In Shanghai, where tradition intersects with innovation, a new trend is steeping itself into the city’s taste buds—tea-infused cocktails. But this is more than a fleeting fad; it’s a thoughtful blend of heritage and creativity, mirroring the evolving palate of a place steeped in both. Leading the charge is the team at 94 Tea&Cocktail, an establishment that is not just crafting cocktails but reimagining the role of Chinese tea in contemporary culture.
Li Yue, the cocktail bar’s co-founder, uses tea not as a garnish or novelty, but as the focal point. Her team is tapping into the growing Guochao movement, which celebrates the modern resurgence of Chinese traditions and has been gaining momentum among younger generations eager to reconnect with their heritage in new ways. Li Yue’s tea-infused cocktails are a perfect reflection of this, offering a modern twist on a cultural staple and providing patrons with a fresh, meaningful connection to their heritage.
This isn’t just about nostalgia, though. The tea-infused cocktails are sophisticated, pairing classic tea varieties like pu’er and jasmine with premium spirits to create new, contemporary flavors. Li Yue explains that each tea complements the spirit through a specific logic. Lighter teas, like green tea, pair with crisp, clean spirits such as gin or light rum, while richer teas, such as black tea, harmonize with bold spirits like whisky. Each cocktail strikes a careful balance, ensuring that neither tea nor spirit dominates; instead, they elevate one another. The goal is not just to showcase tea but to push the boundaries of what a cocktail can be, bridging the past and the present. “Knowing how to blend the flavors of Chinese tea and cocktails requires a deep understanding of both,” Li says.
In a city constantly reinventing itself, Li Yue and her team’s tea-infused cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re a reflection of Shanghai’s ever-evolving spirit.
Words by Gabrielle Keepfer
Video produced by WildChina碧山
Cinematography and editing by Charles Zhu
Subtitles by Oreo Zeng & Gabrielle Keepfer
A special thanks to: Li Yue
Location: 94 Tea&Cocktail, Nanchang Road, Shanghai
