Pilot's Honor (Alcohol-Free Mocktail)
Winnie Anderson
A non-alcoholic drink that feels elevated and dignified to salute the brave men and women who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Mixing Time 3 minutes mins
Total Time 13 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
1 Heat safe mug or teapot
1 Fine mesh strainer (if not using a teabag)
1 Spoon
Citrus Juicer
1 Highball or rocks glass
- 1/2 cup strong brewed black tea (cooled to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Tart Cherry Juice (unsweetened if possible)
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
- pinch Ground Cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup or Agave (See instructions below)
- About a cup of ice or more to chill the drink
- Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish Lemon wheel is a round slice of lemon
Brew the Tea
Boil 6 to 8 oz of water (either in the mug or in a teapot)
Pour just-boiled water into mug if using a teapot
Add black tea bag to mug and let steep for 5 to 7 minutes
Remove bag and let cool to room temperature or chill slightly
Mix the Base
In a shaker or glass, combine 1/2 cup of cooled tea, the cherry juice, honey syrup or agave, and tiny pinch of cinnamon (if using)
Add the ice to the shaker and, if shaking, put the top on the shaker.
Add ice to the glass you'll be drinking out of.
Shake or stir. Shake or stir briskly to combine and chill.
Remove the lid of the shaker if using and top with a strainer or use a fine mesh strainer and pour the contents through the strainer into the glass over fresh ice.
Garnish
Wash the fruit you'll be using.
If adding the lemon wheel, slice the lemon in half, then slice about 1/4 inch thick slice.
To create a wheel for the glass, use the tip of your paring knife to cut from the center out in one slice.
Gently separate the lemon where you sliced it and put it on the drink glass.
Or skip all that and just pop a cherry in.
TO MAKE HONEY SYRUP:
You'll only use a little honey syrup in a cocktail so make more than you need and then store it in a jar with a tight lid in your refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Make honey syrup with a 1:1 ratio of honey and hot water. So, 1/4 cut of honey with 1/4 cup of hot water.
I spray a glass measuring cup with a quick burst of Pam (cooking spray) to make it easier for the honey to slide out of the cup.
You can do this in whatever way you're comfortable...measure the water and pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, then pour it into the honey, stirring continuously....put the water and the honey into a pot on the stove on low and stir continuously until warm and smooth.
You're just looking to blend them together, not get it to boil.
Hope that helps. Keyword A Guy Named Joe, Alcohol Free, Black Tea, Memorial Day, Mocktail, Tart Cherry Juice