5 Tea-based Mocktails and Cocktails for Summer with Sugimoto Tea
As the summer sun shines and temperatures rise, there's nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing beverage to beat the heat. At Sugimoto Tea Company, we're delighted to present a collection of mocktails and cocktails that will elevate your summer experience. Using our authentic Japanese teas, these drinks offer a perfect balance of flavors, making them a must-try for tea enthusiasts and beverage lovers alike.
We're particularly excited to feature two creations from Marie Yoshimizu, a professional bartender and mixology influencer. Marie is not only a talented cocktail enthusiast from Seattle, WA, but she has also competed in the prestigious USBG presents World Class sponsored by DIAGEO, among other competitions. You can find her unique creations on her Instagram page @mixwithmarie. The two cocktails in our collection, Bee's Knee Drop and Blackberry-Hojicha Julep, are crafted with her expert touch.
Cocktails
When it comes to cocktails, Sugimoto Tea Company has curated a selection that showcases the versatility of our teas. We invite you to indulge in these delightful creations:
1. Bee's Knee Drop (Created by Marie Yoshimizu)
Transport your taste buds to a world of vibrant flavors with our Bee's Knee Drop cocktail. This tantalizing blend combines the zesty notes of Yuzu Matcha Kukicha, a Japanese green tea infused with dried Yuzu peel, with the subtle sweetness of lychee liqueur and the tang of lemon. The result is a refreshing and complex cocktail that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Yuzu Matcha Kukicha infused Vodka
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz Yuzu juice or concentrate
- ¼ oz Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz 2:1 Honey Syrup
- A spritz of orange blossom water
- Rim: Lemon zest and sugar
- Garnish with a dehydrated lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Infuse 4 tsp of Sugimoto Tea Company Yuzu Matcha Kukicha in 300ml of vodka of your choice in a Hario Cold Brew bottle for 20min.
Step 2: While the vodka is being infused, zest a lemon, and combine with cane sugar.
Step 3: Chill the glass in the fridge or freezer.
Step 4: Add the infused vodka and all the other ingredients in a shaker.
Step 5: Add ice and shake well.
Step 6: Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
Step 7: Add a spritz of orange blossom water.
Step 8: Garnish with a dehydrated lemon.
Featured Product
2. Seattle Sour
Sencha Fukamushi & Ceremonial Matcha Elevate your cocktail game with our Seattle Sour. This unique blend features the deep-steamed richness of Sencha Fukamushi and the smoothness of Ceremonial Matcha. Combined with the subtle sweetness of shochu and the tangy kick of fresh citrus, this cocktail offers a harmonious balance of flavors that will delight your palate.
Ingredients
- 2 Tsp Sencha Fukamushi
- 1/2 tsp Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- 6 oz water
- 1 1/2 oz shochu
- 1/2 oz lychee liqueur
- 1/2 oz yuzu juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Dash of lime bitters
Instructions
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake well.
Step 2: Double strain over fresh ice in a lowball glass.
Featured Product
Sencha Fukamushi
Organic Ceremonial Matcha
3. Matcha Martini
Enhance your martini experience with a touch of refined elegance and the essence of high-quality green tea. Immerse yourself in the world of exceptional flavors with our Matcha Martini, a captivating rendition of the classic cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- 2.5 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1 drop stevia or 1/2 Tbsp simple syrup
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the matcha, gin, and vermouth in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
Step 2: Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 3: Strain into a glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Featured Product
Organic Ceremonial Matcha
Mocktails
Mocktails are the perfect choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages without compromising on flavor. Here are two mocktails featuring our exceptional teas:
4. Pineapple Mango Sencha (Created by Teaday Tuesday)
Experience a taste of paradise with our Pineapple Mango Sencha mocktail. This invigorating concoction was thoughtfully crafted by Winnie Tin, the founder of Teaday Tuesday, a platform that celebrates the beauty and diversity of tea. The tropical sweetness of pineapple and the lusciousness of mango perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of our Homare Sencha. Under Winnie's creative direction, this tea mocktail captures the refreshing notes of summer and transports you to a blissful state of relaxation. Enjoy this delightful blend as an embodiment of Teaday Tuesday's ethos - to enjoy tea however you feel most comfortable and to have fun with it!
Ingredients
- 5 g Sugimoto Reserve Homare Sencha
- 4 oz water
- 1 oz mango juice
- Handful of pineapple & mango (ratio to your preference)
- Optional: 1 mint leaf
- Garnish with dried pineapple flower
Instructions
Step 1: Hot brew Homare Sencha with 4 oz of water.
Step 2: In a shaker, muddle mango, pineapple, and mint.
Step 3: Add mango juice, brewed Homare Sencha, and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
Step 4: Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
Step 5: Garnish with dried pineapple flower.
Featured Product
Sugimoto Reserve Homare Sencha
5. Blackberry-Hojicha Julep (Created by Marie Yoshimizu)
Hojicha Indulge in the rich flavors of our Blackberry-Hojicha Julep mocktail. The earthy and toasty notes of Hojicha blend harmoniously with the sweetness of blackberries. Muddled together with a touch of mint and a hint of lime, this mocktail offers a refreshing and delightful twist on a classic julep.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Non-alcoholic Whiskey
- 1 oz Hojicha
- 1 tsp of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
- 3-4 blackberries (muddled)
- A handful of mint (muddled)
- All the bitters aromatic bitters
- Garnish with blackberries and mint sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Brew Hojicha in a Hario Cold Brew Bottle.
Step 2: Muddle blackberries, mint, and maple syrup in a julep cup.
Step 3: Add crushed ice.
Step 4: Swizzle with a barspoon.
Step 5: Add non-alcoholic whiskey and hojicha.
Step 6: Swizzle with a barspoon.
Step 7: Top off with more crushed ice.
Step 8: Garnish with blackberries and mint sprigs.
Featured Product
Enrich Hojicha Loose Leaf
At Sugimoto Tea Company, we take pride in crafting exceptional teas that can be enjoyed in innovative and refreshing ways. Whether you're seeking a vibrant cocktail or a non-alcoholic mocktail, our collection offers something to suit every palate. We invite you to explore the world of tea-inspired beverages and create unforgettable summer memories. Cheers to a season filled with refreshing sips and delightful moments!
*Remember to always drink responsibly and, if needed, modify the recipes to suit your personal preferences. Enjoy your summer with Sugimoto Tea!