My former husband would work himself into sickness every year. Every late fall, early winter he’d get Pleurisy. Pleurisy is an attack on the lungs and the airways making it hard to breathe and painful. One day a man showed up on our doorstep with a bottle of whiskey and a few teabags. What happened next was short of miraculous and something he did (and I hope continues to do) when he get sick.
Tea and whiskey, a short history
Oh, I know, this is a tea blog. Pairing teas with other beverages shows the versatility of tea. Whiskey and tea actually have a history. Both were used medicinally and are still used today in China and around the world. Of course, there are limitations when talking about alcohol. There are people who can not and others who will not touch a drop. This article is not for them. This article also does not explore the effects of alcohol in a party or bar setting.
Whiskey and tea have been consumed for centuries. It’s not new. They danced together in the same cup. A romance, a love story, and a union of two separate unique beverages. Those beverages are brought together in one cup. One cup is enjoyed for pleasure and medicinal purposes.
It may not seem like a happy union but it is. It’s a great fit. They go together well. Like Peanut butter and jelly. Whiskey lovers will tell you, from the first sip how much they enjoyed and continue to enjoy whiskey and tea.
Both tea and whiskey have an extensive history. They flatter each other in ways no other beverages combined can do. They complete each other. Like twins finishing each other’s sentences. Tea and whiskey complete each other with notes and aromas unique only to them.
Are whiskey and tea a hot toddy?
Yes and no. Most hot toddies are a combination of whiskey, water, honey, and herbs and/or spices. Not always a tea, but more of a chai arrangement. Combining whiskey, a sweetener, cinnamon, or a chai spice makes a spicy mix that is great to drink at the end of the day. A hot toddy is also good to drink during cold and flu season.
Tea can be used with hot whiskey as well. Not so much a hot toddy but a definite beneficial hot beverage to enjoy during the cold winter months.
The hot toddy has a long history in Scotland. The new wave of “hot” toddy is not so much brewing but chilling from Asia. The newest trend is mixing chilled green tea with whiskey or a mixture of favorite alcohols. This drink is served over ice and contains approximately 3 parts tea and 1 part whiskey. The grassy vegetal notes combine beautifully with the whiskey. It’s not overpowering. The tea blends with the whiskey producing a more floral bouquet.
What tea pairs well with whiskey
Teas have been paired with whiskey for hundreds of years. Not all teas work with all alcoholic beverages. The experts have taken the time and lots of research to come up with the combinations we know today.
What tea pairs the best with whiskey? Lapsang Souchong is by far the tea to pair with whiskey. The smokey notes bring out the best of the whiskey. But,
More than a completion they bring out notes that are subtle within each other. The smokey, malty, and fruity notes are enhanced when combined.
They also heighten each other’s aromas. Complement each other through shared notes of smoke, malt, and fruits. Delicious companions indeed. The pairing of whiskey and tea has taken on many forms through the years and continues to evolve today. How many of the following pairings have you tried?
Whiskey and tea are enjoyed but it’s also beneficial. It’s a drink that’s used medicinally, and that works. You can enjoy tea and whiskey in several ways:
- Sweet tea and whiskey
- Green tea and whiskey
- Iced tea and whiskey
- Brewed tea and whiskey
- Other pairings with alcohol are:
- Whiskey and Cold Green Tea
- Bourbon and Darjeeling
- Scotch and Darjeeling
- Scotch and Earl Grey
- Scotch and Gunpowder Tea
Highlighting fruity notes and a malty aroma is what
*** Try a green tea but make it cold. Giving credit to Chinese culture for this combination. The grassy and floral notes work well with the whiskey’s spicy and peppery notes. Energizing, lively, and a blast.
Benefits of whiskey tea
Whiskey is a great decongestant – the alcohol dilates the blood vessels. This makes it easier for your mucus membranes to deal with the infection. Combined with the herbal tea, squeeze of honey, lemon, and the warm steam emanating from the drink. You have the perfect concoction for helping to clear up your cold
Whiskey is an effective decongestant – The alcohol dilates the blood vessels. The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol. and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat.
Whiskey is good for your lungs – Studies have indicated healthier levels in those with proven lung disease. Compared to those who do not drink alcohol. The conclusion is that moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages may benefit some lung functions.
Whiskey and Tea benefits include but are not limited to:
- Aids digestion
- Helps in Weight loss
- Reduces Cholesterol
- Regulates blood sugar level
There are so many more benefits of tea, it is such a miraculous gift.
Recipe Time
Whiskey is best served at room temperature. Heating whiskey will bring out some of its notes. Tea can be served both hot or cold. Hot or cold, tea flavors and benefits are often shared between the two temperatures.
Here is a general recipe for a traditional whiskey and tea beverage
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teabag
- 1 1.5 fluid ounce Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
- Pour boiling water into a mug, and place the teabag into steep for about 1 minute.
- Remove and discard the teabag.
- Put in honey (if desired)
- Pour in whisky
- Stir and ENJOY
Conclusion
Our tea world just expanded a little bit more. While I do not condone excessive consumption of alcohol. I do believe in everything in moderation. For my former husband, whiskey and tea worked in clearing up his Pluresy and allowing him to heal faster. Enjoying a cup of tea and whiskey is not only medicinal it can be relaxing and enjoyable. Life can be crazy at times. Let the lovely blending of two famous beverages bring a little bit of warmth and healing into your life.
