Tieguanyin Orchid Martini
Gin infused with Tieguanyin oolong, shaken with elderflower and lychee juice—a floral, silky martini that's as elegant as the Iron Goddess herself.
This martini channels Tieguanyin's orchid soul into a cocktail glass. Gin—with its botanical backbone—is the perfect spirit for the job, amplifying the tea's floral notes instead of masking them.
Infuse the gin for just 2 hours. Tieguanyin is lightly oxidized, so it releases its delicate orchid and cream notes quickly. Go longer and you'll pull out bitterness that ruins the elegance.
Lychee juice brings tropical sweetness and a silky mouthfeel that mirrors the tea's famously creamy texture. A dash of elderflower liqueur ties the floral elements together into a harmonious bouquet.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the gin with cold-brewed Tieguanyin and the elderflower liqueur with elderflower cordial. Shake with lychee juice and ice for a mocktail that's every bit as sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 1 tbsp Tieguanyin oolong tea leaves
- 30 ml lychee juice (from canned lychees or fresh)
- 15 ml elderflower liqueur
- 10 ml fresh lime juice
- 1 lychee for garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Infuse gin: add tea leaves to gin in a sealed jar for 2 hours. Strain and discard leaves.
- 2Combine infused gin, lychee juice, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 3Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until the shaker frosts over.
- 4Double-strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- 5Garnish with a lychee on the rim or dropped into the glass. Serve immediately.
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