EXCLUSIVE TEA-INFUSED COCKTAIL TASTING || An Afternoon of Elegance with BCLIQUOR, Gianluigi Bosco, and O5 Tea

A night of refined enchantment unfolded at the exclusive tea-infused cocktail-tasting event hosted by BCLIQUOR. 

Pendulum Magazine was honoured to attend this extraordinary soirée curated by BCLIQUOR featuring award-winning mixologist Gianluigi Bosco in collaboration with local tea connoisseur O5 Tea. The event showcased five meticulously crafted tea-infused cocktails that tantalized the senses, offering an unparalleled journey into the world of mixology.

Here is the menu of the 5 delicious tea-infused cocktails featured at the media-tasting event.

1. Time Traveler Reserve Cocktail: Unlocking Pu Er's Essence

To see how the cocktail was made, watch this video. 

The journey began with the Time Traveler Reserve Cocktail, a tribute to ancient Pu Er tea trees from Yunnan. Gianluigi Bosco masterfully blended Vecchia Romagna brandy, Appleton Signature rum, and Time Traveler tea, creating an exquisite infusion. Lime-infused maple syrup added a zesty touch. Served over a large, square ice cube stamped with a Year of the Dragon design, this concoction invited guests to savour the essence of Pu Er through a lens of history and innovation.

2. Moonlit Flight: Soaring with White Moonlight Tea

If you are someone who enjoys Bai Jiu, make sure to check this cocktail out here. 

The Moonlit Flight cocktail showcased the delicate White Moonlight tea from Jinggu, Yunnan. This ethereal blend, combined with Fen Chiew Baijiu, Red Pomelo Juice, Lime Juice, and Hibiscus Syrup, offered a symphony of flavours. Carbonated Jinggu White Moonlight tea that has been cold-brewed overnight for 24 hours elevated the experience, creating a harmonious and refreshing libation.

3. Tokushima’s Special: Awa Bancha Tea Elegance

Did you know that the leaves of the Awa Bancha get fermented for a few weeks at a time, which gives it this fun and funky flavour? See how the tea is infused to make this cocktail here. 

Awa Bancha tea from Naka-Cho, Tokushima, Japan, took center stage in the cocktail aptly named Tokushima Special. Choya 23 Umeshu Liqueur, Suntory Toki Whiskey, and Umeboshi Saline complemented the tea's unique notes of kombu and hibiscus. Cold-brewed Awa Bancha formed the foundation, resulting in a pickled tea flavour with a pleasant tart note and minerality.

4. Dragon Claw: Revitalizing with Dragon Claw Tea

The Dragon Claw tea is extremely floral and blends perfectly with the Moonlight Shochu. Watch how this cocktail is made here.

The Dragon Claw tea, sourced from Vietnam's Nậm Piên region, infused vitality into the night. Paired with Moonlight Shochu and spruce cordial, this concoction delivered tasting notes of pomelo rind, hawthorn berries, and magnolia blossoms. A spruce cordial, made from dried spruce tips, added a nuanced and refreshing dimension.

5. Yuja Honey: A Symphony of Sweetness With Balhyocha Saebyok 

This cocktail was our personal favourite. It is inspired by the New York Sour, but the tannins of the wine are replaced by the tea. So if you take a sip of just the top, you get the full flavour of the tea, and then the entire cocktail once you mix it in. See the full cocktail recipe here.

The finale featured Balhyocha Saebyok, an oxidized tea that defies classification. Gianluigi Bosco blended Hwayo 53 Soju, lime juice, and simple syrup, creating a base that harmonized with the cold-brewed Balhyocha Saebyok. With its natural sweetness and notes of maple, persimmon, and prune, this captivating elixir was a fitting conclusion to the night of sensory delights.

While the tea-infused cocktails were the main characters here, Chef Felix Zhou designed a Lunar New Year-themed canapés menu to pair with the tea cocktail flavours.

Photo Credits: Abstract Catering

Truffle Soy Abalone

Photo Credits: Abstract Catering

Smoked Duck Crepe

Photo Credits: Abstract Catering

Salmon Tataki

Photo Credits: Abstract Catering

Caramel glazed pork belly lettuce wrap

Capturing the Moments: A Night Beyond Imagination

Beyond the delightful food and drink pairings, the evening offered more than a taste of exquisite craftsmanship. Attendees celebrated the occasion at the specially designed photo ops, indulged in curated canapés, and received custom-engraved bottles of Bordeaux wine—a testament to the meticulous planning that made this night of elegance truly unforgettable.

Pendulum Magazine's attendance at the exclusive tea-infused cocktail-tasting event hosted by BCLIQUOR became a night where every sip, every flavour, and every moment was crafted to perfection. The collaboration between BCLIQUOR, Gianluigi Bosco, and O5 Tea unfolded as an ode to the artistry of mixology and a celebration of tea's diverse nuances. 

If you are looking for the perfect Lunar New Year gift for the Year of the Dragon, make sure to check out BCLIQUOR and their many Lunar New Year events at select locations on different dates here. 

To stay tuned for all of their amazing and delicious cocktail recipes, make sure to follow their Instagram @BCLIQUORstores. 

Cocktail Photography by Mayowill Photography