The Russian Earl

---

Recipe Inspiration: Earl Grey tea is the most popular flavored tea in the world, so we just had to make a drink paying homage to this great beverage. Our Russian Earl Grey tea, used in this recipe, creates a twist on the traditional Earl Grey by adding hits of lemon and orange to the tea. That is what gives this beverage such a refreshing taste. This drink is perfect for those warm summer days by the pool, on the boat, or at the beach. 

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping teaspoon Driftwood Tea Company loose Russian Earl Grey tea or 1 Russian Earl Grey tea bag (substitute Earl Grey tea if Russian Earl Grey is not available)
• 8 ounces hot water (boiling) for steeping tea
• 2 ounces gin
• 3 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice or 2 ounces purchased orange juice 
• 1 slice of orange for garnish

Directions: 

• Heat 8 ounces of water to boil, remove from heat, add Russian Earl Grey tea bag (or 1 heaping teaspoon of Russian Earl Grey tea) to hot water. Let steep for 5 minutes. 
• After 5 minutes, remove tea bag (or strain loose tea) and put in refrigerator to cool. (Approximately 1 hour).

• In a shaker, add the following ingredients: 

1. 4 ounces Russian Earl Grey tea
2. 2 ounces gin
3. 3 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice or 2 ounces purchased orange juice 

Fill shaker with ice.

Put lid on shaker and shake for 30 seconds.

Fill glass with ice. 

Run orange slice around rim of glass.

Strain liquid from shaker into glass.

Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy.

*Recipe courtesy of The White Heron Tea & Gifts, with the assistance of Boulevard Beef & Ale.  Both are located in historic downtown New Port Richey, Florida