As the clock struck 6:00 PM on July 4th, a different kind of energy filled the Art Room on the third floor of C*Space. The soft clinking of porcelain gave way to the rhythmic glass cadence of cocktail shakers. We dimmidiately entered the world of 茶与酒 (Tea & Spirit).
To the intimate group of souls who joined us at the bar for Spirits & Leaves: A Journey Through Tea Cocktails: thank you. Thank you for bringing your curiosity, your open palates, and your laughter.
Together, we pushed the boundaries of tradition. We watched in awe as the delicate, high-alpine notes of our Sweet Dew Green Tea met the crisp canvas of vodka in a vibrant Gimlet. We witnessed the deep, smoky warmth of Rougui Rock Tea perfectly intertwining with the rich oak of whiskey. We experimented, we tasted, and we laughed as we navigated the bold, unexpected world of traditional Chinese Baijiu mixology.
But beyond the extraction techniques, the hand-stirred botanical syrups, and the milk-washing science, what moved us most was the community built in just 90 minutes. Strangers poured drinks for one another. Ideas were exchanged across the ice. Poetry was found not just in the glasses, but in the connections made.
You reminded us that mixology, much like the ancient tea ceremony, is ultimately an act of hospitality and togetherness.
Recreate the Magic
The workshop may be over, but the experimentation shouldn't stop. The secret to an incredible tea cocktail always lies in the quality of the raw tea base. High-quality leaves yield complex, alcohol-soluble aromas that artificial syrups simply cannot replicate.
Ready to mix your own? Head over to our online shop to stock up on the exact tea bases we used during the masterclass—from our aromatic floral Dancongs to our deeply oxidized rock teas.
