72 NOVEMBER 2019
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Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz
ACTIVE 15 MIN; TOTAL 2 HR 35 MIN,
INCLUDING 2 HR CHILLING
SERVES 12Honey simple syrup is even easier to
make than simple syrup: Just whisk
together honey and water until well
combined. Its sweetness helps to
soften the tannins in this herba-
ceous, tea-infused cocktail.1 (750-ml.) bottle aquavit
1 (3-inch) lemon peel strip
(from 1 lemon)
2 Tbsp. Earl Grey tea leaves(^3) / 4 cup fresh lemon juice
(^3) / 4 cup honey simple syrup
(^1) / 2 cup water
8 dashes pear bitters (such as
Dillon’s)
1 (750-ml.) bottle sparkling
wine (such as brut Cava or
Champagne) or club soda
Lemon and pear slices
- Stir together aquavit, lemon peel
strip, and tea leaves in bowl or large
glass measuring cup. Let stand,
uncovered, at room temperature 20
minutes. Pour mixture through a
fine wire-mesh strainer into another
large measuring cup or bowl; dis-
card solids. Repeat straining proce-
dure. Store in airtight container at
room temperature up to 3 months. - Add 2 cups Earl Grey–infused
aquavit to a pitcher. (Reserve
remaining infused aquavit for
another use). Stir in lemon juice,
honey simple syrup,^1 / 2 cup water,
and bitters. Refrigerate until chilled,
2 hours or up to overnight. Just
before serving, stir in sparkling wine
or club soda. Serve over crushed
ice in rocks glasses. Garnish serv-
ings with lemon and pear slices.
MAKE AHEAD Earl Grey–infused
aquavit can be made 3 months in
advance.
NOTE Aquavit is a Scandinavian
liquor flavored with caraway seeds.