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Mullen Tea

September 13, 2022

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vertical shot of mullen tea drink in a low ball glass with apple wedge garnish and cocktail shaker in the background

Well, I’m off again to my favorite place in the world. This time, pure fun with five of my besties (four of us are Shelagh/Sheila’s, not joking!). Twice in one year, I know! I’ll post some fun pics on the gram, so be sure to follow along. #ireland2022

Typically, I like my Irish whiskey neat. This summer we were at our dear friend’s home in Wisconsin. Our friend Jill, knowing we are Irish and love our Irish Whiskey, thought we’d like a drink she found made with JameO called Cooper’s Tea. It was delicious, and it gave me the inspo to create my own whiskey drink, Mullen Tea it is the perfect drink for this warm autumn weather, believe it or not, quite refreshing. 

sourdough ready for the oven
Side note: My sourdough class in October comes with a banneton, some of my world-famous (really!) sourdough starter, O'Sonny, and a free bag of Sunrise Flour Mill Bread flour, to get you started, pun indended. Sign up today.

Here's what you need for a Mullen Tea (or two!)

  • Irish whiskey, I like Keeper’s Heart by O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. in Mpls. (super cool establishment to have a drink too!)
  • apple cider
  • black tea
  • honey or simple syrup
  • fresh basil, yes, I said basil
  • apples, preferably Granny Smiths
  • lemons, for some zing
  • soda water, bubbles make everything nicey, nice
overhead shot of mullen tea in a low ball glass
The combination of apple and whiskey is surprisingly delish. It's the perfect drink for this still sort of summer, but almost fall, time of year.
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mullen tea drink in a low ball glass with apple wedge garnish and cocktail shaker in the background

Mullen Tea

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Shelagh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 drinks 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Cocktails
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Inspired by a drink called Cooper’s* Tea, made by a dear friend on a boat ride one lovely Wisconsin afternoon. I took some liberties and made it my own. Enjoy it, on a boat if possible.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 bags of black tea, preferably Barry’s
  • 1/2 green apple, cut in small chunks, about a 1/4 inch
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • 4 oz. Irish whiskey, Minnesota O’Shaughnessy Keeper’s Heart is perfect for this drink
  • 1 oz. lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz. honey or simple syrup*
  • Ice cubes
  • Soda water, an optional splash
  • Apple and lemon slices to garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small pot, brew the tea bags in the apple cider, and steep the tea off the heat for 5-7 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool. This can be prepped and refrigerated ahead of time.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the apple chunks and basil, and add the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. Pour in the apple tea mixture and fill the shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice, and top off with a bit of soda water for an extra refreshing drink (but that is totally optional!). Garnish with slices of apple and lemon and serve.

Makes 2-3 drinks

* leave a comment below if you know what a ‘cooper’ is. no cheating now. 🙂

** simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, simmered in a pot until sugar melts.

 

 


Notes

Please drink responsibly.

I'd love it if you shared photos of your finished dish! Tag me and I'll return the favor. Enjoy!

Tag @shecooksdesign on the Insta and hashtag it #shecooksdesign

empty glass of mullen tea drink in a low ball glass with apple wedge garnish and cocktail shaker in the background
You'll be walking sideways too if you have too many of these, so mind yourself!

A few more recipes using the irish drink

  • Irish Cheddar with Guinness Mac n’ Cheese
  • Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey Sauce
  •  Guinness Chocolate Mousse
  • Banger & Mash, just to name a few!

Filed Under: Drinks Tagged With: Apple and whiskey drink, Apple basil whiskey drink, Keepers Heart Whiskey Recipe, Mullen Tea, shecooksdesign.com, Whiskey Tea

Previous Post: « Full Irish Breakfast Wraps
Next Post: Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rita

    September 14, 2022 at 6:18 am

    A cooper is a person who makes barrels.
    Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Jean Hoppe

    September 14, 2022 at 7:45 am

    Delish Sheelah! I don’t know what a cooper is… but I will be googling now! 😉

    Reply
  3. Beth Naughton

    September 14, 2022 at 8:45 am

    It’s a person who makes the wooden barrels that liquor matures in or is transported in from place to place!

    Reply

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