Daily Meal recently highlighted the rising trend of utilizing tea in cocktails, elevating drink flavors significantly. David Muhs, co-owner and head bartender of Monkey Thief in New York City, shared insights on this innovation, particularly the use of tea syrups. He described tea syrup as an excellent means to enrich cocktails, adding depth that typical sweeteners lack. For instance, he suggested pairing genmaicha syrup with tequila or mezcal, as the toasted rice notes complement the earthy flavors of agave.
Muhs emphasized the versatility of tea-infused syrups, encouraging cocktail enthusiasts to experiment. If one knows how to infuse tea bags into a simple syrup, they can easily create a sophisticated cocktail. For example, he mentioned that at Monkey Thief, they utilize osmanthus tea in their draft White Negroni, creating a unique and balanced drink.
This method underscores the potential of tea-infused ingredients to transform traditional cocktails, introducing innovative flavor profiles that enhance the drinking experience. Whether one is an amateur or professional mixologist, incorporating tea into cocktails presents an exciting frontier for creative mixology.
To explore more about incorporating tea into cocktails, check out how to infuse tea bags into homemade simple syrup and the nuances of pairing flavors.