Celebrate International Tea Day with This Tea Cocktail!

Happy International Tea Day!

Tea is one of those rare drinks that every culture has made its own — and sometimes the best way to celebrate that is to shake things up, literally. In the spirit of doing things differently, we’re raising a glass (or rather teacup) to celebrate International Tea Day with a tea cocktail.

So, grab your cocktail shaker, switch that kettle on, and let’s get brewing.

When Is International Tea Day?

International Tea Day falls every year on May 21 — a day celebrating tea’s long history and its deep cultural and economic importance around the world, from British afternoon tea to Japanese tea ceremonies, sweet iced tea in the American South, and spiced chai in India.

What Are Tea Cocktails?

Tea cocktails are what you get when your everyday cup of tea teams up with your favorite spirits. They’re drinks that use tea – hot, iced, or cold-brewed – as a key ingredient, mixed with spirits, citrus, syrups, and more.

Think jasmine tea with vodka and bubbles, smoky black tea with whisky, or fruity herbal blends served over ice with a measured pour of your favorite spirit.

Iced tea is a natural starting point , but tea cocktails work in any season. Go for bright, citrusy iced tea vodka cocktails in summer, lean into floral jasmine or green tea builds in spring, and switch to spiced or smoky black tea with warming ingredients in winter.

What is The Guilt-TEA Pleasure?

The Guilt-Tea Pleasure is a tea cocktail made with Absolut Lime, cold brew jasmine tea, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of spicy ginger juice, topped with soda water and garnished with an edible flower. It was invented by Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, in the summer of 2025 for an episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico.

“It’s a super simple, super summer drink. I do love my tea cocktails,” says Rico 2025.

The Guilt-Tea Pleasure takes the average cuppa to a whole new level.

What Does The Guilt-Tea Pleasure Taste Like?

The Guilt-Tea Pleasure is a bright, citrusy, floral tea cocktail that feels right at home at garden parties, brunches, picnics, or any outdoor get-together.

The jasmine tea adds soft, floral notes; the citrus keeps things lively, and Absolut Lime gives the drink a clean, zesty backbone. Lillet Blanc layers in semi-sweet notes of candied orange, honey, and stone fruit with a light, herbal finish, while ginger adds a soft, warming spice.

A splash of soda gives the drink a crisp, summery effervescence, while the edible flowers give the drink an elegant floral finish.

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Celebrate tea your way – brew a pot, pour a glass, or shake up The Guilt-Tea Pleasure.

Happy International Tea Day!

Watch how to make The Guilt-Tea Pleasure:

Looking for more drink-spiration? Check out more of our drink recipes!