We all know a peacekeeper. This person is skilled enough to see it all, hear it all, and somehow not drink it all. At any family gathering, you can typically find everyone’s favorite diplomat on the outskirts of the Great Holiday Battle and because of that, the peacekeeper deserves something that will soothe their nerves just before they have to wade in to soothe the annual family feud. Try brewing them a cup of calming, herbal tea with just a little kick of a soft, botanical gin to help them keep on going strong. 

The Peacekeeper

Ingredients

3 bags Tulsi Sweet Rose tea

1.5 cups water

1.5 cups sugar

3/4 oz Hayman’s Old Tom Gin

3/4 oz rose honey syrup

1/2 oz lemon juice

1 dash Regan’s Orange bitters 

1 dash Fee Brother’s Cardamom bitters

Lemon peel

Instructions

For the syrup: In a small pot, add 3 bags of tulsi rose tea to 1.5 cups water and heat until almost boiling. Remove tea bags and add 1.5 cups white sugar to the tea. Stir until completely dissolved. Bottle and refrigerate for up to one month.

For the cocktail: Add all ingredients to a glass double-walled coffee mug, and top with herbal tea of choice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an expressed lemon peel.

STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER/RECIPES BY KAITLIN FELLERS/ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE BRYCE/STYLING BY KEITH RECKER