Embark on a journey to the bustling streets of Tokyo with the Tokyo Tea cocktail
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Story Behind Tokyo Tea
The Tokyo Tea cocktail is a modern creation with a vibrant personality, inspired by the neon-lit nightlife of Tokyo. It’s a close cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea, but instead of cola, it’s topped with lemon-lime soda for a citrusy sparkle. The result is bold, refreshing, and surprisingly smooth for such a spirit-forward drink.
With Tokyo’s innovative cocktail culture and flair for reimagining classics, it’s no surprise this variation has become popular across the globe — from Japanese lounges to rooftop bars in Australia.
Tokyo Tea Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 15 ml vodka
- 15 ml white rum
- 15 ml gin
- 15 ml tequila
- 15 ml triple sec
- 30 ml sour mix (fresh lemon juice + simple syrup)
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up)
- Garnish: lemon wedge + cherry
Method:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, and sour mix.
- Shake for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with lemon and cherry.
👉 Bartender Tip: For the sour mix, always use fresh lemon juice — it keeps the drink bright and crisp.
Flavour Profile
Tokyo Tea is a bold yet balanced cocktail:
- The base of five spirits gives it depth and strength.
- Sour mix adds a tart, citrusy bite that keeps it refreshing.
- Lemon-lime soda lightens the drink with effervescence and sweetness.
The combination is lively, zesty, and deceptively easy to sip — making it a perfect party cocktail.
Ideal Occasions
The Tokyo Tea’s versatility makes it suitable for almost any setting:
- Sophisticated lounges → Served in a tall glass with sharp garnish, it’s elegant and complex.
- Rooftop bars → Refreshing bubbles pair perfectly with sunsets and city views.
- Casual gatherings → Fun to mix in batches, it’s always a conversation starter.
Tips to Perfect Your Tokyo Tea
- Chill everything first → Cold ingredients keep the flavours balanced.
- Experiment with garnishes → Try lime wheels, fresh mint, or even yuzu slices for Japanese flair.
- Adjust to taste → Add more sour mix for tartness, or a bigger splash of soda for sweetness.
- Go premium → Using good-quality spirits makes a big difference in a multi-spirit drink like this.
Why Tokyo Tea Stands Out
The Tokyo Tea isn’t just a twist on the Long Island — it’s a cocktail that reflects adventure, energy, and global influence. By combining familiar spirits with a sparkling citrus finish, it captures the spirit of Tokyo: bold, modern, and endlessly exciting.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/