The name "Baltic Tea" at the first reading evokes associations with some sort of aromatic and spicy tea. At the first acquaintance with this drink, it turns out that this is not tea at all, but an alcoholic cocktail, which was first prepared and consumed at the beginning of the last century.
Difficult cocktail
The first mention of Baltic tea dates back to the years of the First World War. It was then that this cocktail arose in the face of difficult battles and great human losses.
But the origins of the name have probably sunk into oblivion. There are only assumptions according to which the cocktail became the Baltic for the courage and bravery of the sailors of the famous fleet.
The battles in the Pacific Ocean were inhuman, many fighters, naturally, experienced a terrible feeling of fear. It was then that the commanders of the military units began to mix cocaine into the alcohol for the fighters. True, where they managed to get it, still remains unsolved.
Effect
The cocktail was made, first of all, in order to dull the feeling of fear. After drinking just one glass of such a potion, the fighter felt a surge of strength, forgot about sleep and fatigue, and also became fearless. In this state, the soldiers went to fight the enemies. In addition, this alcoholic drink dulled pain sensations and prevented pain shock in case of injuries. This property of Baltic tea made it possible for military surgeons to use the drink as anesthesia during operations in the field.
Modern recipe
Now the name Baltic tea does not mean a drug swill, but an alcoholic cocktail with an admixture of various spices, in some cases with the addition of drugs. Most often, this drink is prepared from some sort of rum, mostly high. They also use high-quality aged wine. Rum and wine are added to tea. Sugar, as well as lemon and orange are put in the same mixture.
Thus, slices of fresh lemon and orange are placed in the kettle. After adding sugar to them, the mixture is thoroughly crushed and stirred. Wine and rum are mixed to the resulting consistency in equal proportions. All this mixture is heated in a kettle over the fire, but not allowed to boil.
Baltic tea went down in history largely thanks to Viktor Pelevin, who described the recipe for its preparation in the novel "Chapaev and Emptiness".
Dry tea leaves, large-leaved or small-leaved, are added to the hot alcoholic mixture. Various spices and spices are also put here, in particular cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla. Then the cocktail is allowed to brew for 10-15 minutes, after which it is served in a kettle. This cocktail has a very powerful effect, you need to have a strong heart to take it.
