Are you looking for a quick, refreshing, and flavorful drink to brighten your day or spice up your next gathering? Look no further! This Mexican Tea Shot recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with zesty citrus and warming spices, and delivers a delightful kick that's perfect for any occasion. It's the ideal blend of sweet, tart, and spicy, making it a delicious and unique addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Tequila or Mezcal (optional, for an alcoholic version)
Instructions:
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Combine and Simmer: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, lime juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Reduce and Steep: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse and create a rich, aromatic tea. The longer you simmer, the stronger the flavor will be.
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Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tea cool slightly. Once it’s manageable to handle, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher or jar, discarding the solids. This step ensures a smooth and delicious drink free from spice bits.
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Chill (Optional): For a refreshing chilled tea shot, refrigerate the strained tea for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step enhances the flavors and creates a delightful contrast between the cold drink and the warming spices.
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Serve: Pour the chilled Mexican Tea into small shot glasses. If desired, garnish with an orange slice. For an alcoholic version, add a shot of tequila or mezcal to each glass.
Tips for the Best Mexican Tea Shots:
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the tea after it has cooled and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink, or use a sugar substitute for a healthier alternative.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the simmering tea.
- Experiment with citrus: Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit. A combination of lime and orange is particularly delicious.
- Make it ahead: This tea can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Variations:
- Spicy Mexican Tea Shot: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat.
- Fruity Mexican Tea Shot: Add some muddled berries or a splash of your favorite fruit juice for a sweeter and fruitier twist.
- Non-alcoholic version: Simply omit the tequila or mezcal for a refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic option, perfect for all ages.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without alcohol):
This recipe provides approximate nutritional information and may vary slightly depending on the ingredients used. This is a rough estimate for a single shot serving without alcohol.
- Calories: Approximately 50-70
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 12-18g
This Mexican Tea Shot recipe is a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking. It's a delightful and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and healthy beverage as a delightful treat or a refreshing addition to your next gathering. It's one of the best recipes for a quick and flavorful drink that’s sure to become a favorite.