Iced Tamarind Orange Spritz with Smoked Black Tea and Basil
An original, refreshing, layered drink combining tamarind concentrate, fresh orange, smoked black tea, basil, and sparkling water for a balanced spritz with tangy, sweet, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
- 250 ml water (for infusionar the té)
- 8 g smoked black tea (tipo lapsang souchong or similar)
- 120 g tamarind pulp or concentrate (without semillas)
- 180 ml fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 g orange zest (solo the parte exterior)
- 45 ml agave syrup (ajustar to taste)
- 12 g fresh basil leaves (more extra for decorar)
- 1 g fine salt (realza the sabor)
- 500 ml chilled sparkling water (for terminar the bebida)
- 400 g ice (for servir)
- 8 g thin orange slices (for decorar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Heat the 250 ml water in a small saucepan until very hot but not boiling, about 195°F/90°C. Remove from the heat, add the smoked black tea, and steep for 4 minutes.
- 2
2. Strain the tea into a pitcher or bowl. While still warm, add the tamarind pulp or concentrate, agave syrup, orange zest, and fine salt. Stir until fully dissolved.
- 3
3. Add the fresh orange juice and let the drink base cool to room temperature for 10 minutes. To speed this up, place the pitcher over an ice bath until chilled.
- 4
4. Add the fresh basil leaves to the pitcher and gently press them with a spoon or muddler to release their aroma without completely crushing them.
- 5
5. Fill 4 glasses with ice. Divide the tamarind, orange, and tea base among the glasses, filling each about halfway.
- 6
6. Top each glass with chilled sparkling water and stir gently so the drink keeps its fizz.
- 7
7. Garnish with the thin orange slices and extra basil leaves. Serve immediately, very cold.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, make the base ahead and chill it for at least 1 hour before adding the sparkling water. Do not steep the tea longer than 4 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
Substitutions
You can substitute the agave syrup with honey if you do not need a vegan version. Basil can be swapped for mint, and the smoked black tea can be replaced with regular black tea for a milder profile.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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