Discover the Haskap Breeze: A Cocktail with Unique Ingredients and Rich Histories
Welcome to our latest cocktail creation, the Haskap Breeze. This delightful drink not only offers a refreshing and complex flavor profile but also brings together ingredients with rich histories and health benefits. Let's dive into the recipe and explore the unique qualities of Pai Mu Tan tea, haskap berries, and yuzu.
Haskap Breeze Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strongly brewed Pai Mu Tan (White Peony) tea, chilled
- 1 oz yuzu juice
- 1 oz haskap simple syrup (see recipe below)
- Dash of bitters
- 1/2 egg white (for foam)
- 2 oz pisco (Barsol or El Gobernador)
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, or edible flowers for garnish
- Optional: Splash of soda water for effervescence
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Haskap Simple Syrup:
- Combine 1/3 cup fresh or frozen haskap berries with 1/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the berries are soft and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the berry solids. Let cool completely before using.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the pisco, yuzu juice, haskap simple syrup, chilled Pai Mu Tan tea, and a dash of bitters.
- Add the egg white to the shaker.
- Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
3. Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
- If you like a bit of effervescence, add a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, or edible flowers.
- Enjoy your refreshing and unique Haskap Breeze Cocktail!
Ingredient Highlights
Pai Mu Tan (White Peony) Tea
History and Origin:
Pai Mu Tan, also known as Bai Mudan or White Peony, is a revered white tea from the Fujian province in China. Named for its delicate and beautiful appearance, which resembles peony flowers, this tea is made from young tea leaves and buds plucked together.
Flavor Profile:
White Peony tea offers a light, fresh flavor with notes of honey, floral undertones, and a slight vegetal quality. It is less astringent than green tea, making it perfect for those who enjoy subtle and refined tea flavors.
Health Benefits:
White tea is known for its high antioxidant content, which can help protect the body against inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also believed to promote healthy skin and support cardiovascular health.
Click here to order Pai Mu Tan (White Peony) Tea
Haskap Berries
Background and Origin:
Haskap berries, also known as blue honeysuckle or honeyberries, are native to the cold climates of the northern hemisphere, including parts of Russia, Japan, and Canada. In Canada, they are especially cultivated in the prairie provinces, valued for their hardiness and ability to thrive in cold weather.
Variety and Flavor Profile:
The 'Treat' variety of haskap berries is particularly sweet and flavorful, offering a taste that is a mix between blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with a hint of tartness. This complex flavor makes them ideal for use in desserts, jams, and beverages.
Health Benefits:
Haskap berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contain high levels of vitamin C and A, which can help boost the immune system, improve vision, and promote skin health. Additionally, their antioxidant properties help protect against chronic diseases.
Yuzu
Background:
Yuzu is a citrus fruit that originated in East Asia, primarily cultivated in Japan, Korea, and China. It is believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda.
Flavor Profile:
Yuzu has a unique and intense citrus flavor that is tart, fragrant, and slightly bitter. Its taste is often described as a cross between grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin orange. Yuzu juice and zest are commonly used in culinary applications, including sauces, dressings, and beverages.
Health Benefits:
Yuzu is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection. It also contains beneficial compounds that may support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
The Haskap Breeze cocktail not only delights the palate with its refreshing and complex flavors but also offers numerous health benefits thanks to its unique ingredients. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated summer drink or exploring new flavor profiles, this cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers to discovering new tastes and enjoying the rich history of these exceptional ingredients!
For more cocktail recipes and ingredient insights, visit our blog and join our community of flavor enthusiasts!
Watch Tory making Haskap Breeze Cocktail on Iced Tea V
Tory’s segment starts at 16:57
