Creative Ways to Use Brewed Teas in Cooking and Cocktails

Santa Monica, CA, with its vibrant culinary culture and oceanic charm, is the perfect place to experiment with unique food and drink innovations. Among the versatile ingredients finding a home in both cooking and mixology is brewed tea.

Beyond its traditional role as a comforting beverage, tea offers a spectrum of flavors that can elevate dishes and cocktails to extraordinary levels. From smoky Lapsang Souchong to floral jasmine, tea can be the secret ingredient that sets your culinary creations apart. Let’s explore creative ways to incorporate brewed teas into your recipes and cocktails.

1. Tea-Infused Marinades and Rubs

Tea’s complex flavors make it an exceptional base for marinades and dry rubs, especially in Santa Monica’s health-conscious and adventurous dining scene. For marinades, black teas such as Darjeeling or Assam provide a robust base for meats like chicken, pork, or beef. Brew the tea strong, mix it with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey or brown sugar, and let the protein soak overnight. The tannins in the tea act as a tenderizer, while the flavors seep into the meat for a delightful depth.

For a lighter twist, green tea or white tea pairs wonderfully with fish or tofu. Try mixing brewed green tea with miso paste, grated ginger, and sesame oil for a savory marinade that’s rich in umami. Alternatively, use powdered matcha for a dry rub that adds both a vivid green hue and a grassy, earthy flavor to grilled items a showstopper for your next cookout by the beach.

2. Baking with Tea

Incorporating tea into baked goods has become a trend in the artisanal bakeries of Santa Monica, and for good reason. The subtle yet distinct flavors of tea can elevate desserts like cakes, cookies, and pastries. Earl Grey tea, with its hints of bergamot, is particularly suited for baking. Infuse cream with Earl Grey to create a luscious custard or use brewed tea to replace water or milk in recipes for a sophisticated twist.

For a local Californian vibe, consider blending matcha or hojicha into baked treats. Matcha’s vibrant color and antioxidant properties make it a favorite for macarons, muffins, and shortbread cookies. Hojicha, a roasted green tea, offers a nuttier, less bitter flavor that complements warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for cookies or pound cakes. Pair these creations with Santa Monica’s abundant farmers’ market fruits for a dessert that’s both unique and grounded in local flavors.

3. Tea-Based Soups and Sauces

Tea can serve as a surprising yet effective base for soups and sauces, offering layers of complexity. In Santa Monica, where healthful and innovative cuisine thrives, tea-based broths are an exciting option. Use smoky Lapsang Souchong as a base for ramen or pho, giving the dish a deep, umami-rich flavor. For lighter soups, jasmine tea or chamomile tea can provide delicate floral notes that pair beautifully with vegetable or chicken-based soups.

Tea also works wonderfully in sauces. Reduce brewed black tea with honey, soy sauce, and ginger to create a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats. Alternatively, incorporate green tea into vinaigrettes for salads, mixing it with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. These tea-infused additions not only enhance flavor but also introduce the health benefits of tea into everyday dishes.

4. Cocktails with a Tea Twist

Santa Monica’s nightlife and beachside cocktail bars are always on the lookout for fresh, inventive flavors, and tea fits the bill perfectly. Brewed tea brings an aromatic and flavorful dimension to cocktails, whether iced, hot, or shaken. Black teas like Earl Grey pair seamlessly with bourbon or whiskey, while green teas complement light spirits such as vodka or gin. Add a splash of fresh citrus juice, a drizzle of honey, and your choice of tea, and you’ve got a balanced, refreshing drink.

For a more exotic approach, use chai tea as a base for creamy cocktails. Combine chilled chai with rum or brandy, a touch of vanilla syrup, and crushed ice for a spiced indulgence. If you’re aiming for a non-alcoholic option, tea spritzers are a fantastic choice. Brew your favorite tea, chill it, and mix with soda water, a hint of fruit syrup, and fresh herbs for a bubbly mocktail.

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5. Tea-Infused Ice Creams and Sorbets

Santa Monica’s sunny weather makes frozen desserts a year-round delight, and tea-infused ice creams or sorbets are a refreshing way to cool off. Earl Grey ice cream, with its citrusy and floral undertones, is a sophisticated alternative to classic vanilla. Simply steep tea in your cream or milk before churning, and you’ll capture its delicate essence.

For a lighter option, green tea sorbet is both a palate cleanser and a delicious dessert. Brew green tea and mix it with sugar, lime juice, and a touch of mint before freezing. Alternatively, try fruity herbal teas like hibiscus or berry blends for vibrant, tangy sorbets. These pair beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey and make for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert.

6. Elevate Everyday Beverages

Of course, tea isn’t limited to complex recipes it can transform your everyday drinks into works of art. In Santa Monica’s health-focused cafés, tea lattes have gained popularity. Brew a strong cup of your favorite tea and blend it with steamed milk or a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a cozy finish.

Iced teas, a staple of California’s warm climate, can be upgraded with fresh fruits and herbs. Combine hibiscus tea with muddled raspberries and mint, or mix black tea with peach slices and a hint of vanilla. These simple, refreshing beverages are easy to make at home and perfectly complement Santa Monica’s laid-back vibe.

Our Take

Santa Monica, with its blend of beachside relaxation and innovative culinary energy, is the ideal place to explore the creative potential of brewed teas. Whether you’re infusing baked goods, crafting bold cocktails, or creating aromatic soups, tea provides endless opportunities to experiment and impress. As you dive into the world of tea-based recipes, you’ll not only delight your taste buds but also embrace an ingredient steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor.

So, get brewing and let the versatility of tea transform your cooking and cocktail-making endeavors. With its ability to enhance both sweet and savory dishes, tea promises to be a standout star in your kitchen or at your next gathering.