Plum Blossom Shrub
Photographer and recipe developer Gabriel Cabrera recently discovered that there is a tea made from the blossoms of the plum tree—and the taste of it totally blew his mind. It has this mellow, sweet amaretto note and just a touch of bitterness. As well, each version—hot, room temp and iced—yields such a different taste. This recipe turns the blossoms into a drink that is part shrub, part aperitivo.
Equipment
- mixing glass
- cocktail glass
Ingredients
Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea
- 2 tbsp plum blossom tea leaves
- ½ cup hot water
Mocktail
- ice
- ⅓ cup apple cider cold
- ¼ cup Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea cold
- 1 tsp port vinegar or sherry vinegar
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters or other aromatic bitters
- splash sparkling water optional
- fresh plum slice for garnish
Instructions
Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea
- Place tea leaves in hot water and let steep for at least 15 minutes. Let cool, then strain. Save leftover tea for another mocktail; it will keep in fridge for up to 1 week.
Mocktail
- In glass with ice, add apple cider, Super-Steeped Plum Blossom Tea, vinegar and bitters and stir to combine.
- Strain into glass and add splash of sparkling water (if using). Garnish with plum slice and serve.
Notes
Tip: You can find plum blossom tea in specialty tea stores or online.