DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas: Part 2

More Botanical Mocktails for Tea Lovers

After the lovely response to our first set of cocktail-inspired herbal teas, I couldn’t resist mixing up a few more. These are playful, naturally caffeine-free, and full of garden-grown goodness – ideal for sunny days, garden parties, or a moment of calm on the sofa.

No alcohol. No caffeine. Just beautiful flavour.

DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas: Cherry Blossom Sour

Here are 5 more botanical blends you can brew at home, each inspired by a classic cocktail:

🍒 1. Cherry Blossom Sour

Bright, floral and slightly tangy

Inspired by: Whiskey Sour

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp hibiscus petals

• 1 tsp dried sour cherries or rosehip

• ½ tsp chamomile

• A little lemon zest

Brew it: Steep for 5–7 minutes. Sweeten to taste and serve warm or chilled, garnished with a lemon twist.

🍍 2. Pineapple Sage Fizz

Tropical and green with a herby lift

Inspired by: Pineapple Daiquiri

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp dried pineapple or a few chunks of fresh

• ½ tsp dried sage

• ½ tsp lime peel

• Optional: spearmint for extra zing

Brew it: Infuse in hot water for 6 minutes, then chill. Serve over ice with a splash of soda water.

🥥 3. Coconut Rose Cooler

Creamy, soft, and floral

Inspired by: Piña Colada

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp dried rose petals

• 1 tbsp shredded coconut

• ½ tsp lemongrass

• A pinch of vanilla bean

Brew it: Steep in simmering water for 8 minutes. Chill and serve with coconut water or ice cubes for a mellow mocktail.

🍑 4. Peach & Basil Infusion

Juicy and uplifting with a peppery edge

Inspired by: Peach Basil Smash

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp dried peach (or peach blossom tea)

• ½ tsp dried basil or a few fresh leaves

• ½ tsp lemon balm

• Optional: a couple of pink peppercorns

Brew it: Steep for 5–6 minutes. Serve iced with a peach slice and a fresh basil leaf.

🍉 5. Watermelon & Mint Breeze

Light, refreshing, and gently tart

Inspired by: Watermelon Martini

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp hibiscus

• 1 tsp dried watermelon (or watermelon juice ice cubes)

• ½ tsp dried mint

• A pinch of lemon verbena

Brew it: Cold brew in water for a few hours, or steep and chill. Serve over ice with a wedge of watermelon.

Final Thought

These playful blends are a lovely way to add a bit of cocktail-hour joy to your everyday tea rituals. They also make brilliant gifts when packed into jars or tea bags, and they’re a fab non-alcoholic option for summer gatherings.

If you missed Part 1, you can catch up [here] . Or why not create a mini tasting menu for your next picnic or party?

DIY Cocktail-Inspired Herbal Teas: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I turn these blends into tea bags or gifts? Yes! Spoon your dried ingredients into empty paper or reusable tea bags. You can also package them in glass jars with handwritten labels – perfect for party favours or seasonal gifts.

2. Are these blends caffeine-free? These recipes are naturally caffeine-free, unless you add a base like green or white tea. They’re ideal for sipping any time of day.

3. How long can I store my dried blends? Please keep them in airtight containers, away from sunlight and moisture. They’ll stay fresh for 6–12 months, depending on the ingredients.

4. Can I brew these cold? Absolutely. Most of these blends work beautifully as cold brews. Add 1–2 tsp per cup of cold water and leave to infuse in the fridge for 4–8 hours.

5. Can I use fresh fruit or herbs instead of dried? Yes, fresh ingredients are lovely, especially in summer. Just be sure to use them straight away and adjust quantities (typically double the amount of fresh vs. dried).