Verdant Grey & Strawberry Velvet Coffee Mocktail

Verdant Grey & Strawberry Velvet Coffee Mocktail

Because sometimes you need a fun, fancy drink to survive the afternoon slump, this Easy Strawberry and Tea Coffee Mocktail is your permission slip to take a break.

The 'Oomph' You Deserve

• Fancy Without the Fuss: You get to muddle things like a real bartender, but you don't have to deal with a hangover tomorrow morning.
• Complex but Approachable: Bright, smashed strawberries meet the soft, grassy notes of green Earl Grey. It proves that joy and quality can absolutely coexist in the same glass.
• Sanity in a Shaker: Shaking ice and espresso together is surprisingly therapeutic when the world is loud and exhausting.

The Java Momma Twist: We use both our Verdant Grey Loose Tea and Strawberry Velvet Crumble coffee here. The earthy tea cuts through the sweet berries and robust coffee for a balanced, completely unique sip.

What You’ll Need

• 1 T. Java Momma Verdant Grey Loose Tea
• 3-4 oz. hot water (170°-180°F)
• 4-5 fresh or frozen strawberries
• 2 lemon slices
• 1 T. Honey
• Crushed ice
• 4 oz. strong brewed Java Momma Strawberry Velvet Crumble (or 1 shot espresso)
• 2 oz milk of choice (for optional cold foam)
• ½ tsp. Rose or Lavender Sugar (for optional cold foam)

The Method to the Mess

1. Steep the Tea: Strong brew your Verdant Grey Tea for 4 minutes in 3-4 oz. of hot water. Strain the leaves out and set the tea aside to cool. Don't rush this; nobody wants a lukewarm mocktail.
2. Muddle Through: Toss the strawberries and lemon slices into a cocktail shaker. Muddle them aggressively. Add the honey and muddle again until it's a jammy, fragrant mess.
3. Shake It Up: Add ½ cup of ice to the shaker, followed by your cooled Verdant Grey tea and the brewed Strawberry Velvet Crumble coffee. Secure the lid and shake until your hand is freezing.
4. The Pour: Strain the mocktail into your favorite glass. You can serve it over fresh ice or straight up.
5. The Optional Flex: If you want to go all out, froth 2 oz of milk with a little Rose or Lavender Sugar until it's a creamy foam, and pour it right over the top.

Swaps & Permission Slips

• The Berries: Frozen strawberries work just fine if you forgot to buy fresh ones. Let them thaw for a minute so they actually break down when you muddle them.
• The Sweetener: Agave or simple syrup can swap in for honey if that's what is sitting in your pantry right now. 
• The Tools: No cocktail shaker? A mason jar with a tight lid does the exact same job. We don't preach about fancy equipment here.