Too Much Time On My Hands

We first crafted this caffeine-free showstopper during the height of the pandemic, a time when social calendars were cleared and we had this STYX song on repeat in the tea lab.

Incorporating a homemade grenadine that’s both cleaner and more straight forward than the store-bought counterpart, this beverage looks best when layered to be hombre, but appreciates a good stir after preparation for optimal flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4oz Pacific Lemongrass Iced Tea concentrate*
• 4oz Sparkling water (we used Topo Chico)
• 1 ½ tsp Homemade grenadine**
• 1 tsp Simple syrup***
• Orange peel for garnish

Directions:

1. Add grenadine to Collins glass, then fill with ice.
2. Slowly layer the tea concentrate, simple syrup, and top with sparkling water so that there’s a gradation of color.
3. Garnish with an orange peel.

*For Pacific Lemongrass concentrate:

1. Bring spring or freshly drawn filtered water to a boil (212 degrees).
2. Steep 1 oversized sachet of Smith’s Pacific Lemongrass Iced Tea in 16oz of water for 5 minutes.
3. Remove tea and water back up to 16oz and let cool. Will make enough concentrate for 4 mocktails.

**For homemade grenadine:

1. In a nonstick or steel skillet combine 1 cup 100% pomegranate juice (we used POM Wonderful) and 1 cup Demerara sugar and set to medium heat.
2. Once you reach a stiff simmer, reduce the heat slightly and add the peel of one whole orange.
3. Simmer steadily for 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice a slight reduction of volume.
4. Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes.
5. Strain into a clean airtight jar and refrigerate for up to one month.

***For simple syrup:

1. Mix equal parts hot water and sweetener of choice until fully dissolved.
2. Let cool. 

Shop No.66 Pacific Lemongrass Iced Tea