Celebrate International Tea Day with This Tea Cocktail!

Happy International Tea Day! From British afternoon tea and Japanese tea ceremonies to sweet, iced tea in the American South and spiced chai in India, almost every culture has its own way of brewing, sharing, and savoring tea.

On 21 May, it’s International Tea Day, a day that aims to highlight tea’s long history and its deep cultural and economic importance around the world. And sometimes the best way to celebrate is to shake things up – literally.

In the spirit of doing things differently, we at Absolut are 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!

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.

Introducing The Guilt-TEA Pleasure

“It’s a super simple, super summer drink. I do love my tea cocktails,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, about the Guilt-Tea Pleasure, which he invented in the summer of 2025 for an episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico.

The Guilt-Tea Pleasure is where tea culture meets cocktail craft. It’s made with Absolut Lime, cold brew jasmine tea, Lillet Blanc (French aromatized wine), lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of spicy ginger juice. It’s then topped with soda water and garnished with an edible flower or two.

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

What does The Guilt-Tea Pleasure taste like?

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.

All in all, 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.

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Celebrate tea your way – brew a pot, pour a glass, or shake up a 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!