Kick-start your New Year festivities by welcoming guests with a riff on a classic mimosa, minus the alcohol and using grapefruit instead of orange juice along with the addition of a chai masala syrup. “In many cultures around the world, citrus fruits are symbols of good luck and prosperity,” Chef Marijke Uleman says. The alcohol-free drink was a nod to the fact that many people – including Uleman – cut out alcohol in January. If you’re imbibing, however, feel free to use prosecco, cava, or champagne in the recipe. Then, simply serve to your guests and let the good fortune of citrus fruits bring you prosperity.
Grapefruit Chai Masala “Mimosa”
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
A delicious mocktail to bring about good fortune.
Ingredients
For the chai masala syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1-inch piece cinnamon stick
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 2 whole green cardamom pods, lightly cracked
- 1 star anise
For the drink:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice (from 2–3 large pink grapefruit)
- 4 1/2 cups club soda, chilled
Instructions
For the chai masala syrup:
- Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, and star anise.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately remove from heat. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bottle. Discard spices and refrigerate until chilled.
For the drink:
- In a large pitcher, combine chilled syrup and grapefruit juice.
- Fill 8 tall glasses with ice. Pour 1/2 cup of syrup mixture into each glass, top with 1/2 cup club soda, and stir.
- Store leftover syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Recipes by Chef Marijke Uleman
Story by Julia Platt Leonard
Styling by Jessie Baca
Photography by Tira Howard
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