or mason jar.
What’s the best tea for cocktail beginners?
Start with Earl Grey or chamomile. Both are forgiving and pair easily with multiple spirits. Earl Grey works with gin, vodka, and whiskey, while chamomile goes well with gin and light rum. They’re also teas most people already have at home, so you don’t need to invest in specialty ingredients right away.
Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?
Yes, tea bags work perfectly fine for cocktails. You’ll typically want to use two tea bags where a recipe calls for one tablespoon of loose leaf tea. The main advantage of loose leaf is you can control strength more precisely, but quality tea bags deliver great results too. Just make sure they’re fresh.
Do tea cocktails need special equipment?
Not really. A basic cocktail shaker, a strainer, and a way to brew tea are all you need. Most of these recipes use standard bar tools you might already have. The only specialized item worth considering is a variable-temperature kettle if you plan to make lots of tea cocktails, but even that’s optional.
Final Thoughts
Tea cocktails aren’t just a trendy thing that’ll be gone next season. They’re legitimately good drinks that happen to be easier to make than most people think. You don’t need fancy equipment, obscure ingredients, or bartending skills. You just need tea, some decent spirits, and the willingness to try something slightly different.
What I love most about these drinks is how they make staying home feel intentional rather than default. They’re cozy without being boring, sophisticated without being pretentious, and interesting without being complicated. Plus, you can tell yourself the tea makes them healthier, which may or may not be true but definitely doesn’t hurt.
Start with one or two that sound appealing. Maybe the Chai Hot Toddy if it’s cold outside, or the Green Tea Mojito if you want something refreshing. You’ll figure out pretty quickly which flavor profiles work for you, and then you can start experimenting from there.
The point isn’t to become a tea cocktail expert. The point is to have something warm, interesting, and homemade that makes your Tuesday night feel a little more special. And honestly? These seventeen recipes deliver on that better than anything else I’ve tried.
