Infusing Tradition: My Tea Cocktail Experience with Wakoen & the Japanese Ochawari Association
Collaborating with Wakoen, a long-standing tea farm in Kagoshima, and the Japanese Ochawari Association was more than just a creative opportunity—it was a deep dive into the heart of Japanese tea culture. This experience let me explore how tradition and innovation can meet in a glass, crafting cocktails that highlight the delicate complexity of Japanese tea.
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.
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.
Setting Up the Booth
One of the key moments of this collaboration was setting up a booth at an event to showcase the versatility of Wakoen’s tea in cocktails. At the booth, I had the opportunity to introduce attendees to the unique tea blends and the spirits that pair perfectly with them. It was a fantastic way to share the story of Wakoen’s teas and educate visitors about how these flavors can be reimagined in a cocktail setting.
Demonstrating Cocktails at the Tea Bar
In a separate section of the event, I had the chance to present the cocktails live at the tea bar. Alongside Tajimi-san from the Japanese Ochawari Association, we not only served the drinks but also demonstrated the process behind making them. We explained the nuances of selecting the right tea and how to craft a cocktail that complements the unique notes of each tea. It was an interactive, engaging experience where guests could watch the cocktails being made and ask questions about the techniques and ingredients involved.
Behind the Bar at Ochawari Events
Beyond recipe creation, I was also involved in helping with events hosted by the Japanese Ochawari Association. From assisting with tea-and-spirit pairings to sharing cocktail inspiration with guests, it was a joy to connect with others who were curious about this growing movement of tea cocktails. Seeing people’s excitement as they tried these drinks was one of the highlights of the experience.
A Blend of Culture and Creativity
This project reminded me how versatile Japanese tea is—how it can be both comforting and complex, traditional yet so open to modern twists. Working with Wakoen's teas allowed me to stretch my creativity and share a part of Japanese culture in an entirely new way.
If you're curious about incorporating tea into your own cocktails or want to explore the world of Ochawari, I encourage you to start experimenting. The possibilities are as wide and exciting as the tea fields of Kagoshima.