Tea is no longer just for teapots and afternoon breaks—it's found a bold new role behind the bar. The tea cocktail revolution is reshaping modern mixology by infusing craft drinks with aromatic, earthy, and herbal notes from brews both old and new. Whether it's smoky lapsang in a highball or a refreshing green tea mojito, bartenders and home mixologists alike are steeping up something special.

🫖 Why Tea Works in Cocktails

Tea adds complexity without sugar or artificial flavorings. It bridges bitter and sweet, earthy and floral, making it a versatile base or mixer. Cold-brewed or concentrated, it brings depth and sophistication to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic creations.

🍵 Top Teas for Mixing

• Green Tea: Refreshing, grassy, slightly bitter — pairs well with gin or rum.
• Earl Grey: Citrusy and floral with bergamot — excellent with bourbon or vodka.
• Hibiscus: Tart, bright red, and tangy — stunning in spritzers or mocktails.
• Chai: Spiced and warming — perfect for creamy dessert-style cocktails.
• Lapsang Souchong: Smoky and bold — a daring partner for whiskey or mezcal.

🔧 How to Brew for Cocktails

When brewing tea for cocktails, think strength and chill:

• Cold brew: Soak tea bags in cold water for 6–8 hours. This gives a smoother flavor, perfect for light drinks.
• Concentrated brew: Use half the water for a double-strength infusion. Ideal for teas that need to cut through other flavors.
• Syrup: Mix brewed tea with sugar or honey for a tea-infused simple syrup.

🍹 Signature Tea Cocktail Ideas

• Matcha Mojito: Muddled mint, lime, simple syrup, white rum, splash of soda, and matcha tea.
• Smoked Old Fashioned: Lapsang souchong syrup, bourbon, orange bitters, smoked glass garnish.
• Hibiscus Spritz: Hibiscus tea, sparkling wine, and blood orange liqueur over ice.
• Chai White Russian: Chai concentrate, coffee liqueur, vodka, and almond milk.

🎨 Final Touch: Garnishes & Glassware

Think florals, citrus peels, and herbs to match the tea theme. Serve in elegant coupe glasses or modern double-wall mugs for a show-stopping look.

Tea cocktails prove that ancient brews can take center stage in today’s most innovative drinks. Ready to steep, shake, and sip your way into the next mixology movement?