Infusing Tradition: My Tea Cocktail Experience with Wakoen & the Japanese Ochawari Association

Written By Lala

Ever wondered what happens when traditional Japanese tea meets modern mixology? I teamed up with Wakoen and the Japanese Ochawari Association to craft unique tea-based cocktails—come sip the story!

Expanding Horizons: Tea in Cocktails

Wakoen, with its rich history of producing exceptional teas, has always been dedicated to quality and craftsmanship. As part of their efforts to expand their market and introduce their teas to a broader audience, they saw the potential in using their premium products in cocktails. This innovative approach was one of the key aspects of my collaboration with them and the Japanese Ochawari Association. By incorporating their teas into creative cocktail recipes, we opened up a new way for people to experience the flavors of Kagoshima in a more dynamic, contemporary setting.

Crafting Cocktails with Intention

For this collaboration, I had the chance to develop original tea-based cocktails using Wakoen’s beautifully crafted teas. My focus was on bringing out the unique flavors of each tea while pairing them thoughtfully with spirits. Two of the cocktails I created for this collaboration were:

  • Kagoshima Whisper – A cocktail that pays homage to the gentle, grassy notes of Kagoshima-grown tea, enhanced with subtle aromatics and a soft, spirited finish. This drink is all about balance, quiet elegance, and depth.

  • Black Tea Italicus – A bold, citrus-forward cocktail that combines the richness of Japanese black tea with the bergamot and botanical notes of Italicus. It’s a bright, slightly zesty drink that plays up the natural citrus notes of the tea.

Lala