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Tea Time with Miss Cocktail
Afternoon refreshment with a twist

Q:I'm serving a high tea for my next book club meeting. However, tea is not enough for the ladies in my club. What alcoholic beverage can I serve with a high tea?

-- Tanya Axen, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

A: The etiquette books say to serve "tea" for formal, informal, high and club tea settings. Just "tea".

I find this very difficult to believe since I have read biographies of royalty and celebrities who at every opportunity appreciated the mellowing quality of alcohol.

Despite the words of Dana May Casperson who, in her book Power Etiquette, says "There are no questions about alcohol consumption; the beverage is tea." I say, why not serve tea and offer brandy, rum, Irish cream or amaretto as sweeteners?

Each of these liqueurs are highly complementary to all kinds of tea. Simply add one or two ounces of the selected liqueur.

My favorite flavored tea is Republic of Tea's Mango Ceylon. This is very good iced with rum and Malibu. They also produce a Cardamon Cinnamon tea which is great hot with Ouzo or Anisette Liqueur.

Other outstanding combinations are Chamomile/Brandy, Orange Herbal/Grand Marnier, Lemon Zinger/Galliano, Mint Tea/Creme de Menthe/Creme de Cacao.

I say formal teas are for a bunch of stiffs -- drinks that is.

Cheers!
Miss Cocktail