<p>Don't just stick to the standard izakaya "oolong hai." We'll show you how to make authentic cocktails that bring out the deep flavor of oolong tea, from the basic oolong hai to variations using peach and cardamom.</p> <h2>The Appeal of Oolong Tea Cocktails</h2> <p>Oolong tea is a "semi-fermented tea" that sits between green tea and black tea. Depending on the roasting level, it offers a wide range of flavors, from a floral, elegant aroma to a deep roasted fragrance. This complex flavor makes it an excellent cocktail base, and it blends easily with any type of alcohol.</p> <h2>How to Make a Basic Oolong Hai</h2> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong> 60ml shochu, 120ml oolong tea, appropriate amount of ice</p> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Fill a glass with plenty of ice.</li> <li>Pour in the shochu.</li> <li>Pour in twice the amount of chilled oolong tea as shochu.</li> <li>Stir lightly and serve.</li> </ol> <p>The key is to use <strong>oolong tea brewed from tea leaves</strong> rather than bottled oolong tea. Roasted oolong tea, in particular, has a rich body and sweetness that enhances the flavor of the alcohol.</p> <h2>The Best Spirit for Roasted Oolong is "Rum"</h2> <p>Rum is a distilled spirit made from molasses (a byproduct of sugarcane processing). The caramel-like flavor produced during its manufacturing process belongs to the same family of <strong>"fire-born aromas"</strong> as the roasted aroma of roasted oolong. Furthermore, rum and peach is a classic combination that has long been loved as "Peach Daiquiri." It naturally brings out a tropical fruitiness.</p> <p>For more details on choosing spirits, please refer to "<a href="/en/blogs/cocktail-recipe/tea-cocktail-spirits-guide">How to Choose Spirits for Tea Cocktails</a>."</p> <h2>Recommended Arrangement: Roasted Peach Milky Sparkle</h2> <p>If you prepare a roasted oolong x peach Tea Infusion with rum, you can enjoy a dessert-like drink like this.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>Tea Infusion (extracted with rum) 45ml</li> <li>Lactic acid beverage 20ml</li> <li>Sparkling water 100ml</li> <li>Lemon juice a dash (optional)</li> <li>Plenty of ice</li> </ul> <p><strong>Instructions</strong></p> <ol> <li>Mix the lactic acid beverage and Tea Infusion in a small glass <strong>before pouring into the main glass</strong> - the trick is to homogenize liquids of different viscosities beforehand.</li> <li>Fill a glass with plenty of ice.</li> <li>Pour the mixed base into the glass.</li> <li>Add lemon juice and stir lightly.</li> <li>Gently pour in the sparkling water, stir once, and serve.</li> </ol> <p>Finish: Approx. 6% alc.</p> <p><strong>Keep the lactic acid beverage to 20ml or less.</strong> The casein (milk protein) in the lactic acid beverage combines with the tannins in the oolong tea, adsorbing the roasted aroma. The trick is to use it as a "secret ingredient."</p> <h2>Advanced Version: Infused Oolong Tea Cocktails</h2> <p>When oolong tea leaves are directly steeped in alcohol, the roasted and floral aromas are directly transferred to the alcohol. This method extracts about 1.4 times more catechins than brewing with hot water, ensuring a good extraction of oolong tea polyphenols. The crisp taste pairs exceptionally well with oily foods.</p> <h2>For Easy Enjoyment</h2> <p>With <strong>ZEN TEA BREW's</strong> <a href="/en/products/peachy-oolong-bliss">"Adult Time Roasted Peach Oolong,"</a> the blend of roasted oolong tea, peach, and cardamom is in a teabag. Simply steep it in your favorite rum, and a professional-grade oolong tea cocktail will be ready in an hour. We introduce four arrangement recipes in "<a href="/en/blogs/cocktail-recipe/tea-cocktail-arrange-recipes">4 Arrangement Recipes Made with Convenience Store Ingredients</a>."</p> <p><a href="/en/products/peachy-oolong-bliss">→ See the Peach Oolong Cocktail Kit</a></p>
