Recipe Roundup: Creative Cocktails and Mocktails Featuring Pu-erh and Other Teas

Recipe Roundup: Creative Cocktails and Mocktails Featuring Pu-erh and Other Teas

Tea has been a beloved beverage for millennia, but its potential in the world of mixology often goes untapped. Beyond simple infusions, teas—especially the rich, earthy Pu-erh—can add incredible depth, complexity, and unique aromatic profiles to both cocktails and mocktails. Let's dive into some innovative drink recipes that go beyond the usual, blending Pu-erh and other teas with fruits, spices, and botanicals for truly unforgettable sips.

Understanding Pu-erh in Drinks

Pu-erh tea, especially aged varieties, boasts a distinctive earthy, woody, and sometimes sweet profile that can stand up to strong flavors. It often has a unique fermentation funk that, when balanced correctly, adds an umami-like quality to drinks. For cocktails, consider using a stronger brew of ripe (shou) Pu-erh, which tends to be smoother and less astringent than raw (sheng) Pu-erh.

Cocktails: Elevating Spirits with Tea

Here are a few spirited concoctions where tea takes center stage:

1. The Smoked Earth Old Fashioned

This cocktail offers a sophisticated twist on a classic, with Pu-erh bringing a unique depth and a hint of smokiness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

• 0.5 oz Pu-erh Syrup (see recipe below)

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Orange peel, for garnish

• Large ice cube

Pu-erh Syrup:
Brew 1 cup of strong ripe Pu-erh tea (use about 5-7g of tea for 1 cup of hot water, steep 3-4 minutes). Strain well. Combine 1 cup of brewed Pu-erh with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Instructions:

1. Add bourbon, Pu-erh syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.

2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds, until well-chilled.

3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.

4. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in as a garnish.

2. Green Tea Gin Fizz with Rosemary & Lime

A refreshing and herbaceous gin fizz where the bright notes of green tea are perfectly complemented by rosemary and lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin

• 1 oz Strong Brewed Green Tea (cooled)

• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 0.75 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

• 1 Egg White (optional, for a frothy top)

• Soda Water

• Rosemary sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, cooled green tea, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a shaker.

2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.

3. Add ice to the shaker and wet shake for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.

5. Top with soda water.

6. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.

Mocktails: Flavorful & Alcohol-Free

Don't drink alcohol? These tea-based mocktails are equally complex and satisfying.

1. Spiced Berry Pu-erh Sparkler

This mocktail highlights Pu-erh's versatility, pairing its earthy notes with the sweetness of berries and a hint of warming spice.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Strong Brewed Ripe Pu-erh Tea (chilled)

• 1 oz Mixed Berry Syrup (see recipe below)

• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• Ginger Beer or Sparkling Water

• Fresh berries and a star anise pod, for garnish

Mixed Berry Syrup:
Combine 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen), 0.5 cup water, 0.5 cup sugar, and 2-3 whole cloves in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, mashing the berries gently. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. Let cool.

Instructions:

1. Combine chilled Pu-erh tea, mixed berry syrup, and lemon juice in a serving glass filled with ice.

2. Stir gently to combine.

3. Top with ginger beer or sparkling water.

4. Garnish with fresh berries and a star anise pod.

2. Tropical Oolong Refresher

Oolong tea, with its floral and often fruity notes, shines in this vibrant, refreshing mocktail.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Strong Brewed Oolong Tea (cooled, e.g., Tie Guan Yin or a milky oolong)

• 1 oz Pineapple Juice

• 0.5 oz Coconut Cream (the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk)

• 0.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• Splash of club soda or sparkling water

• Pineapple wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine cooled oolong tea, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled and combined.

3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a little effervescence.

5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a fresh mint sprig.

Tea Tips for Mixology Success

• Brew Strong: For most cocktails and mocktails, you'll want to brew your tea stronger than you would for sipping. This ensures the tea's flavor doesn't get lost among other ingredients.

• Cool Down: Always use cooled tea in your drinks. Hot tea will melt ice too quickly and dilute your concoction.

• Quality Matters: Just like with spirits, the quality of your tea will significantly impact the final taste of your drink.

• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different types of Pu-erh (raw vs. ripe, different ages) or other teas (black, white, herbal) and see how they interact with various fruits, spices, and spirits.

• Sweeteners: Simple syrup is your friend for balancing flavors. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your other ingredients and personal preference.

Embrace the vast and exciting world of tea in your home bar. With these recipes as a starting point, you're ready to impress with creative and delicious drinks that offer a sophisticated twist!