A taste of tea and flower petal infused White Port was the way that we greeted our Afternoon Tea guests at the Park Plaza for years. The flowers, tea and herbs would vary, but this one was my favorite, so we came back to it time and time again.
The tannins of the tea added a touch of depth, and balanced the sweetness of the White Port beautifully, while the added aromatics and complexity from the floral were a lovely touch. I particularly enjoyed the hint of spice at the end that the black tea and lavender provided. I used Dow’s Fine White Porto, an excellent value, which I felt was greatly enhanced by the additions.
White Port with Black Tea, Lavender and Rose Petals
Infusing white port with the subtle flavors of black tea, lavender, and rose creates a magical spirit with an intoxicatingly enticing fragrance. This is a truly unique and remarkable creation that you and your guests are sure to love.
Yield: 1 bottle
Cost: $25
Equipment
- 1 Non-reactive container Glass, plastic or ceramic work best
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer Or cheesecloth
Materials
- 1 bottle White Port Dow's Fine White Porto works well
- 3/4 ounce black tea Full bodied Chinese black tea leaves
- 2 tablespoons Dried lavender culinary grade
- 1/4 cup dried rose petals culinary grade
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a non-reactive container. Allow to infuse at room temperature around 25 to 30 minutes. Taste, and allow to continue infusing to taste.
- Strain well through multiple layers of cheese cloth, coffee or tea filters. Store at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Since this Port is typically enjoyed straight, this is an example of a subtly infused spirit. If it was intended as an ingredient in a mixed cocktail, you would often infuse the tea and flower petals more dominantly.
