ZEN TEA BREW cocktail kits are DIY kits for infusing tea leaves and botanicals in spirits. You can use them with gin, vodka, whisky, and rum, as well as shochu and awamori.
But you're probably wondering, "Which alcohol makes the best drink?" In short, each of the four kits has a spirit that pairs best with it. In this article, we'll explain why, looking at the chemistry of aroma.
Recommended Spirits and Pairing Reasons by Kit
Tea Master's Attack Yuzu Green Tea Highball × Gin
Juniper berries, the core of gin, belong to the same "plant-based aroma" family as yuzu and Japanese sansho pepper. When gin's botanicals are combined with the savory aroma of pan-fired green tea, they create a combination that enhances each other's unique characteristics.
The recipe for "Yuzu Green Tea Gin and Tonic" made with this combination is introduced in "4 Arranged Cocktail Recipes."
Strawberry and Rose Tea Afternoon Cocktail × Vodka
To maximize the delicate floral aroma of strawberry and rose, the alcohol itself must not be overpowering. Vodka is characterized by its clear transparency, making it the best canvas to deliver the kit's vibrant aroma directly.
Combining the botanicals of gin or the sweetness of rum would compete with the delicate aromas of strawberry and rose.
Midnight Fig Smoke Cocktail × Whisky
The smoked tea in this kit is smoked with wood chips from the same type of wood used to make whisky barrels. This means that the barrel aroma of whisky and the smoky flavor of smoked tea are, quite literally, aromas born from "the same wood." It's only natural that they harmonize when reunited in a glass.
Guaiacol, an aromatic compound found in smoke, is also a phenolic compound produced during the barrel aging of whisky. The compatibility between substances with the same molecular structure is scientifically supported.
Adult Time Roasted Peach Oolong × Rum
Rum is a spirit made from molasses (sugarcane residue). The caramel-like flavor created during its production belongs to the same "flavor created by heat" family as the roasted aroma of roasted oolong tea.
Furthermore, rum × peach is a classic combination that has been loved for a long time as "Peach Daiquiri." It naturally brings out tropical fruitiness.
Trying Other Spirits Apart from the Recommended Ones
The recommendations are merely for the "most compatible pairings," and it doesn't mean other spirits are unsuitable. Any spirit with an alcohol content of 40% or higher can be used for extraction.
Tequila — The herbal notes from agave create an interesting combination with the dry profile of the Yuzu Green Tea kit.
Brandy — The fruity richness deepens the sweet profile of the Strawberry and Rose kit and the Peach Oolong kit.
Craft Gin — Infusing the Tea Master's Attack with a yuzu-based craft gin creates a double-layered yuzu experience. Recommended for connoisseurs.
Infusing with Shochu
ZEN TEA BREW can also be enjoyed with shochu, the most readily available spirit in Japan. Since common shochu has an alcohol content of 25%, the extraction will be milder compared to Western spirits of 40% or more, but this is also part of its appeal.
Barley Shochu — It has a mild flavor and, like vodka, brings out the kit's flavor directly. It pairs well with the Strawberry and Rose Tea Afternoon Cocktail and the Adult Time Roasted Peach Oolong.
Sweet Potato Shochu — Its unique rich aroma creates an interesting combination with smoky kits (Midnight Fig) and roasted kits (Adult Time Peach Oolong). The earthy notes of sweet potato combine with the smoky flavor of smoked tea, creating a unique depth.
Awamori — Since many awamori varieties have an alcohol content of 30% or more, their extraction efficiency is the highest among shochu. It results in a Tea Infusion with a solid structure.
Rice Shochu — Like barley shochu, it has a mild flavor and is versatile. It pairs well with any kit.
Where to Buy? Guide to Sourcing Alcohol
Convenience Stores: Gin, vodka, and whisky are available at all convenience stores. Private label (PB) brands are perfectly fine. Shochu (barley and sweet potato) is also easy to find.
Supermarkets/Drugstores: In addition to the above, you'll find rum, tequila, brandy, and various types of authentic shochu.
Liquor Stores/Online Retailers: For craft gins, single malts, and specific brands of awamori, connoisseurs can find them here.
Regardless of the brand, affordable options will still yield delicious results. There's no need to use expensive alcohol.
Arranged cocktail recipes are introduced in "4 Arranged Recipes Using Convenience Store Ingredients," and tips for making them are in "10 Tips to Make Your Home Cocktails Significantly More Delicious."